The Trail Catalyst Fund is managed directly by the Trans Canada Trail.

The Trail Catalyst Fund is a single gateway for applicants to access a wide range of available funds. Groups or organizations that own or manage a section of the Trans Canada Trail are eligible for the Trail Catalyst Fund. This may also be extended to organizations within the broader trail sector for projects related to tree planting, youth employment subsidy, and trail work in Indigenous communities.

Eligible groups must also:

• Carry at least $2,000,000 in general liability insurance and provide an annual certificate of insurance to Trans Canada Trail (if managing a trail section registered with Trans Canada Trail)
• Be in good standing with Trans Canada Trail (if managing a trail section registered with Trans Canada Trail)
• Submit an electronic funds transfer authorization form and a void cheque upon approval of project

There are a number of funding streams available for different types of projects. When looking at specifically building out renewable energy for the trails in the form of solar lighting, this would fall under the In Infrastructure and Adaptation stream. This funding stream is defined as "providing financial support for major and minor repairs, maintenance, destination development, safety upgrades, new trail construction, and active transportation projects to ensure the Trail remains accessible and resilient in the face of changing environmental and usage conditions."

The Trail Catalyst Fund provides between 35% and 100% of required funding depending on the total project costs. A project may be phased over two years and be eligible for funding in both years.

Eligible projects must:

• Be on or along the Trans Canada Trail
• Adhere to Trans Canada Trail Branding and Signage Guidelines
• Construction projects with a budgeted cost over $250,000 should have constructions drawings

Eligible project expenses include:

• Contract and services costs (including consultants, contractors, site controls, and laboratory fees)
• Materials and equipment costs (rented, purchased or donated at fair market value):
• Purchased equipment must be essential to the project and clearly described in the application
• Owned equipment is eligible only for the portion used (e.g., fuel, maintenance, depreciation)
• Labour (excluding benefits) at the following hourly rates:
• Project manager wages or fees, up to $95/hour
• Technical staff wages or fees, up to $100/hour
• Labourer wages or fees, up to $60/hour
• Travel and mileage

Listed below are important dates regarding application deadlines for this grant:

First Application Intake:

• Call for applications: January - March
• Reviewed by: April 30th
• Response by: May 15th

Second Application Intake:

• Call for applications: April - June
• Reviewed by: July 31st
• Response by: August 31st

Third Application Intake:

• Call for applications: July - September
• Reviewed by: October 30th
• Response by: November 15th

Fourth Application Intake:

• Call for applications: October - December
• Reviewed by: January 31st
• Response by: February 15th

The following are some helpful links that provide additional info on the Trail Catalyst Fund:

• Trail Catalyst Fund Overview
• Stream-Specific Eligibility
• Trans Canada Trail Greenway Principles
• Branding & Signage Guidelines