Community associations in the municipality play a significant role in operating and maintaining recreational trails to support healthy living and recreation. These grant programs are to support the work of these associations.
Recreational Trails Grants Program is available to eligible applicants as per Administrative Order Number 2020-011-ADM Respecting HRM’s Grant Programs for Active Transportation and Recreational Trails. The program was established to support the municipality's recreational trails objectives that are implemented in conjunction with community associations.
Summary of eligible applicants. Detailed eligibility is outlined in the AO 2020-011-ADM and the respective Grants listed below.
- The applicant has written permission from the land owners.
- Applicant is a member of Nova Scotia Trails, eligible for their Group Trail Insurance Coverage, or has obtained an equivalent Commercial General Liability Insurance Coverage of at least $5,000,000.
- Applicant is demonstrating broad/ diverse mandate and by-laws aligned with all clauses outlined in the HRM By-Law P 600 respecting Municipal Parks and other By-Laws as applicable.
- Applicant demonstrates commitment to construct and maintain the facilities managed at a standard that is safe to all users permitted on the trail. An operational plan and budget for maintenance beyond construction are highly recommended to prove commitment.
- Applicant demonstrates recent (within the past year) local community engagement and consultations Applicant has not defaulted/ bridged Grant(s)’ requirements in the past years by:
Recreational Trails Grants Program is composed of three available grants. Please follow the links below to access grants’ terms and conditions, eligibility and project evaluation criteria and to submit an application. Applicants are eligible for one or more grants pending on the type projects proposed.
- Recreational trails re-capitalization grants
Submission Deadline for 2025 -2026: September 1, 2024
Recreational trails capital grant application Recreational Trails Recapitalization Grants are awarded to eligible applicants for engineering studies, engineering redesign and tendering packages, mandatory structural inspections, construction projects to re-instate or upgrade eligible recreational trails and their structures and amenities to current standards and guidelines. Other operational expenses are not eligible under this Program (i.e. photocopies, late pay charges, office expenses, marketing expenses, brochures, media relations etc.).
Below is a link to the complete Recreational Trails Re- Capitalization Grants which outline eligibility, evaluation criteria, terms and timelines.
Recreational Trails Re-Capitalization Grants
Download on your desktop the 2025 -2026 Application Package. Complete the info requested and submit along with required documents by email at: hogankr@halifax.ca.
To be considered, applications and supporting documents required must be received on or before September 1, 2024.
- Recreational Trails Maintenance and Operations Grant Program
Submission deadline: March 25, 2024
Email: martinem@halifax.ca
Recreational Trails Maintenance and Operations Grants are awarded by the Halifax Regional Municipality to eligible applicants as outlined in the Administrative Order Number 2020-011-ADM Respecting HRM’s Grant Programs for Active Transportation and Recreational Trails and the 2024 – 2025 Recreational Trails Maintenance and Operations Grants Terms and Conditions.
Recreational Trails Maintenance Grants are awarded to Grant Recipients to maintain eligible recreational trails and their infrastructure and amenities to an accessible and/or safe standard for public use. These funds are intended to address the day-to-day maintenance needed to sustain the existing infrastructure by repairing normal wear and tear.
Applicants must refer to the Evaluation Criteria section in the 2024-2025 Recreational Trails Maintenance and Operations Grants Terms and Conditions to support their application and provide the required documentation, according to the type of project, at the application time.
To submit a proposal, download and save the application package to your computer. To be considered, applications and required supporting documents must be received on or before the deadline posted to martinem@halifax.ca.
2024-2025 Recreational Trails Maintenance and Operations Grant Application Package:2024-2025 Recreational Trails Maintenance and Operations Grant Application
Note: The Active Transportation Maintenance and Operations Grant Terms and Conditions and application package can be accessed by following the link: 2024 – 2025 Active Transportation Maintenance and Operations Grant
Groups cannot submit applications or duplicate expenses with the Active Transportation Maintenance and Operations Grants for the same facility, even if some is AT corridor and some recreational trails.