What is a Day on the Hill?
TCT’s Day on the Hill brought together trail enthusiasts and professionals from across the country for a day of arranged meetings with senators and members of Parliament. Participants came to make the case for renewing the federal funding agreement that has supported trail infrastructure from coast to coast to coast for the past five years.
These kinds of advocacy days are relatively new to the recreation and parks industry. The premise is that decision-makers need to hear from the people doing the work, in communities they may never visit, delivering outcomes that don’t always show up in federal budget discussions.
Andrew was invited because of his role on Trans Canada Trail (TCT) Provincial Committee for Saskatchewan; a seat he holds on behalf of the industry, working to ensure Saskatchewan’s trail network and the communities it serves have a voice in national planning. 
What this means for Saskatchewan trails
The federal contribution agreement TCT has with Parks Canada, $55 million over five years, expires in March 2027. Over the life of that agreement, the trail network has grown to 30,000 km of trails, connecting over 1000 municipalities, and delivering lasting economic, social and environmental value.
In Saskatchewan, the Trans Canada Trail’s footprint is significant.
1,900 km of Trail
5.8M trail visits in 2025
4,000 jobs supported
$360M in annual economic activity
Trail infrastructure is community infrastructure. In Saskatchewan, it means active transportation opportunities, accessible outdoor spaces, increases to visitors in rural towns, and Indigenous-led tourism operations like Pemiska Tourism near Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation that are growing because the trail exists.
Trails are one piece of a larger picture. Recreation and parks infrastructure, in all its forms, is a necessary public good. Healthy communities, connected places, and growing local economies don't happen by accident. They're built, maintained, and invested in.
Continuing the Trail Conversation
But it doesn’t stop there, the first ever National Trail Summit took place in Winnipeg, June 16–19, which brought together trail managers, advocates, professionals, researchers, and innovators from across Canada. Andrew was there. So were representatives from Saskatchewan trail organizations continuing to do the on-the-ground work that makes these national conversations meaningful.
Who'd have thought there'd be so much behind-the-scenes work that goes into making sure your favourite hiking trail, walking path, or bike route is there for you? Does all this trail talk make you feel like getting out and enjoying them on a warm, sunny day? If so, here are a couple of opportunities to connect and engage a little more on your next trail adventure:
Everyone Outdoors Together – Parks Day, July 18, 2026 The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) is launching a new national movement on Parks Day. They're inviting everyone to step outside, share a sunset or midnight sun moment, and experience what it feels like to pause together on the same day, all across the country.
Get Up, Get Out and Explore Saskatchewan! Heritage Saskatchewan and the Museums Association of Saskatchewan (MAS) have partnered to shine a light on cultural heritage as a major driver of tourism and economic activity in our province. This summer, they're inviting you to explore vibrant Saskatchewan communities and heritage spaces in your own backyard.
Receive a Key to Cultural Heritage for access to heritage sites across the province, while supporting the places and people who keep history alive and relevant. The Key unlocks prize draws, adventures across Saskatchewan, ways to engage with cultural heritage, and a chance to share your #SecretSask.
*Photo and data provided by Trans Canada Trail | Sentier Transcanadien
