Jim Watson, Minister of Health Promotion, announced $450,000 Thursday to help complete the city's multi-use Hub Trail system.
"It really is a way to encourage people of all ages to get out and be active," said Watson during a press conference at the Civic Centre with MPP David Orazietti.
The Hub Trail is a 20-kilometre, multi-use, non-motorized trail system that will connect the waterfront walkway, Bellevue Park, Algoma University College, Sault College, the new Sault Area Hospital and Fort Creek conservation area.
Watson said many communities have waited for similar funding.
"I think the challenge has been that there has never really been proper funding at the other two levels of government and we finally got some money for infrastructure and were able to come to the table with it," said Watson.
"We're trying to get the federal government to match these dollars so that we can help speed up these programs." Much of the Hub Trial will be constructed as the city does needed roadwork, creating wide paved paths instead of ordinary sidewalks at the same time, said Don McConnell, the city's planning director.
"We have other areas, the route through Fort Creek, through Finn Hill, where we really needed some additional funding to move those areas forward," he said. "With this funding we're in good shape to do that now."
McConnell said the city is currently doing engineering work for sections of trail that will run along Third LIne, McNabb Street, South Market Street and parts of Shannon Road.
"We do expect this summer to complete the engineering, the design work, for the entire project," said McConnell.
Portions of the trail are already completed: the city's boardwalk and a section next to Carmen's Way.
Landscaping for the section of trail going through Clergue Park will be completed this summer.
In a provincial release, Mayor John Rowswell, who is currently in China, said the timing of the grant is "wonderful for the city of Sault Ste. Marie."
"Having just completed a tough budget process, the timing of this $450,000 grant is very encouraging," Rowswell said.
The grant comes from money announced in this year's budget for community infrastructure, multi-use facilities and trails to promote physical activity, sport and wellness.
At another press conference Thursday afternoon, Watson and Orazietti presented Algoma Public Health with a Heather Crowe Award for helping the province dramatically reduce smoking rates.
"With the help of partners like Algoma Public Health, we are helping the residents of Ontario live healthier, more active lives," Watson said.
The provincial government created the Heather Crowe Award to honour the leadership and commitment of tobacco control activist Heather Crowe, who fought to improve the health of Ontarians by eliminating second-hand smoke in the workplace and in enclosed places.
