About the Trail
*GBCT is excited to offer a one year contract for a Partnership Coordinator through Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. Please read the Job Posting (PDF) for more detailed information.
Mandate
To develop a rugged coastal hiking trail alongside the east coast of Georgian Bay north of Pointe au Baril to the French River as part of a shared vision of sustainable ecotourism within the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.
Physical Trail
The Georgian Bay Coast Trail will allow hikers to explore the coastline of Georgian Bay along this approximately 120km rugged hiking trail. Hikers will utilize water taxis, limited infrastructure and expected to get their feet wet as they immerse themselves in the beauty that is Georgian Bay and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Mission
- To create a sustainable world class trail system that will complement the spectacular landscape of the UNESCO Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve
- To provide an opportunity for hikers to explore and discover the diverse environments of Georgian Bay through passive recreation
- To trace the journey of coastal history through a rugged wilderness hiking experience
The Local Landscape
The small communities north of Parry Sound are facing a real threat of declining population and services as the four-laning of highway 69/400 will bypass many of these communities. Although these communities will remain access points for many cottaging families, tourism will decline as fewer people stop on their way through. The GBCT is a Community Development Project that will create a destination for hikers in some of these small communities as they become access points to the trail. Many spin off jobs will be created as hikers will be looking for meals, accommodations, souvenirs and other services before and after hiking the trail.
Organizational Structure
The Advisory Board has been gathered to provide feedback for forming GBCT and guide it though the consultation phase. A full Board of Directors will be formed from the groups in the initial consultation round. The number of the board will not exceed fifteen members but may have a number of special committees to provide comment or guidance to the Board of Directors. GBCT has applied for Incorporation as a Not-For-Profit organization.
Operations and Sustainability
The model this trail is based on, the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, which generates roughly $7 Million a year into the local economy with a one year waiting list during peak season. The Georgian Bay Coast Trail will be based on a user pay trail system for sustainability of the organization.