Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre (GNOAC) launched a 3-year capital campaign in late 2023 to support the much needed improvement of its facilities and trails, as since 1984, community support and use of the trails has grown immensely to include activities in all seasons. With the support of a Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation grant of $500 000 and a Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario grant of $150 000, along with a $150 000 gift from a generous anonymous donor, the board been able to move forward with these exciting capital improvements, totalling close to $1 Million. GNOAC also acknowledges the generous support of our local sponsors and donors. However, the Future Fund still needs to raise a remaining $150,000 over the next two years. You can help us reach our goal!
What is the Project?
A New Pavilion
To accommodate the overflow of people at our club, we have built a new 1,200 sq. ft. picnic shelter, with 2 permanent and 2 seasonally-enclosable walls, with solar-thermal in-floor heating and a wood stove. This structure is unlocked for year-round public access, has tables for seating, and overflow space for youth, school groups, and events. It required an updated septic system sized for the property. Come check it out!
A New Garage
We are also excited about our new 1,040 sq. ft. heated garage! It has a 480 sq. ft. drive shed which provides us with enhanced security and an enclosed storage space for the grooming equipment; helping to extend its life. It also includes mezzanine storage, and provides overflow capacity for large events.
Our next goal is to renovate our old garage space; to be repurposed as the main office and for equipment rentals.
Year-round Trail Enhancement
We are always in need equipment (and reserves for repairs) such as a tractor, side by side, wood chipper, mini-excavator, materials (culverts, fill) and trail work (ditching, grading, and fill) that helps us to improve ditching; allowing trails to remove water more efficiently and be groomed sooner with less snow and/or after wild temperature fluctuations.
The 2026-7 season we will open with even more trail enhancements on our new property - a truly special piece of land with great hills, views, and forests. A Performance Trail loop in this area now provides all users with clean and well-graded ski lines but also allows us to host ski events without blocking recreational trails. We have also been enhancing hiking, biking, snowshoeing and fat-biking trails this past winter and spring, which has seen solid growth in the past 8 years.
The facilities development has allowed us to purchase grooming equipment which helps us to till and work the snow, while providing the ability to reset tracks through ice, and in more challenging snow conditions.
Why this Project is Needed
In the past 8 years, the club has grown significantly & improvements have been needed. The outdoor pavilion (with a new septic system), new garage, and trail maintenance capacity helps to:
- Provide a better user experience of facilities.
- Accommodate school groups, team races, and community events, year-round.
- Maintain trails with better trail bed and drainage systems.
- Adapt to the impacts of climate change (heavy precipitation & temperature swings).
- Provide dedicated space for storage and maintenance of expensive trail equipment.
Ways to Help
- Make a donation! All donations over $20 receive a charitable tax receipt, thank you!
- We also welcome in-kind donations of materials (sand, gravel, culverts) & equipment operator time. Please contact our president, Greg, to discuss this opportunity.
- Spread the word about the Future Fund campaign! Download our campaign flyer to share with your networks and help us meet our goals for the future!