Merry Christmas skiers: Large grant given for trails around Killarney Lake

Christmas has come early for skiers in the Fredericton area.

The Wostawea Cross Country Ski Club has received a grant of$200,000 that will go towards cross country ski trails around Killarney Lake.

The money will help create an additional ninekilometresof trails, along with widening the existing trail. Half of that trail has already been made.

The Wostawea Cross Country Ski Club has been pushing for the funding for the pastthree years.

"These will be...the best trails in this part of the province," said John Ball, president of theWostaweaCross Country Ski Club.

"They will allow us to host events. They will allow us to attract skiers from far and wide to come here for competitions or just for fun."

Who uses these trails?

The city started work in the fall and skiers are already using it, includingParalympianLouisFortin.

"They're taking advantage of the terrain, so there's a lot more ofuphillsand downhills and sharp turns, which is the same as you would find in a race course," saidFortin.

"So it's perfect for training for me and getting ready for the racing season."

The money is coming fromprovincial, federal, and municipal levels of government.

The federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, is giving $91,131 to the project. The provincial government is giving $20,000 and Fredericton will put in $75,000. $14,869 is coming from Wostawea.

Fortin said this is going to mean he won't have to travel to find good trails for training.

Ball hopes the improvements will attract more skiers from the city and around the province.

"These trails are going to meet international competition standards as well as be great trails for any recreational skier to enjoy themselves on," said Ball.

"We have a great winter here in Fredericton, but it's a long one with lots of snow, and cross country skiing is certainly the best way I know to enjoy the winter."

The work on the rest of the trails will be done through the city, as it is city land being used.