Take a walk this spring along the history-soaked Harte Trail
lots of snow we are thrilled to put away the snow shoes and cross- country skis and jump off the treadmill to en- joy our walks in warm weather.
I
In January, gyms get an influx of new mem- bers as people try to take off excess weight to get ready for summer shorts. In February, we are reminded of how cardio exercise is ben- eficial for our hearts. As I walk the treadmill
hope you will have seen your first robin by the time you read this article. After a long winter with
Myrna Driedger Off Broadway
for my heart health and the motiva- tion to wear summer shorts, I day- dream about another type of heart… the “Harte Trail”.
A trail with a history
There is no comparison between getting your exercise on a treadmill and getting it by walking the beautiful trails here in our own city. In Charles- wood we are fortunate to have the Harte Trail with its easy access. The Harte Trail runs east/west along the railway line. The name was taken from the Harte Line, the first section of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, built in Western Canada in 1894 and operated until 1972. It was eventu- ally sold to the city of Winnipeg and the original plan was to make it into a four-lane corridor in Winnipeg. This plan was not well received by
the residents. Eventually the people won over and the city designated the trail a public green space. The Friends of the Harte Trail have worked diligently at preserving the trail’s natural beauty and en- hancing the walker’s ex- perience with the pro- vision of interpretive nature signs along the path. The trail is open year-round and is shel- tered on both sides by the natural growth of the trees. You needn’t be scared off by our prairie winter winds. There are benches to stop at for a rest, to
quietly absorb the natural beauty that surrounds you. If you are looking for a way to improve your health, try the Harte Trail. Not only will your over- all health receive a positive physical benefit but also the stillness and beau- ty of the surrounding nature with its calming effect will surely benefit both your heart and soul.
Links to the past
As 2013 is Charleswood’s 100th anniversary, the Friends of the Harte Trail will be holding a guided walk along the trail on Monday, May 6 at 7 p.m. You may run into them up a Fra- ser Meadows municipal road between Rannock and Wilkes. For those who have not had the pleasure of walking the trail it should be noted that, as referenced by the Winnipeg Trails Association, it links
Serene and protected, the Harte Trail with its quiet beauty is a balm to the heart and soul. 4. Van Roon Prairie Garden.
to the following points of interest: 1. Thundering Bison Trail. An asphalt trail connecting Fort Whyte Alive, Preston Trail, Assiniboine For- est and the Harte Trail. 2. Preston Trail. Limestone trail weaving through Assiniboine Forest. Named in honour of a Charleswood pioneer family.
variety crushed
3. Assiniboine Forest Trails. A of wood chip, limestone
trails
asphalt and winding
through forest, prairie and marsh in Canada’s largest (280-hectare) urban nature park.
Native species garden and tree area. Named in honour of long-time Charleswood residents.
5. The Headingley Grand Trunk
Trail. This relatively new trail, also built on an old rail bed, leads from the Perimeter Highway out to Be- audry Park.
I look forward to seeing my first spring robin and enjoying my first walk of springtime on the Harte Trail. Myrna Driedger is MLA for Charles- wood and deputy leader of the provincial Conservative Party.
MAY 2013
www.lifestyles55.net 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24