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Orléans Coun. Bob Monette is credited with shaking the right tree at city hall to free up the one-time funds from the recreation, culture and facilities budget.

He had indicated his support for the initiative last month when Gadbois presented the proposal during the community and protective services committee’s budget deliberations.

Monette says the pilot project last year whet the public’s appetite for groomed trails in the east end. “People were saying they’d love to see it for the whole season,” he said.

The city’s contribution may not stretch that far, “but it gets them started,” Monette said. “Hopefully what this will do is showcase how successful this can be in the east end.”

The councillor also hopes the group will secure federal or provincial funding in the future.

Gadbois said the trail will ideally be groomed three times a week — the projected cost of which explains the initial $40,000 estimate.

Ski Heritage East will continue its crowd-funding campaign, which has already raised more than $2,800, and also hopes to secure some private sponsorships.

A similar community-driven winter trail project along the Ottawa River in the west end has already surpassed its $20,000 fundraising goal for the second consecutive season.

More than 250 people have donated money to the popular Sir John A. Macdonald winter trail, which runs between the Canadian War Museum and Westboro Beach.

Although Monette said he prefers to keep his outdoor activities to the summer months, a lot of Orléans residents like to ski or snowshoe. But, in the past, they’ve always had to go elsewhere.

“Now they’ll be able to do it right in their community,” he said, adding with a chuckle: “Maybe I’ll try it.”

mpearson@postmedia.com

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