by sentierschelseatrails | Mar 14, 2014 | Members & Volunteers
On Sunday March 23rd the Chelsea community will remember and celebrate the arrival of the Nishiyuu walkers in Chelsea one year ago. Events will include a symbolic walk by members of the community -on skis, on snowshoes, or on foot, and a potluck dinner and bonfire at the Meredith Centre. First Nation special guests will be joining the celebration, including one of the original walkers, David Kawapit, and Chief Stanley George both of whom are coming all the way from Whapmagoostui on the shores of Hudson Bay where the Journey began a year ago.
The walk will start at Larrimac on the railway ski trail, and proceed to Chelsea village. As was the case for the original walk, along the way people will join the group as it progresses. Those unable to participate in the walk are welcome to join the festivities in Chelsea. The walk will end at the Meredith Centre with a bonfire and potluck dinner. This will be accompanied by film and slides of last year s Journey and will give an opportunity for First Nations guests and the community to talk about what the Journey of the Nishiyuu meant to them. A cash bar will be available.
The organizing committee is looking for volunteers to assist with walk logistics or to contribute to the pot luck dinner.
Those interested in helping with walk logistics should contact:
Robin McNeill at [email protected]
For details on where and when to drop off your potluck contribution, please contact: Sheila Strickland at [email protected]
Details of the timing and route for the walk , as well as other event information will be available shortly on the Chelsea municipal website:http://www.chelsea.ca
What we are celebrating:
According to Cree legends all creatures in the natural Kingdom foresaw the birth of a new species that would one day roam the Earth. They referred to this new species as Nishiyuu , which means human beings. The term has a complex and deeper meaning which includes the interconnectedness of all life, as well as the oneness of time within which all life begins and ends. The Cree call themselves Nishiyuu to distinguish them from their relatives in the Natural Kingdom. As such, it refers to all humanity.
The Journey of Nishiyuu walkers began with six young people wanting to make a difference. Accompanied by a spiritual guide they headed out into the bush on foot in January, 2013 from the tiny community of Whapmagoostui on the shores of Hudson Bay. Their journey ended two and a half months later on the steps of Parliament Hill, with more than two thousand people – Nishiyuu – gathered in support.
Inspired by Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat and the Idle No More movement, the aim of the Journey of Nishiyuu was to raise awareness of the problems facing the people of Canada s First Nations. This was a goal that was achieved on both the national and international stage.
Not only did it capture the imagination of the country, it provided inspiration to young and old alike. The walkers showed us that if you want to make a difference, stand up and start the journey. In setting a goal and not stopping until that goal was achieved, these young Canadians demonstrated to young people everywhere that they, too, can make a difference.
The Journey of the Nishiyuu showed Chelsea how quickly a community can come together in support of a good cause. Like all the communities along the Journey s route, we proved ourselves to be a welcoming community. Local issues were cast aside as people rolled up their sleeves and worked together to ensure that the walkers enjoyed a warm welcome.
It truly was a community-building experience. One that Chelsea hopes will serve as an inspiration for the future.
by sentierschelseatrails | Feb 11, 2014 | Members & Volunteers
SUNDAY,FEBRUARY 23
11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM
Sentiers Chelsea trails and the Municipality of Chelsea invite you to enjoy the community trail on the train tracks. On skis, on snowshoes or on foot, meet at Larrimac Golf Club to cheer on the young skiers of Chelsea Nordiq and enjoy a free hot chocolate and snack.
Departures
From the South: Chemin Fleury
From the North: Chemin de la Carrière
Old Chelsea: Centre Innovation (free parking)
Prizes
To ensure the success of this event, we need a few volunteers to direct skiers and walkers at the three departure points and at the Larrimac Golf Club. If you are available for one hour between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on February 23, please contact Lyse Huot ([email protected]).
by sentierschelseatrails | Jan 8, 2014 | Members & Volunteers
We need you! Step up to support the railway winter trail
For the last 7 years, Chelsea residents have enjoyed 14 kilometers of groomed passage on a multiple purpose winter trail, following the Gatineau River, but it’s not a sure thing. The Municipality contributes to the maintenance and tracking cost but we need contributions from people who love the trail if we want to keep it open, year after year. To help secure the future of the winter trail project along the Chelsea railway right of way, Sentiers Chelsea Trails is launching the Chelsea Community Trail Fund 2013-14 to raise money for trail maintenance. All contributions will go directly to the cost of trail maintenance and operation.
The geography of Chelsea, a long and narrow municipality stretching over 23 km north to south, bordered by the Gatineau River and the Gatineau Hills, makes the Chelsea railway right of way an important north-south trail joining the neighbourhoods of Chelsea Village, Tenaga, Gleneagle, Kirk’s Ferry, Larrimac, Burnett, Cascades and Farm Point. The trail offers some of the best views of the beautiful Gatineau River and creates the basis for a seasonal, north-south linear park for Chelsea residents.
The trail, during favourable snow conditions, is tracked to provide a surface for cross-country skiing (classic and skate), snowshoeing, walking, running and sledding. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. The Chelsea Community Trail is easily accessible and flat, allowing for residents of all ages and abilities to get out and engage in a variety of fun, safe and healthy winter activities.
Levels of sponsorship and recognition:
Individual and Family Winter Trailblazers $15 to $500
- Appreciation of Sentiers Chelsea Trails and the community;
- Identification as a trail supporter (optional) on our website and in a seasonal newspaper ad of thanks to sponsors;
- Tax receipt for charitable donations of over $25 (CRA/ARC 808109607RR0001)
All individual donors of $50 or more will receive a gift certificate of $20 value on a first-come first-served basis. The certificates are kindly provided by our corporate sponsors: Biscotti, Les Saisons Café and Le Pub Chelsea.
A tax receipt will be provided for the balance of the donation.
Community Winter Trail Service Providers Negotiable $
- Appreciation of Sentiers Chelsea Trails and the community;
- Prominent identification as a community partner and service provider on the Sentiers Chelsea Trails website and in a seasonal newspaper ad to sponsors;
- Link to the community sponsor’s website;
- Tax receipt for charitable donation if applicable (CRA/ARC 808109607RR0001)
For more information, contact Alain Piché at [email protected].
We wish to recognize the support and the commitment of the Municipality of Chelsea towards this project.
In recognition and with thanks to our major Corporate Winter Trail Leaders and our community partners:
by sentierschelseatrails | Dec 28, 2013 | Members & Volunteers
SCT board member Dr. Bill McKelvie passed away suddenly this June. Ever true to his passion for nature and the outdoor life, Bill had been on the Gatineau River practising with his Cascade Club dragon boating team. As a psychologist, “Dr.” Bill lovingly integrated his insight and appreciation for humanity with all that nature had taught him during his formative years in the Colorado high plateaus. A recent arrival in Chelsea, Bill loved his life here and each summer brought his grandchildren from across the USA to share in his adventures in the Gatineau Hills. Bill’s wife Astrid Pregel has joined SCT in his place and hopes to help us realize Bill’s dream of connecting a trail from his beloved home in the Solitude/Link area to Chelsea’s centre-village.
by sentierschelseatrails | Dec 16, 2013 | Members & Volunteers
Allan Richens was a true trail blazer in Chelsea. He was an avid and accomplished hiker, skier, sailor, cartographer and historian who contributed greatly to our trail network in Chelsea as well as in Gatineau Park. With his straightforward, down-to-earth approach, he lobbied the NCC to restore the cabin at Healy and to erect a plaque at Wattsford’s Lookout. He was a cornerstone of our community, and true community activist.
He wanted people to remember the old names of the trails, such as the” Merry Go Round” in the Park (otherwise known as #11) and Cooper’s Trail in Larrimac, and it was Allan who quietly hung the brown signs for trails in Chelsea such as NorthWest Passage and Bleakney Trail. He introduced us to a myriad of stories and landmarks along the trail on his ever-popular annual hike from Larrimac Golf Course to Carbide Wilson. So familiar was he with the trails, that he seamlessly wove pioneer history alongside favorite family picnic rock outcrops.
Allan’s joy and enthusiasm for life rubbed off on anyone who met him, on the dock, on the trail, or even to see him walking along the 105, making his way up from the Yacht Club on a sunny summer day. We miss Allan!
by sentierschelseatrails | Dec 4, 2013 | Members & Volunteers
With the support of Sentiers Chelsea Trails and the municipality skiers are already taking to the tracks in the winter, but according to a survey of municipal candidates, there is also a growing interest in assessing the option of using the scenic rail corridor as a year round part of the Chelsea trail system. To find out more, check out the op ed that recently appeared in the LowDown.
by sentierschelseatrails | Oct 28, 2013 | Members & Volunteers
Results to Chelsea Trails pre-election survey
In mid-October, Chelsea Trails sent out a survey to candidates in the municipal election to gather their positions on issues effecting the future or our trails networks in Chelsea. We asked them to offer their positions on active transport, trail protection, winter railway trail access and trail development. And they have spoken. Click here to find a list of candidates and their responses to date.
by sentierschelseatrails | Oct 15, 2013 | Members & Volunteers
We will be surveying candidates in the upcoming municipal elections to gather information on their positions regarding active transport, trail protection and trail development in Chelsea. The Low Down is publishing the survey and we will be posting the results.
We encourage Chelsea voters to ask candidates where they stand regarding these trail issues, and to take their positions into consideration when casting their votes on Nov. 3.
Our questions are:
1. Do you believe the Municipality should promote non-motorized active transport within its territory?
2. Do you believe all proposed sub-division projects in Chelsea should include a trail plan?
3. What do you think are the main trail issues in the Municipality and in the ward you want to represent?
4. What concrete steps would you propose to advance the protection of existing trails and the building of new trails?
5. The Municipality has supported the grooming of a winter trail along the 15 km railway corridor for the past eight years. Would you continue municipal support for the winter trail?
6. If the tourist train does not run in the future, would you support the creation of a non-motorized trail along the Chelsea railway corridor?
by sentierschelseatrails | Oct 8, 2013 | Members & Volunteers
The next Chelsea Trails construction work bee will be held Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Thanks to those who helped out on Oct. 5. We accomplished a lot with a crew of keen volunteers. On Oct. 19 we will continue clearing a new trail running north-south through a wooded forest on municipal property alongside chemin Winnisic. It is a beautiful stretch of trail and will eventually connect to the southern portion of the trail which we began to build in 2012. If you want to have fun and get some exercise with friends and neighbours, please join us on Oct. 19. We will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the trail head on the top end of chemin des Pommiers, near Tulip Valley. The municipality will again provide tools. No experience necessary! Please RSVP if you plan to attend. For more information and to RSVP, contact Doug at [email protected]
by sentierschelseatrails | Oct 6, 2013 | Members & Volunteers
Yes! We’ll be hiking in the rain!
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