The Waterfront Trail Rotary Community Action Team (WTRCAT), a local advocacy group pushing for the completion of a trail running along Thunder Bay’s waterfront, announced on Wednesday that it has raised $30,000 to assist the city with the project.

WTRCAT was created in 2021 following the city’s announcement of a commitment to building out its waterfront trail system.

The City of Thunder Bay plans to connect the multi-use trails along its waterfront into a single, contiguous trail stretching from Fisherman’s Park in the north to Jackknife Bridge in the south — and WTRCAT was created by local residents who support the move.

Three local foundations have each offered $10,000 to WTRCAT’s fundraising campaign: the John Andrew’s Foundation, Paterson Foundation, and Doane Grant Thornton Foundation.

“These generous donations to WTRCAT’s efforts demonstrate strong philanthropic support for a waterfront trail that will improve public access to Lake Superior, create better active transportation options for all, and provide opportunities to nurture physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being,” said the organization in a press release.

WTRCAT plans to continue raising money for the project.