“Peter has taught me – and many others – about the importance of urban winter trails in our communities and the value that they bring to local residents. And I now know a heck of a lot about the science involved in grooming a trail (and there is a lot of science involved!) – too warm, too cold, too much snow, not enough snow – that’s all important when it comes to deciding when to groom and how to groom. And Peter knows his stuff!” – Martha Jeacle, Rideau Winter Trail Volunteer
The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to recognize Peter Nor as the Community Sport Hero for April. Peter is the Founding President of the Rideau Winter Trail of Ottawa, and has been dedicated to maintaining and improving the free-to-use trails in and around the Rideau River in central Ottawa. He is the head groomer, and over the past few years has recruited and trained a handful of other volunteer snow groomers. He spends countless volunteer hours leading the organization and overseeing all aspects of the operation. He has made an enormous impact on the local community with his volunteer work.
Peter says he is proud of what the Rideau Winter Trail was able to provide people during the pandemic when access to ski clubs and other winter facilities in Gatineau was limited due to provincial border restrictions.
“The trail was important for myself and my family during the pandemic because it allowed us to have outdoor recreation in our backyard. We estimate that we get over fifty thousand visits of the trail through a season, with people commuting, exercising, or walking their dogs. When stopping and talking to those folks, it’s invigorating to see the positive impact that our work has had on people in the area.”
Peter says making outdoor recreation facilities like the Rideau Winter Trail accessible to as many people as possible is critical for the community. “We have a free trail for anyone to use. There are a lot of people in the area who live in apartment buildings who wouldn’t have access to the outdoors otherwise. For some people, the challenge becomes the equipment. We have fabulous partnerships with the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library, and we have a branch here where people can borrow skis and snowshoes. Making it accessible is important.”
Peter’s work as a volunteer and an advocate for accessible community sport is strongly aligned with the Ottawa’s Sport Council’s belief that there should only be positive experiences in sport. The Ottawa Sport Council is very appreciative of Peter’s work in the Ottawa community sport sector.