The gift will help to enhance and promote the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails as key tourism travel corridors

Promoting increased trail use expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region

VICTORIA, BC, March 30 /CNW/ - Imagine a future in Victoria and the Capital Region where cycling or walking is a significant mode of transportation for tourists and residents. That's the vision of TD Bank Group and the Capital Regional District (CRD) after the two organizations agreed to partner with the shared goals of promoting sustainable tourism and increasing use of the already popular CRD Regional trail system by 20-30 percent.

To support that goal, TD today announced a $250,000 donation to the CRD over three years to enhance and promote the Galloping Goose and Lochside regional trails as key tourism travel corridors for tourists and residents.

"TD's generous gift to the CRD will make a significant positive impact on the community by helping to reduce the environmental impacts of tourism and commuter traffic, and by enhancing the trails that are already enjoyed by over 2.5 million users each year," said Geoff Young, Board Chair, Capital Regional District. "The enhancements will make the trails easier to navigate and more pleasant to use."

TD's contribution will support the creation of 8-10 information and rest stations along the Galloping Goose and Lochside regional trails and will help enhance the CRD's education and awareness programs for trail users, such as the Trail Ambassador Program.

The rest stations and interpretive signage along the trail will create a space for users to rest, and seek shade from the sun or shelter from the rain. The signage will highlight significant natural features along the routes.

"At TD, we are passionate about the environment and we are proud to support an initiative that will encourage increased trail use by visitors and residents of the Capital Region while reducing traffic and resulting greenhouse gas emissions," said Mike Pedersen, Group Head Wealth Management, Direct Channels and Corporate Shared Services, TD Bank Group.

When residents and visitors use the regional parks and trail system of the Capital Region, they will be helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by riding bicycles instead of driving. With 33 regional parks and more than 80 kilometres of trails connecting many of them, the Capital Region is quickly becoming a centre for eco-tourism.

About the Regional Trails
The Lochside and Galloping Goose regional trails are a world-class network of trails that cover more than 80 kilometres of pathways, along city back-streets, farmland, forest, and ocean vistas. These popular trails receive more than  2.5 million visits each year.  The Galloping Goose Regional Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail, a national trail linking every province and territory. Both trails travel over former railway lines. The Galloping Goose Trail was named for the gas-powered passenger car that carried mail and passengers twice daily between Victoria and Sooke during the 1920s. Beginning in 1917, the Lochside Trail hosted a daily General Electric gas car that transported passengers and freight between Victoria and a steamship dock at Patricia Bay.

Victoria and the Capital Region are accessible by air, ferry and vehicle, and once there, getting around by any mode of transport is easy. BC Ferries at Swartz Bay accesses the start of the Lochside Regional Trail and there are transit bus stops at various locations along the trail routes, making it attractive for visitors. Visit www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

TD Community Giving
TD invests in communities to make a positive impact where it does business and where our customers, clients and employees live and work. In 2010, TD donated over $50 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, we focus on Education and Financial Literacy, Creating Opportunities for Young People, and the Environment. For more information, visit www.td.com/corporateresponsibility.