Yellowknife (Aug 30/06) - Aging and vandalized interpretive signs on the Frame Lake, Niven Lake and Range Lake trails have been replaced, giving outdoor enthusiasts a fresh perspective on the flora, fauna and history of the areas.

"I noticed that the trail signs were getting worn," said city facilities manager Andrew Morton, who requested funds to replace them. "And the citizen's survey indicated the trail is one of the most important and most used (pieces of) infrastructure in the city."

Morton said the new signs - which cost $10,000 - are "modernized" replicas of the originals with photos instead of drawings. All three lakeside walking trails are part of the Trans Canada Trail, a nationwide system of paths billed as the longest in the world.

Brian Kelln, program manager with city and member of the NWT Parks and Recreation Association, is pleased with the new signs, which come in the wake of the July 11 unveiling of the new Trans Canada Pavilion sign at the end of Matonabee Road. "They compliment the Trans Canada signs and new pavilion so it's a nice addition," he said.

Those who walk the Frame Lake Trail regularly will also notice new paving, which according to Morton, is part of the city's $3 million paving project.

Kelln said that un-adopted metres of the Trans Canada Trail in Yellowknife are still available for $50. All proceeds go towards trail upkeep and development, with donators acknowledged on the pavilion sign.