September 14, 2015 - The Grand Chasm Trail in the Shuniah Mines mountain bike area has been closed to the public to allow for the construction of a permanent fence around a number of abandoned and exposed mine shafts located near the trail.

The closure is effective Monday, Sept. 14, and is expected to last until the end of October.

The construction of a fence has been mandated by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. The Grand Chasm Trail is the only Shuniah Mines trail that will be affected; the City is working with the Black Sheep Mountain Bike Club to ensure the closure's impact on riders is minimal.

Barriers and signage have been put in place to mark the closed areas. Trail users are asked to be extra cautious when riding in the Shuniah Mines area, as machinery will be operating near the Grand Chasm Trail, as well as near the access road off Highway 11/17.

The construction schedule is subject to change, as various factors - such as weather - can have an impact on project timelines.

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Contact: Paul Fayrick, Manager - Parks Division, 625-2355