A new mountain bike course is taking shape in Winnipeg, designed for elite athletes as well as for cycling enthusiasts of all ages.

The Manitoba Cycling Association is behind the biking course and venue at FortWhyte Alive, which is being constructed as the mountain bike competition venue at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg.

The course, which will be called Bison Butte, is designed for mountain bike athletes and enthusiasts alike to train and compete on, as well as enjoy.

Image | Bison Butte mountain bike course

Caption: Russell Dyck looks over FortWhyte Alive from the Bison Butte mountain bike course, which is under construction. It is currently not open to the public. (Wendy Buelow/CBC)

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"We are designing something for a very high-level competition, so we had to create some features that are difficult, that top riders are going to appreciate and be able to race on," said Alex Man, a course designer with the summer games.

"But at the same time, we want to build something that's going to be a legacy for the city and that kids can ride, so all these features have ride-arounds, so if it's something that's too difficult for a younger kid, they can get around it easily and safely."

The cycling association is one of 214 community groups that are receiving $3.6 million in grants under the provincial Community Places program to build, upgrade, expand or acquire facilities that promote culture, recreation and wellness.

The program has invested more than $118 million in a total of 7,700 projects over last 30 years, according to the province.