A Millennium Project for Nova Scotia
Premier Russell MacLellan announced today the Nova Scotia portion of the Trans Canada Trail is now a Nova Scotia Millennium project. The province will provide support to communities and volunteers working to make the trail a reality in Nova Scotia.
"In the 19th century, the railway linked the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and helped create a country. In the 21st century, the Trans Canada Trail will unite Canadians in fulfilling a vision, a trail that crosses our country from coast to coast," Premier MacLellan said at a Province House ceremony acknowledging the work of thousands of Nova Scotia volunteers dedicated to the project.
Sport and Recreation Minister Robbie Harrison joined Premier MacLellan at the ceremony as did Vera Stone, chair of the Trans Canada Trail Nova Scotia Council, and representatives from volunteer groups across the province.
The Trans Canada Trail will eventually wind its way through every province and territory across Canada. It will be the longest recreation trail of its kind in the world, spanning about 15,000 kilometres. The trail will support five main activities: walking, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Premier MacLellan said the benefits of the trail will be felt provincewide. It will promote physical fitness, provide a safe place for recreation, preserve the environment and will energize local economies.
"But the Trans Canada Trail contributes to something even greater, although less tangible," said Premier MacLellan. "The trail brings Nova Scotians together with their fellow Canadians having more than just a common interest in trail development. Many of the volunteers here today know that they are building for the future, creating a symbol of Canadian unity."
The Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission will oversee the province's involvement in Nova Scotia's portion of the trail and will form the government's interdepartmental working committee. Ten government departments will offer advice and support to communities across Nova Scotia.
About $500,000 in funding has been made available for the Nova Scotia portion of the trail through the Economic Diversification Agreement. The funds are expected to be used as seed money for local community groups.
Vera Stone, chair of the Nova Scotia Trans Canada Trail Council said she is pleased the trail is a priority millennium project for the province.
"This announcement has revived the spirit and the enthusiasm of the volunteers. Each volunteer is aware of the benefits of putting time and energy into this cause, and what it means to his or her community."