Trail Website Goes Online

A database of useful information for trail users and planners is online at www.trails.gov.ns.ca .

Known as the Nova Scotia Trail Information Project, the database is the result of four years of work between non-profit, government and private sector partners.

"The Trail Information Project is a great example of government working effectively with communities and provincial not-for-profit agencies for everyone's benefit," said Tony Martin, deputy head of the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission. "The growing enthusiasm for trail development in communities and volunteers has positive economic, health and social benefits for all Nova Scotians. Government's role is helping make it happen."

As trail development continues to grow in Nova Scotia, more and more communities recognize the value their "backyards" hold for locals and visitors alike. The project's information on existing formal and informal trails helps communities plan their trails.
The database contains full-colour topographical maps and information on directions, land ownership, hazards and other details that trail users will find useful in planning safe outdoor adventures in Nova Scotia.

The database contains information on more than 500 trails; information on about 200 trails is available online. Presently, work is continuing to update mapping of canoe routes and snowmobile trails.

The trail project reflects a growing interest across the country in trails and acts as a model for a component of TrailPAQ, a millennium web site being developed by Go For Green and Compaq to support trail use and trail development across Canada. TrailPAQ will be launched in 2000.

The Trail Information Project is currently funded and supported by the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission, Nova Scotia Geomatics Centre, the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Nova Scotia Trails Federation. Other organizations involved include: the departments of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Environment and Education and Culture; Snowmobile Association of Nova Scotia; Canoe Nova Scotia; Bicycle Nova Scotia; Cross Country Ski Nova Scotia; Hostelling International; Human Resources Development Canada; Shell Environment Fund; MT&T; The Trail Shop; Sydney Sports Centre; and Gatorade.

The database is one element of Nova Scotia's provincial trail initiative, which includes the publication of Developing Recreation Trails in Nova Scotia: Planning, Design, Construction, Maintenance, and Management, an audit of abandoned rail lines, a hiking trail users' survey and a series of regional trail development workshops.