Trails to Hike Economy in Antigonish County
Resident and visiting nature lovers will soon have a new place to enjoy the great outdoors as the North Shore Development Committee is developing a hiking trail around Cape George, Antigonish Co.
The 35-kilometre trail will pass by pastures and beaver dams in a series of loops from Ballantyne's Cove to the Cape George lighthouse. Hikers will learn about the local wildlife through interpretive signage along the route.
"Residents in the area are looking forward to having a new recreation facility," said Mary MacLellan of the development committee. "They also welcome the positive economic impact that this project will have when tourists seeking nature-based attractions use the trail and visit our communities."
The construction phase of the Cape George trail project is providing four jobs and giving many people the opportunity to volunteer. The development committee is looking to surrounding communities for continued support through upcoming fundraising activities.
"Communities around this province know that Nova Scotia's natural beauty is one of our greatest strengths and they're taking full advantage of it by developing these hiking trails," said Senator Bernie Boudreau, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of George Baker, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "We're pleased to support these trails projects and we look forward to the economic spinoffs they'll generate."
In addition to community support for building the trail, the development committee has received $61,500 through the Nova Scotia Trails Destination Project, which is funded by the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. The agreement is managed by ACOA and Nova Scotia Economic Development.
"Nature tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of our tourism industry," said Gordon Balser, Minister of Economic Development. "Our investment in trails across the province will ensure that Nova Scotia is an even more attractive destination for those outdoor enthusiasts who will bring their tourism dollars to our communities."
"The tourism industry is active in every corner of this province," said Doug Fawthrop, chair of the Nova Scotia Tourism Partnership Council. "Developing trails that are popular attractions for visitors is another way our communities are contributing to the growth of this billion-dollar industry."
The $3-million Nova Scotia Trails Destination Project, which was announced last summer, will help make Nova Scotia one of the world's premier trails destinations and attract 36,000 new visitors to the province each year. The Trails Destination Project received a total of $2 million in funding under the Economic Diversification Agreement.
Conact: Adèle Poirier
Nova Scotia Economic Development
902-424-5836
Mary MacLellan
North Shore Development Committee
902-863-1101
Cathy McDonald
ACOA
902-426-9304
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