Trails to Hike Economy in Digby County

Resident and visiting nature lovers will soon have a place to enjoy the great outdoors as the Belliveau Cove Development Commission is developing a hiking trail in Belliveau Cove, Digby Co.

The five-kilometre walking trail will begin at the Belliveau Cove wharf, follow the scenic shore and wind through inland wetlands to finish at Majors Point. Trail-blazers will enjoy exploring the area's rich Acadian heritage while learning about local wildlife through interpretive signage along the route.

"With this project underway, increased economic activity is already being noticed in the region," said Jean LeBlanc of the development commission. "The commission hopes to strengthen this success with further initiatives promoting eco-tourism and the rich Acadian shipbuilding and shipping pasts."

"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, the commission is developing the trail with $30,000 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. The trail has also received $22,908 from Human Resources Development Canada.

"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.

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