Trails to Hike Economy in Lunenburg County
Resident and visiting nature lovers will soon have new places to enjoy the great outdoors as community organizations in Hubbards and Bridgewater are developing walking and hiking trails in Lunenburg County.
Like many trails projects across the province, trails in Lunenburg County have received financial assistance 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 the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Nova Scotia Economic Development.
"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 ACOA. "We're pleased to support these trails projects and we look forward to the economic spinoffs they'll generate."
Gordon Balser, Nova Scotia's Minister of Economic Development, emphasized the importance of using the province's natural resources for new, sustainable economic growth.
"Nature tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of our tourism industry," said Mr. Balser. "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 Aspotogan Trails Association is upgrading an 11-kilometre trail that follows an abandoned rail line between Hubbards and East River. Trailblazers along the multipurpose trail will be guided through wilderness areas and past coastal views by interpretive and directional signs. They will also enjoy access to picnic areas and other amenities. The trail should eventually become part of a 24-kilometre trail system that connects Queensland Beach Provincial Park to the east and Graves Island Provincial Park to the west.
In addition to significant municipal and community support, the trails association has received $50,000 through the Nova Scotia Trails Destination Project. Human Resources Development Canada has contributed $11,000 while the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission has provided $52,500.
The town of Bridgewater has developed the eight-kilometre Centennial Trail, which runs from Dayspring, over the LaHave River and through the town to a finishing point outside Hebbville. This route is part of the Trans Canada Trail and was opened to the public this summer. Along with community assistance, the town has received $35,000 through the trails project and $60,000 through the commission.
"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 destination project received a total of $2 million in funding under the Economic Diversification Agreement.
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