Sunrise Trail Enhancement to Benefit County
Two projects in Antigonish County will encourage visitors to spend more time in rural communities along the Sunrise Trail. The community-led initiatives include an Acadian cultural centre, Chez Deslauriers House, and recreational trails at the Antigonish Landing.
These projects build on the many tourism strengths of the Sunrise Trail, ranging from its scenic coastal shoreline to its diverse mix of culture and heritage. They are also part of the Sunrise Trail Enhancement Project, which is funded through 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.
The enhancement project is designed to develop and improve community-based tourism attractions with cultural, heritage and nature exploration themes.
"The culture, heritage and natural beauty of our communities are among Nova Scotia's greatest strengths for attracting visitors to the province," said Gordon Balser, Minister of Nova Scotia Economic Development. "Projects along the Sunrise Trail are making the most of these strengths by encouraging visitors to spend time and tourism dollars in smaller communities rather than just driving past them on the trail."
"The development of these individual projects will be an asset for Antigonish County and the entire Sunrise Trail," said 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. "These projects will lead to greater community pride and have a positive impact on the local economy."
Overlooking St. George's Bay and Pomquet Provincial Park, the Chez Deslauriers House at Monks Head is a historic Acadian building. The Pomquet Development Society received $40,000 through the enhancement project to convert the main floor of the house into a tea room serving Acadian cuisine and to turn the upper floor into a historical interpretation centre featuring the works of local artisans. The community provided $24,597 for this project.
The Antigonish Hiking and Biking Trails Association received $10,000 through the enhancement project to develop the Antigonish Landing Area Trail System. The association has upgraded the Antigonish Landing and completed the Fairmont Ridge Trail with interpretive signs and brochures, observation and rest areas, boardwalks, trail upgrades, and improved parking facilities. The community contributed $23,600 in cash and in-kind services while Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation contributed $1,000.
An interpretive guide has been developed to promote these attractions.
"We want the Sunrise Trail to be more than just a scenic drive for tourists," said Mike Broomfield, executive director of the Antigonish Eastern Shore Tourism Association. "With this enhancement project, we're in a better position to draw tourists into our communities and we all enjoy the economic spinoffs they bring."
The Sunrise Trail, one of Nova Scotia's 10 scenic travelways, follows the coastline of the Northumberland Shore from Amherst to the Canso Causeway. The landscape of this 450-kilometre coastal route is marked by pristine beaches, tranquil bays, and spectacular countryside.
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