Trail Initiative Up and Running in Lunenburg County

SPORT/RECREATION COMMISSION--Trail Initiative Up and Running in Lunenburg County

Hikers and walkers will benefit from trail development funding announced today, Jan. 20, for South Shore trails.

Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced a $480,975 government of Canada investment in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg's trail development initiative. Speaking on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), Mr. Thibault said a $400,800 investment will come from ACOA's Strategic Community Investment Fund and $80,175 from HRDC's Job Creation Partnerships.

The investments will allow three new trail segments to be built:
the 12-kilometre Dynamite Trail, from Martins River to Mahone Bay; the 14-kilometre Adventure Trail, from Mahone Bay to Bridgewater; and the 18-kilometre South Shore Annapolis Valley Trail from New Germany to the Annapolis County line. Funds will also provide for upgrading at Crescent Beach.

In addition to the government of Canada's contributions, the project is receiving $85,000 from the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission, $118,000 from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, $103,500 from fund-raising, and $27,000 from donations.

"Lunenburg is taking the initiative in developing its tourism potential," said Mr. Thibault. "These new developments will enhance the already broad appeal of Lunenburg as a destination for both out-of-province visitors and Nova Scotians, contributing to a vibrant local tourism economy."

"Community groups, under the co-ordination of the municipality, are excited about the creation of this wonderful community resource," said Michael Baker, Nova Scotia's Minister of Transportation and Public Works, on behalf of Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission. "This project increases recreational opportunities for Nova Scotians, as well as the area's tourism potential, and will benefit all of the surrounding communities."

"Local residents and visitors to our municipality will have more outdoor recreation opportunities because of these projects and the energy and enthusiasm of our many volunteers. This will also help increase tourism in this area by allowing visitors the chance to enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces that these projects will help make available," said Jack Wentzell, warden of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.

HRDC's assistance is contributing towards work experience for eight individuals in developing the Adventure Trail and the South Shore Annapolis Valley Trail. HRDC funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with HRDC's administration of its grant and contribution programs.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund is providing $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages and enhances the development of strategic sectors, adjustment to the knowledge-based economy, the adoption of new technology and innovative practices, and capacity to compete in the global economy. The fund is a component of the Atlantic Investment Partnership, a five-year government of Canada initiative designed to help Atlantic Canadians compete in the global, knowledge-based economy. The fund is administrated by ACOA.