Digby Gets Investment in Sport, Recreation Infrastructure

People in Digby will soon have access to 46 kilometres of new multi-use trail thanks to a $300,000 investment that helps develop a corridor to join Bear River to Sissiboo River.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, made the announcement today, Aug. 14, in Weymouth, Digby Co. The new trail corridor is a key part of expanding the Trans Canada Trail system and will help make trails more accessible across the province for active transportation.

"We understand the value that trail development brings to our province," said Mr. Barnet. "Trails have the ability to connect communities and people across the province. They also provide an active system for walking, running, and biking which helps bring us closer to making Nova Scotia the healthiest province in the country."

The trail construction is expected to be a three-year project and is being co-ordinated by the Bear River to Sissiboo River Trail Association.

"This trail will become the backbone of a growing trails network in Digby County," said Rick Jacques, treasurer of the Bear River to Sissiboo River Trail Association. "When completed, this project will meet the needs of the people of Digby County and the province of Nova Scotia by creating a recreational opportunity to be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their age, physical state or income level."

The trail development was made possible as part of the province's new Building Facilities and Infrastructure Together program. The program will invest $50 million, over the next 10 years into sport and recreation infrastructure. This new money is in addition to the $3 million invested annually in recreation facility development grants.