Funding to Upgrade Trail Grooming Equipment in Cape Breton
Two Inverness County groups are receiving funding for equipment to keep up local trails. (Communications Nova Scotia / File)
Snowmobilers in Cape Breton will continue to have access to safe and well-maintained trails through provincial grants.
Two Inverness County groups will receive funding for equipment used to keep up local trails, part of a provincewide network of safe and well-developed snowmobile trails that support quality winter recreation opportunities for Nova Scotians and thousands of visitors.
“Snowmobiling in Nova Scotia generates about $60 million annually and is a key driver of our growing winter tourism," said Allan MacMaster, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. "This investment builds on the thousands of volunteer hours given each year to keep the trails in top condition.”
Ceilidh Trails Groomers Association will receive a grant to purchase a new snow groomer machine that will be used to maintain the trails in and around Inverness.
Margaree Highlanders Snowmobile Club will receive a grant to purchase a second snow groomer machine for maintenance on their existing series of trails.
Quotes:
“We did a lot of fundraising all over the province, but we couldn’t do it without the help of the provincial government. We’re happy to put a better product out for people. We had people from B.C., Pennsylvania, Michigan, Quebec and New Brunswick last year and a lot of them said they’ll be back this year.”
— George Koszkulics, groomer co-ordinator, Margaree Highlanders Snowmobile Club
“At Ceilidh Trails Groomers Association, we are very proud of the thousands of snowmobilers that travel trails every year. We also provide a great trail for walkers, skiers and hikers. Having new equipment makes it so much easier to get volunteers to spend time on the trails. When we had old equipment, it was breaking down and our volunteers were spending more time repairing the machine then working on the trails. This all wouldn’t be possible without our local businesses who sponsor us every year. We’re very thankful to all levels of government, the county of Inverness for supporting us.”
— Richard Jamieson, director and fundraiser chairperson, Ceilidh Trails Groomers Association
Quick Facts:
- grant recipients and funding amounts:
- Margaree Highlanders Snowmobile Club – $400,000
- Ceilidh Trails Groomers Association – $300,000
Additional Resources:
Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage grants and programs: https://cch.novascotia.ca/investing-in-our-future
Online grant finder tool: https://beta.novascotia.ca/find-grants-offered-through-department-communities-culture-tourism-and-heritage