Environment and Conservation
May 21, 2009The following
statement was issued by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, acting Minister of
Environment and Conservation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:
Provincial Parks System
Enhanced Through Investment in T�Railway
I rise today to inform the House of a
significant investment that we are making in our T�Railway Provincial
Park system.
In February of last year we became aware of structures spanning both
navigable and non-navigable waters which required attention to address
public safety issues. At the time, officials from the Department of
Environment and Conservation, along with bridge engineers from the
Department of Transportation and Works, conducted an assessment of the
structures along the T�Railway and developed a plan to address the
concerns that were raised. I am delighted that we will spend $2 million
this year to remove and replace bridges that are an important part of
this valuable trail system.
We are working in partnership with the T�Railway Council, and tenders
are now in development for the removal of bridge structures at Bear Cove
Brook, Codroy North Branch, Morris Brook, Middle Brook, Robinson�s River
East and Robinson�s River West. The tender has already closed for the
removal of Crabbes River Bridge. The T�Railway Council has purchased
five new bridges and they will be installed at Middle Brook, Morris
Brook, Codroy North Branch, Robinson�s River East and Robinson�s River
West.
Our government recognizes the significance and the integrity of the
T�Railway system and of the absolute importance of ensuring public
safety. We are committed to a provincial parks system that provides a
high-quality and safe outdoor experience for residents and
non-residents, and we recognize the integral role that the T�Railway
plays in this system. We will continue to monitor the long-term
operational requirements and viability of the entire T�Railway
Provincial Park, and implement appropriate measures to ensure its
sustainability.
Government is committed to protecting our natural environment. In fact,
it is a priority for this government. We understand that a strong
provincial parks system is key to helping us achieve our environmental
protection goals, while also contributing to the development of our
province�s eco-tourism industry. We recognize the balance we need to
strike as we develop means to support the economic and social needs of
residents and visitors in terms of our natural areas, while also
protecting ecosystems and significant features in our parks.
2009 05 21
1:55 p.m.
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