will result in $1.6
million being utilized for improvements and repairs to
the T�Railway, including the re-instatement of the
Crabbe�s River Bridge located in the community of St.
Fintan�s, Western Newfoundland.
"The T�Railway Provincial Park represents an
important infrastructure component for the many outdoor
enthusiasts who regularly travel these routes," said the
Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and
Conservation. "This cost-sharing agreement speaks to our
commitment to ensuring this trail system and our natural
environment will continue to be enjoyed in a safe
manner. The investment in our natural heritage is an
investment in our residents."
"Throughout our country, we see the value Canadians
place on their trail systems," said the Honourable Gary
Lunn, federal Minister of State (Sport). "Today�s
announcement recognizes the importance of partnerships,
and shows an important investment in communities to help
Canadian families and individuals access high-quality
outdoor infrastructure to maintain healthy and active
lifestyles."
In the spring of 2008, the Crabbes River Bridge
received severe structural damage as the result of an
ice jam. An engineering analysis determined the
structure was beyond repair, and it was subsequently
removed.
"From both a recreational and eco-tourism standpoint,
the Crabbes River Bridge is significant to many people
in my area," said the Honourable Joan Burke, MHA for St.
George�s-Stephenville East. "It is important that we
recognize the value the T�Railway holds for the people
of the province, and I am very pleased that a major
structure like the Crabbes River Bridge will be replaced
and utilized for many years to come."
In addition to the replacement of the Crabbes River
structure, the Newfoundland T�Railway Council, along
with the departments of Environment and Conservation,
and Transportation and Works, are currently working
together to identify additional areas of improvement
along the T�Railway Provincial Park. The cost-sharing
agreement will also allow for the replacement of Indian
Pond Bridge in Conception Bay, as well as vegetation
control efforts.
The funding from the cost-sharing agreement
complements the $2 million allocated in Budget 2009 to
remove and replace structures at Codroy North Branch,
Middle Brook and Morris Brook. The provincial funding
also allows for the repair of bridges at Robinson�s East
and Robinson�s West, as well as the removal of what
remains of the collapsed older bridge structure at Bear
Cove. A new bridge has already been installed at Bear
Cove.
"I am very pleased that we have been able to work
co-operatively to improve this trail system which helps
ensure access to many of our pristine wilderness areas,"
said Terry Morrison, Executive Director of the
Newfoundland T�Railway Council. "The funding will allow
us to assess, repair and replace a number of structures
along the T�Railway, thereby improving the experience of
its users."
Minister Johnson also noted that this announcement
complements the support that has been given to the
provincial park system overall.
"Our government is committed to our provincial parks
system, and this is evident over the last four years
with our investment of $4 million in the Provincial
Parks Renewal Strategy for provincial camping parks,"
said Minister Johnson. "Further to this investment, we
are now securing funding to upgrade and improve the
T�Railway Provincial Park."
The T�Railway Provincial Park was proclaimed on July
10, 1997. The Department of Environment and Conservation
has an MOU with the Newfoundland T�Railway Council to
share responsibility for T�Railway development.
- 30 -
Media contacts: