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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
August 25, 2010
East Coast Trail Undertakes
Further Expansion
Already an attraction for hikers from across
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and around the globe, the East Coast
Trail Association is undertaking further expansion of its trail network
from Pouch Cove to Cape St. Francis. Supported by a $107,749
investment from the Provincial Government, the association will bring
the five kilometre stretch of trail up to the standard that has become
synonymous with the East Coast Trail brand.
The successes of the International Appalachian
Trail on the province's west coast, the trail and boardwalk developments
in Labrador, the East Coast Trail on the Avalon Peninsula, and others
throughout the province highlight the economic opportunities attached to
trail development.
"Significant opportunities exist for local
entrepreneurs to capitalize on their close proximity to the world-class
network of trails that are being developed in the province," said the
Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development. "As a government, we recognize trail development as being a
valuable economic development tool. It helps leverage the
province's unique attributes — our landscape and connection with the
ocean — and attracts a growing number of visiting and local users who
are seeking an enjoyable experience. Whether it is a one-day
excursion or a 10-day planned hiking itinerary, appropriate
accommodations and amenities must be in place to service the
requirements of trail users."
"The East Coast Trail is an important asset to
Newfoundland and Labrador's tourism industry," said the Honourable Terry
French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "In 2008, the
Provincial Government announced an investment of $500,000 over five
years to support ongoing maintenance of the trail, as we recognize that
hiking is one of our most significant tourism products, and an activity
enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. Ongoing development of
the trail also aligns with the goals of our recreation and sport
strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador, as it
increases opportunities for residents to participate in an active,
healthy lifestyle."
Of the 540 kilometres proposed for the East
Coast Trail development, the completion of the Pouch Cove to Cape St.
Francis portion of the East Coast Trail will link more than 20
communities with 265 kilometres of developed trail.
"The communities of the Northeast Avalon
recognize the strategic value of trail development and its importance to
their prosperity and future sustainability," said Randy Murphy,
President, East Coast Trail Association. "This project will complete the
trail to the cape, begin the trail to Bauline, and position us within 35
kilometres of Topsail Beach — the end point of the trail in the
Northeast Avalon. This is really good news and I wish to thank the
Provincial Government for its continued support of the East Coast
Trail."
The East Coast Trail Association will begin
construction of its new trail in September 2010. As part of the
construction, the association will complete several major tasks
including trail hardening, construction of pedestrian bridges, and
signage installation.
"The development of the East Coast Trail
between Pouch Cove and Cape St. Francis is extremely positive news for
the area's residents, along with the countless number of volunteers
involved in the initiative," said Kevin Parsons, MHA, Cape St. Francis.
"Users of the trail between these two communities will experience
tremendous views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline — it is
a trail that will be enjoyed by tourists and residents."
The East Coast Trail Association offers weekly
scheduled hikes of varying difficulty and length. For more
information on the weekly hikes and the entire trail network, please
visit
www.eastcoasttrail.com.
This initiative was funded through the
Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund, which through Budget 2010:
The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future
was
increased to an $11 million program. Administered by the Department of
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the program provides
non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for
initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and
diversification.
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Media contacts:
2010 08 25 9:50 a.m.
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