Minister Introduces Pedestrian Trails Liability Protection Act

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today introduced new legislation in the House of Assembly designed to ensure maximum public access to designated hiking trails.

"The Provincial Government has supported several non-profit organizations in their efforts to develop and maintain hiking trails that are attracting hikers from throughout this province and around the world," said Minister French. "Those efforts have been very successful, resulting in a marked increase in utilization of the trails. The Pedestrian Trails Liability Protection Act provides assurances to private landowners that, if they agree to permit their property to be used as part of a designated hiking trail, they will have liability protection should an injury occur."

The Pedestrian Trails Liability Protection Act enables non-profit organizations to move forward with formal plans to further develop pedestrian trails in Newfoundland and Labrador. The need for such legislation was first raised by the East Coast Trail Association (ECTA) and today that organization expressed its appreciation that it has come to fruition.

"Landowner co-operation is critical to our efforts to build and maintain a world-class hiking trail," said Randy Murphy, President of the East Coast Trail Association. "This is a simple piece of legislation which should give landowners enhanced peace of mind and another good reason to work with the association to provide and maintain access across private lands. This act is a positive step forward and will help ensure the future sustainability of the East Coast Trail."

Minister French added that, in recent years, walking and hiking trails have been heavily promoted as part of the Provincial Government's tourism marketing efforts, but access to scenic hiking trails is equally important to Newfoundland and Labrador's resident population.

"Our trails are tremendous assets which attract visitors to a region and generate economic activity by complementing services offered by area businesses, including tourism operators," said Minister French. "But we also promote walking and hiking as healthy, physical activities for citizens of all ages, and this legislation is a first step in moving forward with the development of a provincial trails strategy, which will aim to enhance the health, well-being and quality of life of our residents, while developing trail systems which will attract visitors from around the world."

The Pedestrian Trails Liability Protection Act can be viewed at: www.assembly.nl.ca/business/bills/Bill1005.htm.

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2010 05 03                            3:20 p.m.