Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
May 25, 2017

East Coast Trail Association receives Government Funding

Investments by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the East Coast Trail Association will help to further develop a key tourism asset on the Avalon Peninsula, allowing visitors to enjoy coastal and natural history combined with a unique cultural heritage experience.

The Honorable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced more than $275,000 from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for one of the projects. Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, also announced close to $950,000 in funding from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund for two projects with the East Coast Trail Association.

The East Coast Trail Association is receiving an investment of $770,439 through ACOA, along with a Government of Newfoundland and Labrador investment of $275,181, to undertake trail hardening on 30 kilometres of wet sensitive areas between Cape St. Francis and Portugal Cove as well as to enhance and restore 62 kilometres of trail on the Southern Shore.

Also, the East Coast Trail Association will receive $179,479 through ACOA to partner with the Trans Canada Trail for completion of the eastern link of a national initiative that will see Cape Spear designated as “Kilometre 0” of the Trans Canada Trail.

This funding by the federal and provincial governments will generate over 60 weeks of employment for 18 trail crew. The East Coast Trail attracts over 15,000 hikers annually (close to 60 per cent of whom are from outside of the province) and contributes more than $3.5 million annually to tourism spending in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in important community and recreational infrastructure throughout the region. Investing in community infrastructure initiatives as well as projects that enhance business and tourism opportunities are among the best ways to spur economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

“The Provincial Government is proud to contribute over $275,000 to the East Coast Trail Association towards ongoing trail improvements. The East Coast Trail provides both residents and visitors an incredible outdoor experience, including picturesque sea stacks and fjords; scenic lighthouses and ecological reserves; whale watching and historic sites - the East Coast Trail truly has it all. I encourage everyone this summer to go out and explore it for themselves.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support groups like the East Coast Trail Association because of the important role they play in helping grow and strengthen the local economy. These type of investments support the future growth and sustainability of our communities by helping to upgrade and improve the very places where we come together to welcome visitors, to reflect on our collective heritage and to take part in and promote healthy activities.”
Seamus O’Regan
Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl

“The East Coast Trail is a fine example of what can be accomplished when citizens, communities, and governments work together towards a shared vision. In just over 20 years, that combined effort has built 300 kilometres of world-class trail that attracts residents and visitors every year for the pleasures of hiking and coastal scenery. Government’s continuing commitment to the East Coast Trail is especially significant as we announce our partnership with Trans Canada Trail.”
Randy Murphy
President, East Coast Trail Association

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Learn more
East Coast Trail - www.eastcoasttrail.com/en/index.aspx External Link

Trans Canada Trail - thegreattrail.ca/ External Link

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL

Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Randy Murphy
East Coast Trail Association
information@eastcoasttrail.com

2017 05 26                             12:10 p.m.