Bealach Brèagha Trail Opens in Lake Ainslie
News Release
Government of Canada supports the development of The Great Trail
February 6, 2017 – Lake Ainslie, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Gaelic for “Beautiful Mountain Pass”, the Bealach Brèagha Trail, located in Inverness County, was officially opened to the public this weekend. The newly completed section of trail is part of The Great Trail, a national legacy project connecting all provinces and territories and linking the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic coasts. This 49.9km section of trail forms part of the land-based Trans Canada Trail extending from Port Hastings to Whycocomagh, where it will connect with the majestic Bras d'Or Lake water route, extending to North Sydney.
Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, attended Saturday’s ribbon cutting event on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, provided a non-repayable contribution of $239,735 to assist with trail construction, the addition of bridges and culverts, and the creation and installation of interpretive and directional signage.
Bealach Brèagha is just one of a number of sections of The Great Trail in Inverness County; other sections include the 92 km Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, the 15.6 km Cape Clear Trail, and the 14.9 km Lewis Mountain Trail, scheduled to open in Spring 2017. Inverness County will also boast four of The Great Trail’s water access points, the first of which opened at Marble Mountain in August 2016. Water access points at the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre, the We’koqmaq First Nation and Orangedale are also scheduled to open in Spring 2017.
A detailed map of The Great Trail is available at www.thegreattrail.ca. The online map displays completed sections of trail in green, with planned sections of trail plotted in red. The online map is routinely updated as trails and access points open, and allows trail users to visualize their route along The Great Trail.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to making investments that improve the physical health and well-being of Canadians. Investing in recreational infrastructure supports active, healthy lifestyles, which results in a healthier population.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Cape Breton is blessed with many amenities such as beaches, hiking trails, golfing, sailing and a vibrant culture. The availability of trail infrastructure not only contributes to growing the economy of Cape Breton, but also assists in attracting business and professionals by providing enhanced key recreational amenities.”
- Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso
“It was fantastic to see this project through to fruition and have the community come out to celebrate the opening. Our sincerest thanks to each and every one of our volunteers and partners for their help in making this trail a reality.”
- Coralie Cameron, Co-chair, Lake Ainslie Development Association
“It was fantastic to see this project through to fruition and have the community come out to celebrate the opening. Our sincerest thanks to each and every one of our volunteers and partners for their help in making this trail a reality.”
- Coralie Cameron, Co-chair, Lake Ainslie Development Association
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Contacts
Lori Selig
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-266-7477 (cell)
E-mail: lori.selig@canada.ca
Coralie Cameron
Co-chair
Lake Ainslie Trail Committee
Phone: 902-258-5439 (cell)
Email: coraliecameron@hotmail.com