Cape Breton Trail Hall Gets Upgrades for Culinary Hiking Experience
News release
The Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association offers a new guided hike and lunch program for outdoor enthusiasts
November 17, 2018 – Sydney, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Enhancing local tourism infrastructure helps operators diversify product offerings, attract new visitors, and contribute to strengthening the region’s economy. Hiking and outdoor activities are growing segments of Cape Breton’s tourism industry. The Coxheath Hills Wilderness Trail, with its panoramic view of the Sydney area, is a year-round hiking destination that attracts local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts.
In response to an increasing demand for experiential tourism offerings, the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association is upgrading the trail hall kitchen and facilities to accommodate large events that combine hiking, dining, music and more. The upgraded facility will allow the association to implement a guided Hike and Lunch program that will connect a refined culinary experience with the breathtaking outdoor views from the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Trail.
The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced a $67,292 contribution to support the upgrades to the Coxheath Wilderness Hills Wilderness Trail hall.
This investment was allocated through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality has also provided $15,000 towards the project.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada supports a path of innovation in all aspects of our economy. For a wide-reaching sector like tourism, this means bringing new experiences to our visitors, and new perspectives and opportunities to our local operators. By sharing our stunning natural landscapes with the world, and by investing in local tourism, Canada is working to build an economy that benefits everyone.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Promoting Cape Breton as a tourism destination of choice means providing visitors with unforgettable experiences, and I’m so pleased that our federal government is a strong supporter of these tourism opportunities. With more and more people visiting Cape Breton every year, I commend the Coxheath Wilderness Recreation Association on taking initiative on this great opportunity to share our Island’s great beauty with cruise ship passengers and tourists, and for providing culinary arts and hospitality students with meaningful work experience.”
- The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria
“The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is pleased to be able to support the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association in their efforts to upgrade their trail facilities, and also commend the community partners who continue to increase creative and memorable experiences for our residents and visitors.”
- Cecil Clarke, Mayor, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
“The Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association sees great potential for this venue to become a very important player in Cape Breton’s expanding tourist trade. With the renovation of this hall, we will be well positioned to expand the services available to visitors. Our partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College will provide on-the-job training for students from various programs, particularly those in culinary arts. The Hike and Lunch program will offer cruise ship passengers recreational options that will now include food prepared in our modern kitchen and served in our beautifully renovated building.”
- Andy Pittman, Special Projects Coordinator, Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association
Quick facts
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The Coxheath Hills Wilderness Trail consists of nearly 11 kilometers of forested paths, featuring a waterfall, look-off and rolling landscapes.
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Cruise ship passengers from the Port of Sydney as well as event participants from Celtic Colours International Festival will be encouraged to attend Hike and Lunch activities.
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The project will include new flooring, electrical and plumbing upgrades, the installation of a water purification system, a heat pump, kitchen cabinets, a new convection oven, an electric range, as well as new tables and chairs.
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The Hike and Lunch program will give students in the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Marconi Campus’ culinary and hospitality programs meaningful experience creating meals and hosting guests in the kitchen and lodge dining area.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
alex.smith@canada.ca
Jillian Moore
Communications & Information Officer
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
902-563-5583 / 902-574-4802 (cell)
jamoore@cbrm.ns.ca
Andy Pittman
Special Projects Coordinator; Past President and Board Advisor
Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association
902-565-9685 (cell)
andrew_pittman@outlook.com