Pouch Cove, NL – September 15, 2010 – The East Coast Trail Association (ECTA) will extend the developed portion of their trail system north from Pouch Cove to Cape St. Francis with the support of more than $275,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Senator Fabian Manning made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
"Our government recognizes the importance to tourism of the East Coast Trail as a hiking 'destination' within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Senator Manning. "It is a 540 kilometer world class wilderness hiking trail that attracts hikers from all over the world. The development of this extension will only serve to increase the value of the trail to the province's tourism industry."
The project will see the ECTA construct five kilometres of trail from Pouch Cove to Cape St. Francis located at the tip of the north-east Avalon Peninsula. The project will include construction of parking areas, trailheads, sections of boardwalk, stairs and footbridges and installation of directional and way finding signage. The project will also include the development of plans for a 12.8 kilometre hiking trail between Cape St. Francis and Bauline.
"The raw beauty of the East Coast Trail combined with our genuine communities, rich colourful culture and history all contribute to yield a high quality hiking destination," said Randy Murphy, President of the East Coast Trail Association. "The trail is a vital recreation asset that is bringing significant social, health and economic benefits to the province. ACOA's continued investment is providing the means for the Trail to access our coast while delivering a quality hiking experience and con tenuous benefits shared across the economies of 30 trail communities."
The Pouch Cove to Cape St. Francis extension represents year two of a six-year plan to complete the 100 km section of the East Coast Trail from St. John's to Topsail Beach. ACOA's funding is provided through the Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada is supporting the East Coast Trail Association's work to extend the nationally recognized trail from Pouch Cove to Cape St. Francis with funding provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Senator Fabian Manning today announced federal support of more than $275,000 for the East Coast Trail Association to complete the Pouch Cove to Cape St. Francis portion of the trail, which is now extended north of St. John's to the tip of the north-east Avalon Peninsula. This part of the project represents year two of a six-year plan to complete the 100 kilometre section of the East Coast Trail from St. John's to Topsail Beach.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA
709-772-2935
Randy Murphy
President
East Coast Trail Association
709-738-4453
