Enhancements Will Enable Guided and Self-Guided Tours
July 25, 2014 – Church Point, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Petit Bois trail system located on the campus of Université Sainte-Anne, overlooking Saint-Mary’s Bay, will be improved and enhanced as a result of Government of Canada funding.
The Municipality of Clare is undertaking a project to showcase this local gem to visitors and area residents through enhancements that will better enable guided and self-guided tours. Already a well-known trail in the area, Petit Bois boasts a variety of natural habitats, from an Acadian forest to freshwater wetlands and the nearby coastal ecosystem.
This enhancement project will also support the development of a master plan for the trail system, including the design of interpretive signage and equipment.
To assist the Municipality of Clare with this initiative, West Nova MP Greg Kerr today announced a Government of Canada contribution of $25,244. Federal support is being provided through the Economic Development Initiative, a Government of Canada program that supports business and economic development activities to encourage sustainable growth in Atlantic Canada's francophone communities. Université Sainte-Anne is the only francophone university in Nova Scotia.
Quick Facts:
- The Petit Bois trail system is located in the Acadian region of Clare.
- The trail system is maintained by staff and students of Université Sainte-Anne’s spring and summer immersion school.
- The Local Traveler website – which explores destinations in Atlantic Canada – recently featured the Petit Bois trail system.
- The Southwest Nova Tourism Task Team contributed $15,000 to this project with funding from the Government of Nova Scotia.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to invest in projects such as the Petit Bois trail system that help to showcase our Acadian heritage and highlight the natural beauty of the region to visitors and residents alike. The fact that this trail system is maintained on a voluntary basis by staff and students of Université Sainte-Anne, testifies to the community’s commitment in the trail.”
- Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“The Petit Bois trail system is just one of the many outstanding attractions in Southwest Nova Scotia, and these enhancements can only help bring more visitors to the area. We know that if we create better quality experiences for our guests, they’re more likely to stay longer and spend more on their vacation, and that will help grow the tourism sector and our economy.”
- Gordon Wilson, Member of Legislative Assembly for Clare-Digby on behalf of Michel Samson, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
“We are excited to add this component to our tourism offering in Clare. There are many reasons to visit the region and this will be of particular interest to those seeking adventure and cultural tourism opportunities. The Petit Bois trail system is already well-loved by residents and we are pleased to help visitors learn more through the establishment of guided and self-guided tours.”
- Ronnie LeBlanc, Warden, Municipality of Clare
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications & Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Toby Koffman
Media Relations Advisor
Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
902-424-4482 / 902-483-5847 (cell)
Email: koffmatg@gov.ns.ca
Larry Peach
Tourism Director
Municipality of Clare
902-769-1234 / 902-769-8555 (cell)
Email: lpeach@muncipality.clare.ns.ca
