New Project from Barrington Bay to Clements Pond Will Link Five Shelburne County Trails
October 8, 2014 – Shelburne, Nova Scotia – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders and off-roaders will soon be able to enjoy an expanded trail system in Shelburne County.
Over the past eight years, the Woodland Multi-use Trail Association (WMTA) has transformed nearly one half of the county’s abandoned train corridors. The trail system has improved the community’s recreational infrastructure and tourism appeal.
The WMTA is now developing an 8.6 km stretch from Barrington Bay to Clements Pond to link five Shelburne County trails, creating a unified route spanning from Clyde River to Charlesville and to the Yarmouth County Trail system. This work is increasing its potential as a destination trail as it connects sections that were previously not linked. Work to develop the trail includes clearing brush, recovering drainage and ditches, preparing top surface and readying bridges for trail use. The WMTA will also mount signage to meet Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources trail guidelines.
The project will contribute over $100,000 to Shelburne’s economy by engaging local contractors for supplies, construction and ongoing maintenance of the trail. Once completed, the trail will offer new opportunities for outdoor enthusiast visitors to experience the area, resulting in higher traffic along the trail corridor and increased spending at local businesses.
The Government of Canada is investing $38,500 in the project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). Additional support for the project includes $34,000 from the Government of Nova Scotia, $24,500 from the Nova Scotia Off Highway Vehicle Infrastructure Fund and considerable volunteer labour from the WMTA.
Quick Facts:
- The completion of earlier trail sections has contributed more than $500,000 to the local economy.
- According to the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency, the outdoor enthusiast visitor stays longer and spends more than other tourists—$1,960 versus $1,290 on average per person.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support Shelburne County in linking five trails from Clyde River to Charlesville and to the Yarmouth County Trail system. This unified multi-use trail will enhance recreational space for local families and attract new outdoor enthusiasts to the area, generating economic growth in the region.”
- Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“The Woodland Multi-use Trail is an important piece of recreational infrastructure for members of our community—getting walkers and cyclists off the side of the highway and into the outdoors. It is also creating another access route for tourists to Southwest Nova Scotia. This project will interconnect our trail system to create a destination trail that supports our tourism industry, community recreation and fitness and outdoor access to nature for everyone.”
- Sherman Embree, Secretary of the Woodland Multi-use Trail Association
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-448-2748 (cell)
Email: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Sherman Embree
Secretary
Woodland Multi-use Trail Association
902-656-2793
Email: scembree@auracom.com
