Rural communities in Atlantic Canada will benefit from improvements to tourism infrastructure and a better quality of life
News Release
$280,000 from the Government of Canada supports development of The Great Trail
August 26, 2017 – Oxford, Cumberland County, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Investing in recreational infrastructure in rural Atlantic Canada means increased economic opportunities and improved quality of life for everyone. Today, Canadians are gathering in more than 200 communities to mark the coast-to-coast connection of The Great Trail. Residents and trail users in Oxford had even more to celebrate as they will soon be connected to the continuous network of trails from the New Brunswick border to the Town of Pictou thanks in part to a Government of Canada investment of $280,000 to Oxford & Area Trails Association.
The funding was announced by Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester, 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 project supports the construction of a seven-kilometre trail extension and a bridge over Black River to complete one of the last sections of The Great Trail in Nova Scotia. Linking the Town of Oxford and surrounding communities, the network of greenways and multi-use trails allows locals and visitors to walk, hike, cycle, and snowshoe as well as ride horses, All Terrain Vehicles and snowmobiles while exploring the area’s beautiful landscapes and rich history. This work complements the new multi-use trail tunnel under Oxford’s Main Street that provides safe passage for trail users.
The federal funding is being allocated through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which helps Atlantic communities to develop competitive industry sectors; strengthen infrastructure; enhance environmental performance; overcome economic challenges; and build on their strengths to create long-term employment and economic growth.
Other funding partners are helping to make this project possible including: Government of Nova Scotia; Municipality of the County of Cumberland; Town of Oxford; Trans Canada Trail Foundation; and, Oxford & Area Trails Association.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada wants all Canadians to enjoy a healthy prosperous future. Investing in recreational infrastructure, like The Great Trail, supports active, healthy lifestyles, resulting in a healthier population. It also makes economic sense as the enhanced amenities help attract businesses and professionals to the area and contribute to tourism growth.”
− The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“It is fitting that this project, the world’s longest network of multi-use recreational trails, is being completed in the year Canada turns 150. Work began in 1992 on the project – then known as the Trans Canada Trail – to bring communities across our nation together to celebrate Canada’s 125th birthday. I am pleased to join the Oxford and Area Trails Association today to mark the completion of one of the last sections of the Great Trail in Nova Scotia, providing a continuous network from the New Brunswick border to the Town of Pictou.”
− Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester
"The Oxford Trail is a vitally important Trans Canada Trail connection of the Short Line Trail from Pictou and all points east, to the trail to the New Brunswick border and beyond. It creates recreational and economic development opportunities in the region. It has been an extraordinary effort by a group of community minded volunteers who have made this dream into reality right here in Oxford. "
− David Hoffman, President, Oxford and Area Trails Association
Quick Facts
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The Great Trail connects Canada from the Pacific, to the Atlantic, to the Arctic oceans, through rural, urban and wilderness areas in all 13 provinces and territories.
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It is nearly 24,000 km long and the longest multi-use recreational trail system in the world.
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The Government of Canada is supporting the development of The Great Trail, through a matching grant of one federal dollar for every two dollars raised, up to $25 million.
Contacts
D.A. Landry
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-564-3617 / 902-578-3813 (cell)
E-mail: da.landry@canada.ca
David Hoffman
President, OATA
Co-CEO Bragg Group
Phone: 902-447-2100 X 2076
E-mail: dhoffman@oxfordfrozenfoods.com
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