Two new Memorandum of Understanding Signings
Posted on Wednesday May 08, 2019
ECTA President Randy Murphy at MOU signing with Mayor Samuel Lee of the Town of Petty Harbour – Maddox Cove on March 11, 2019
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ECTA President Randy Murphy at MOU signing with Mayor Harold Mullowney of the Town of Bay Bulls on March 11, 2019
Two new Memorandum of Understanding signings for the East Coast Trail Association. Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove (PHMC) signs on for the 2nd time and Bay Bulls becomes the first Southern Shore community to participate in the agreement to work together to preserve, protect and enhance the trail. These latest signings bring the number of communities with active MOUs to ten.
PHMC was one of the first towns to sign on to the MOU program at the beginning: the former Council signed on May 7, 2015. The signing of the new updated MOU on March 11, 2019, in effect renews the town’s commitment to the ECTA by the current Council. PHMC has two beautiful paths running through their town that residents can enjoy at their doorstep: the Cape Spear Path (one of the busiest paths of all) and the spectacular Motion Path; the community link brings hikers through a world-renowned tourist destination rich in history and attractions, which happens to be the most photographed town on the island. The proximity of the trail to the Town allows visitors to experience the charm of a traditional Newfoundland fishing ommunity with a rich and colourful history.
Mayor Samuel Lee of the Town of PHMC says: “The Town of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove is very pleased to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the East Coast Trail Association. The town has two sections of trail within our town that bring tourists to our beautiful community who are eager to experience nature and hike the trails. Residents can take advantage of the beautifully preserved nature trails at any time throughout the year. The Town of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove acknowledges that the East Coast Trail is an asset to our residents, tourists and future generations.”
The MOU with Bay Bulls was signed on March 11, 2019, and it is the first MOU the ECTA has signed
with the town. It is also significant in that it is the first MOU with a ‘southern shore’ community. Bay Bulls has a spectacular coastline and hills rising to over 270 metres on which two hiking trails of the East Coast Trail system run: the dramatic signature trail, the Spout Path, and the popular Mickeleens Path. The hike through Bay Bulls allows hikers to experience a naturally-protected harbour, a busy marine erminal and a popular tourism destination that offers many attractions for visitors.
Mayor Harold Mullowney of the Town of Bay Bulls says: “The Town of Bay Bulls is proud to have such a spectacular asset, we recognize the value of what we have in the region. We see in excess of 80,000 tourists in our community every year – both local and international. Many say they can’t believe that they are able to walk freely in such a spectacular setting. We are very pleased to sign a Memorandum of understanding in support of the continued enhancement of the ECTA, and its preservation and protection.”
Signed MOUs are demonstrated progress of a commitment to partnership agreed to by all trail towns. On September 9, 2001 a Declaration was signed whereby all ‘trail towns’ agreed to work together to support the trail. To date, the ECTA has signed MOUs with ten communities on the eastern Avalon, establishing partnerships for enhanced cooperation on the care, management, and protection of the trail.
MOUs clarify roles and responsibilities for communities and the Association and formalize theprocess with which to share information on issues that affect the trail. Signed MOUs give the ECTA the ability to participate in the town’s budget consultation process every fall and submit a funding request, and also commit both parties to a review of terms every four years, after the election of a new Council.
