Federal Economic Stimulus Funds East Coast Trail Expansion
Friday, July 24, 2009
St. John’s (NL) July 24, 2009 The East Coast Trail Association (ECTA) will extend the developed portion of their trail system north from Logy Bay to Flatrock with the support of more than $550,000 from the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a key economic stimulus initiative under the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Senator Fabian Manning made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The East Coast Trail is one of the relatively new icons within the tourism portfolio for the east coast of Newfoundland, said Senator Manning. Users of this trail system, which stretches from Cappahayden in the south to north of St. John’s know about the magnificent scenery, the abundance of wildlife, and the close connection to nature’s wonder and splendour that is literally at the doorsteps of the communities along the province’s east coast. More visitors and residents are also finding the tremendous benefits these developed hiking trails are providing for fitness and recreation.
The project will see the ECTA construct 17.5 kilometres of trail from Logy Bay to Flatrock. The project will include construction of parking areas, trailheads, sections of boardwalk, stairs and footbridges and the installation of directional and way-finding signage. The project will also include planning and design for a seven-kilometre hiking trail between Pouch Cove and Cape St. Francis.
Through a large scale volunteer effort and corporate contributions, the ECTA has developed approximately 246 kilometres of the trail. The association has succeeded in generating significant international interest in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United States and throughout Canada. In 1997, the Association was the recipient of the Canadian Heritage/Hospitality Newfoundland Sustainable Tourism Award and has also achieved national recognition as a Tourism Attraction (Attractions Canada) and international journalistic acclaim.
We know that we can begin quickly and our trail crews will be on the trail as soon as possible, said ECTA President Randy Murphy. The work on our trials not only generates employment in the local economy, but the trail is seen as a vital tourism asset, which will continue to bring significant social and economic benefits to the region, in particular to the communities where it is located. We view the trail as an investment
opportunity to strategically connect existing and new tourism infrastructure, attractions, events and activities throughout the region. This part of the project 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.
Over the next two years, the federal Community Adjustment Fund will deliver a total of $1 billion to local economies throughout Canada.
Non-profit organizations; post-secondary institutions; individuals; co-operatives; small and medium-sized enterprises; First Nations governments; and provincial and municipal governments that have eligible projects that can be completed before March 31, 2011 are invited to submit proposals.
Individuals interested in learning more about how to apply for funding under CAF are encouraged to contact their local ACOA office. For more information regarding the CAF application process, please consult ACOA’s website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
For information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada is supporting the East Coast Trail Association’s work to develop the nationally recognized trail from Logy Bay to Flatrock with funding provided through the $1 billion Community Adjustment Fund. The fund, an economic stimulus initiative under the federal government’s Economic Action Plan, will help create jobs and maintain employment in communities across Canada.
Senator Fabian Manning today announced federal support of more than $550,000 for the East Coast Trail Association to complete the Logy Bay to Flatrock portion of the trail, which is now extended north of St. John’s. 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.
INFORMATION:
Erin Filliter
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Doug Burgess
The Official Press Release (English) in PDF format
The Official Press Release (French) in PDF format
Images from left to right: Randy Murphy, Senator Fabian Manning, Randy Murphy giving Fabian Manning an East Coast Trail coffee Mug.
