Minister Introduces Pedestrian Trails Liability Protection Act

Monday, May 3, 2010

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador News Release

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today introduced new legislation in the House of Assembly designed to ensure maximum public access to designated hiking trails.

“The Provincial Government has supported several non-profit organizations in their efforts to develop and maintain hiking trails that are attracting hikers from throughout this province and around the world,” said Minister French. “Those efforts have been very successful, resulting in a marked increase in utilization of the trails. The Pedestrian Trails Liability Protection Act provides assurances to private landowners that, if they agree to permit their property to be used as part of a designated hiking trail, they will have liability protection should an injury occur.”

The Pedestrian Trails Liability Protection Act enables non-profit organizations to move forward with formal plans to further develop pedestrian trails in Newfoundland and Labrador. The need for such legislation was first raised by the East Coast Trail Association (ECTA) and today that organization expressed its appreciation that it has come to fruition.

“Landowner co-operation is critical to our efforts to build and maintain a world-class hiking trail,” said Randy Murphy, President of the East Coast Trail Association. “This is a simple piece of legislation which should give landowners enhanced peace of mind and another good reason to work with the association to provide and maintain access across private lands. This act is a positive step forward and will help ensure the future sustainability of the East Coast Trail.”