Government of Canada supports developments of The Great Trail of Canada through four projects in Cape Breton

August 14, 2016 – Marble Mountain, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency





Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton. Canso today took part in celebrations of the grand opening of a newly-developed access point at Marble Mountain to help link The Great Trail’s Bras d’Or Lake water route.

This project was supported through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) with a $16,500 investment to the North Mountain Cultural and Recreation Association, making Marble Mountain an official entry point for The Great Trail water route. When completed, this water route will encompass 300 kilometers around the majestic Bras d'Or Lake, connecting the land-based trail, from Port Hastings to Whycocomagh, to North Sydney.

During the grand opening event today, MP Cuzner also announced funding for three additional access point projects, including the investment in the North Mountain entry point, for a total investment of $77,750.

· $33,750 through the ICF for the Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Inc.

· $20,300 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150) for the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre Association

· $7,200 through the ICF for the Johnstown Community Development Co-operative Limited

A fourth access point project via the Northern Yacht Club, also funded through the ICF, was announced earlier in July for $29,910.

Trans Canada Trail Foundation is also providing funding to four of the trail access projects. This includes $20,500 to the North Mountain Cultural and Recreation Association, $11,200 to the Johnstown Community Development Co-operative Limited, $29,910 to the Northern Yacht Club, and $39,250 to the Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Inc. The Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre Association is also contributing $25,000 to their land improvement and signage project.

Through a series of land and water development projects, The Great Trail will become the world’s longest network of multi-use recreational trails. Once connected in 2017, it will span nearly 24,000 kilometers through all 13 provinces and territories, linking over 15,000 communities.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support organizations like the North Mountain Cultural and Recreation Association who work to broaden tourism opportunities for rural communities across the country. When connected, The Great Trail will connect all Canadians from coast to coast to coast. As we approach Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation, what better way to strengthen our communities than by investing in the very places where we can come together to enjoy all that this great country has to offer.”

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“The Great Trail water route not only provides outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, it also helps to connect its users to the history of Canada. Water routes have played a critical role in the transportation of Canada’s First Nations and Metis people. Today, the Government of Canada is proud to support a Canada-wide initiative that unites people from coast to coast and celebrates our country’s rich heritage.”

- Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria

“Since 1992, Trans Canada Trail has been working with donors, partners, volunteers and all levels of government in the creation of The Great Trail of Canada. Water routes are a vital part of The Great Trail, making up 26% of our multi-use network. The Bras D’Or Lake water route in particular is a world-class paddling destination and a gift for the community and visitors to enjoy for years to come. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for its involvement in this important Trail project, and its continued support of Trans Canada Trail, as we work to connect Canadians in time for Canada 150 celebrations in 2017.”

- Deborah Apps, President & CEO, Trans Canada Trail

“NMCRA has for many years been revitalizing our community and especially our beach and wharf area through our fund raising efforts supported by several government and municipal programs. Our Family Day Weekend each year encourages people to come see and utilize this beautiful part of the Bras D’Or. We are thrilled this year to become part of the Trans Canada Trail – Blue Water Route. We now have the facilities to welcome kayakers to our shore who can explore our islands, coves, wildlife and experience nature’s beauty at its best. The support we received to enable us to do this is much appreciated.”

- George Chant, President & Chairperson, North Mountain Cultural and Recreation Association

Associated Links

Atlantic Growth Strategy

Marble Mountain Village

Central Cape Brenton Community Ventures Inc.

The Great Trail

Nova Scotia Trails Federation

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417/902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca

W.F. (Bill) Legge
Vice- Chair
North Mountain Cultural and Recreation Association
902-756-3052
E-mail : bill.legge@ns.sympatico.ca

Christina Kozakiewicz
Publicist
Trans Canada Trail
514-485-4344 / 514-562-4376 (cell)
E-mail: ckozakiewicz@tctrail.ca