News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL AGENCY--MULTI-USER TRAILS UPGRADED
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The Inverness and Victoria Counties multi-user trail system
is to be upgraded to facilitate and capitalize upon growing
winter use.
Support for the $64,000 project from the Economic Renewal
Agency's community opportunities fund, Enterprise Cape Breton
Corporation, municipal government, snowmobile clubs and the
Glenora Inn, indicates recognition of the importance of the
trails to the local area.
The development of the trail system is bound to appeal to a
large cross section of society. The multi-user system offers
sports enthusiasts year-round highland access and a chance to
practise their favourite pastime, as well as providing a view of
some of Nova Scotia's most breathtaking scenery.
In the summer, hikers, runners, horseback riders and
mountain bikers make use of 700 km of marked and prepared trails
from Port Hawkesbury into the Cape Breton Highlands. In the
winter, the trails are a hit with a large number of snowmobilers
and as a result, benefit local businesses.
The planned upgrading will create new trails and facilitate
the connection of existing trails to provide a completed loop
encompassing the communities of Cheticamp, Inverness, Margaree,
Mabou, Port Hastings and Port Hood. It will also widen parts of
existing trails and bridges in order to allow a groomer to make a
continuous loop.
The Inverness/Victoria Counties Trail Federation will be
able to increase the number of groomed kilometres of trail from
the existing 250 to approximately 360. Volunteer work has already
begun.
"The trail system is of substantial economic benefit now,"
said Bill MacCarthy of the Inverness/Victoria Counties Trails
Federation. "The Glenora Inn and Distillery is tripling in size
in anticipation of increased trade during a 12 month season, and
accommodations, restaurants and service stations are enjoying
substantial business," he added. The inn is considering a 22-room
expansion and may rent snowmobiles, as well.
Statistics Canada estimates there are 19,000 snowmobiles in
Nova Scotia and last year, the sport generated an estimated $37
million in the province, mostly through fuel, accommodation and
food purchases. Further development of the trails also aims to
promote Cape Breton as a winter destination for snowmobilers from
out of province.
"By assisting with the improvement of the multi-user trail
system, the community opportunities fund will benefit several
communities, user groups and businesses in a large geographical
region, at what has traditionally been a slow time of year," said
Economic Renewal Minister Ross Bragg. "As such, the major
contributors can be confident their investment represents an
efficient use of resources."
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Contact: Joe Cottreau
(902) 424-3970
January 27, 1995
