Premier Signs Memorandum to Help Build More Trails

Walking throughout Nova Scotia on the Trans Canada Trail just got easier.

Premier Rodney MacDonald, Trans Canada Trail National chair Valerie Pringle, Trans Canada Trail president and CEO Deborah Apps and Terry Norman, president of the Nova Scotia Trails Federation, today, Oct. 21, signed a memorandum of understanding to expand the trail system in Nova Scotia to make it the province most connected by trails.

The memorandum of understanding establishes a working relationship to complete the trail in Nova Scotia. It also encourages community support and assists community volunteers in the development of trails.

Trans Canada Trail National has also agreed to continue its national trail construction funding program, conduct national fundraising programs and support the planning and building of pavilions at visible locations in the province.

"The Trans Canada Trail is a wonderful showcase for the natural beauty of our great country," said Premier MacDonald. "The trail will also provide Nova Scotians with more opportunities for physical activities like, walking, running and biking."

"Trans Canada Trail is currently developing the world's longest recreational trail, connecting hundreds of Canadian communities said Ms. Pringle. "The trail, when completed, will run from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic oceans, through every province and territory, linking more than 33 million Canadians.

"It will showcase Canada at its best and trails in Nova Scotia will make up an important part of it."

"The signing of the memorandum of understanding is a milestone that shows the province understands the importance of trails and trail building for the communities and people of Nova Scotia," said Ms. Apps.

The province will establish an intergovernmental committee of representatives from departments that are responsible for building trails. The committee will work closely with the Nova Scotia Trails Federation to investigate ways to support the sustainable management of the Trans Canada Trail in Nova Scotia.

"Nova Scotia Trails appreciates the strong financial and public policy support that we have received from the government of Nova Scotia over the past 12 years," said Mr. Norman. "We are also thankful for the financial, administrative and moral support that we have received from Trans Canada Trail National.

"The memorandum of understanding we are signing is tangible evidence of the strength of our partnership."