Snowmobile Project Supports Winter Tourism

TOURISM, CULTURE AND HERITAGE--Snowmobile Project Supports Winter Tourism

The province is teaming up with seven snowmobile clubs to extend and upgrade trails in the Cape Breton highlands.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister, Rodney MacDonald, announced today, Feb. 21, an investment of $130,690 for the Cape Breton Highlands snowmobile project. This one-time investment will help the clubs develop a world-class snowmobile destination.

"Developing competitive winter tourism products and experiences is a key priority for Nova Scotia," said Mr. MacDonald. "This project will attract more visitors to northern Cape Breton during the winter months, which will extend the tourism season for many local businesses."

The Cape Breton Highlands snowmobile project will be managed by a committee representing seven snowmobile clubs and 658 members in northern Cape Breton. The investment will enable the snowmobile clubs to provide consistent regulatory signage on all trails, to develop a new trail map, and to develop a new trail which will complete the trail system to Cheticamp.

"Cape Breton has all the elements to become a world-class snowmobile tourism destination," said Laurie Cranton, project chair and member of the Margaree Highlanders Snowmobile Club. "Our clubs are committed to providing visitors with consistently groomed trails and a high-quality snowmobile experience."

Today's investment is part of $15 million in funding announced by Mr. MacDonald in December 2004. That funding is designed to help boost Nova Scotia's tourism industry in the areas of marketing, product development, and regional tourism initiatives.