Cape Chignecto Park Officially Opens
Cape Chignecto, the newest and largest park in the provincial parks system, officially opens Saturday, July 25, Natural Resources Minister Kennie MacAskill announced today.
"Cape Chignecto Park at West Advocate is officially part of the parks system," said Mr. MacAskill. "This new park will contribute to outdoor recreation and nature tourism for western Cumberland County."
Overlooking Chignecto Bay and Advocate Bay, the 4,100-hectare (10,000-acre) wilderness park offers back-country hike-in camping, 45 kilometres of hiking trails, and access to the Bay of Fundy shoreline.
Planning and development of Cape Chignecto Park have involved the Department of Natural Resources in partnership with community groups, the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Agency and various funding partners. Funding for the park came from Human Resources Development Canada ($916,837), the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ($120,000), and Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism ($100,000).
"The natural beauty of this area of Nova Scotia is something tourists and trail enthusiasts alike will experience as a result of this park," said Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, and Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
"The government of Canada is pleased to have been able to assist in developing the park and I'm sure the local area will benefit economically for years to come," said Senator Graham.
"I want to thank all the groups and agencies for their support in this partnership," said Mr. MacAskill. "Special thanks to Walton Rector, Stan Spicer and Ruth Allen who have chaired the various park advisory committees and management boards over the years of planning and development."
The Department of Natural Resources has signed a 10-year agreement with the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Agency and the Cape Chignecto Management Board to operate and manage the park.
"The opening of this world-class facility is the result of 20 years of planning and hard work by community members from Advocate and Cumberland County," said Ruth Allen, chair of the management board. "Local associations, as well as individuals from the communities around Cape Chignecto who volunteered their time and materials, have all played an important role in the opening of this park."
The park opened June 26 for the 1998 season.