Province Acquires Rail Corridor

NATURAL RESOURCES/SPORT/RECREATION COMMISSION--Province Acquires Rail Corridor

Nova Scotia has acquired about 225 kilometres of abandoned rail corridor from New Minas to Yarmouth. Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive and Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the Sport and Recreation Commission, announced the acquisition in Kingston, Kings Co., today, July 24.

The province received the rail corridor, which was previously owned by the Dominion Atlantic Railway, at no cost from the Trans Canada Trail Foundation. About 810 hectares of abandoned rail corridor lands will be available for future development of recreational trails.

"The acquisition of these lands is the result of a government commitment to help promote healthy lifestyles, natural resources management and tourism," said Mr. Olive. "The Department of Natural Resources has an established track record for managing this type of land and balancing the interests of recreational trail proponents and the concerns of adjoining land owners regarding access to their property."

Abandoned rail corridors are managed by Natural Resources in co- operation with the Sport and Recreation Commission under A Provincial Policy for Rails to Trails in Nova Scotia, which supports community-based trail development.

The Department of Natural Resources makes these lands available for community trail development and the communities decide how the trails will be developed. Trail use is determined by the nature and location of the land and the objectives of the surrounding communities.

"Nova Scotians were among the first to recognize the benefits of trails to communities. I congratulate the Valley groups for recognizing the benefits associated with building a trail from New Minas to Yarmouth," said Mr. MacDonald. "This trail will offer excellent recreational opportunities for Nova Scotians and will help attract visitors to the region."

The Sport and Recreation Commission works with communities throughout Nova Scotia to promote the development of trails. In doing so, the local organizations join forces to promote healthy communities through active lifestyles and new economic development.