FREDERICTON (CNB) – A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been reached to complete the Trans-Canada Trail (TCT) in New Brunswick by 2017. Premier Shawn Graham made the announcement today.
The undertaking will be done in partnership with the provincial government, New Brunswick Trails Council Inc. and the Trans Canada Trail. The MOU will be signed in the near future.
"Completing the Trans Canada Trail is in keeping with our government's commitment to develop trail systems in our province and provide New Brunswickers and visitors an opportunity to enjoy our beautiful province while pursuing healthy activities,'' said Graham. "In the Charter for Change we said we would renew investments in our provincial trail system and we have invested $6.4 million over and above what had been spent on trail maintenance in the past.''
Trans Canada Trail has established the goal of completing the trail linking Canada's three coasts by 2017.
"Trans Canada Trail is currently developing the world's longest network of trails, linking 1,000 communities and more than 33 million Canadians," said Jane Murphy, national program co-ordinator, Trans Canada Trail. "New Brunswick offers an exciting variety of trail experiences, from the world-renowned Bay of Fundy to sparkling rivers, diverse ecosystems and the charm of its communities."
The remaining section of the trail to be completed is primarily from Saint John, along the Fundy coast, to Moncton and Sackville, most of which will use existing trails.
"As the official managers of the Sentier NB Trail system, the New Brunswick Trails Council Inc. is pleased to be partnered with Trans-Canada Trail and the Province of New Brunswick to complete the Trans Canada Trail,'' said Brian Clark, president of the trails council. "We look forward to the completion of the designated Trans Canada Trail on the Sentier NB Trail by 2017.''
The Trans Canada Trail has partnered with the New Brunswick Trails Council to complete a master trail plan. About half of the trail is completed within New Brunswick. It includes existing trail systems, including the Sentier NB Trail, a 1,200-km network of mostly Crown land with multi-use and non-motorized trails. The Sentier NB Trail is managed and maintained by the New Brunswick Trails Council.
The existing trail system also includes the Irving Trail through the St. John River Valley in Fredericton, Lower River Passage water route from Oromocto to Grand Bay-Westfield, the Fundy Footpath and Fundy National Park.
In addition to renewing investments in trail development, the provincial government has developed a long-term master plan for trails in New Brunswick.
"Reinvesting in the New Brunswick Trail System: A Long-Term Management Strategy" provides the vision to ensure our trail system will be strategically located, safe, and sustainable,'' Graham said. "As part of the MOU, we will incorporate the Trans Canada Trail's completion plan into our provincial trail master plan and our infrastructure funding programs.''
Under the MOU, Trans Canada Trail agrees to support funding requests for the development of the trail in New Brunswick.
03-08-10
