SYDNEY (NS) – July 25, 2008 – The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are working in partnership with the municipalities of Victoria and Inverness to enhance the experiences of tourists travelling the world-famous Cabot Trail. The Cabot Trail Working Association will receive funding to assist with the design and installation of directional and interpretive signage as well as kiosks in various areas along the Cabot Trail.
“Our government’s contribution of nearly $185,000 to this project is a strategic investment in the development of the Island’s tourism infrastructure, as well as a demonstration of our commitment to helping communities enhance their economic development capacity,” said Parliamentary Secretary Gerald Keddy, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
"The Cabot Trail is one of Nova Scotia's most famous icons and a key tourism destination," said Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Bill Dooks. "The kiosks and signage will provide information to visitors on local attractions and activities, thus enhancing their experience and encouraging them to stay longer.”
The Cabot Trail Working Association, in partnership with local community groups and business operators, will place directional and interpretive signs, as well as kiosks in various areas of the Cabot Trail. The ultimate goal is to increase business in the eight areas around the Cabot Trail, enabling them to experience greater economic prosperity.
“Cabot Trail operators identified the need for an improved sign and kiosk program along the trail,” said Kim Lemky from the Cabot Trail Working Association. “This will assist visitors throughout their travels, guiding them to local businesses, such as restaurants, gift shops and boat tours.”
The overall cost of the project is $256,010. ECBC, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $184,509. The Province of Nova Scotia provided a contribution of $25,000. The Municipality of the County of Inverness and the Municipality of Victoria County each provided a grant of $2,500 as well. The Cabot Trail Working Association is contributing the remainder.
In 2005, the Cabot Trail Working Association was formed to address product development needs for one of Nova Scotia's key tourism icons, the Cabot Trail. Since then, this industry-led group has embarked upon a number of initiatives aimed at improving the visitor experience for tourists traversing the world-famous Cabot Trail.
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
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INFORMATION:
D.A. Landry
Director, ECBC Communications
902-564-3617
Kim Lemky
Cabot Trail Working Association
902-224-1683