September 6, 2019
Government is investing in two popular tourist destinations on Nova Scotia's iconic Bay of Fundy - Cape Split and Burntcoat Head Park.
"The Bay of Fundy is an internationally renowned natural wonder and one of our tourism icons," said Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Business and Minister responsible for Tourism Nova Scotia. "These investments will provide new opportunities for visitors to have amazing experiences connecting with the wonders of the Bay of Fundy through improved infrastructure at its coastal parks."
Overseen by the Department of Lands and Forestry, phased improvements to Cape Split will include a new looped trail system featuring shorter hikes and curated coastal viewing platforms, along with new trailhead and wayfinding signs. The total budget for this project is $400,000, contributed through the Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program.
The Municipality of East Hants will update the master development plan to grow and support visitation to Burntcoat Head Park in an environmentally sustainable way. The updated plan will consider coastal erosion and provide options for a new location and expansion plan for the lighthouse. It will also consider park layout to optimize space for visitors and programming during high tide and explore culinary options. The Burntcoat Head Park project budget is $50,000, with the province contributing $25,000 through the Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program and the Municipality of East Hants investing $25,000.
Quotes:
"Cape Split is one of Nova Scotia's famous coastal hikes. Expanding the trail system will make the overall experience better for hikers and enhance opportunities for recreation, tourism and economic growth around the Bay of Fundy."
- Iain Rankin, Minister of Lands and Forestry
"Visitors from around the world are coming to East Hants to experience the world's highest tides right here at Burntcoat Head Park. East Hants is pleased to partner with Tourism Nova Scotia on this project to update council's original master plan for the park by providing possibilities for future enhancements."
- Jim Smith, Warden, Municipality of East Hants.
"This is exciting news for both our trails community and businesses in the area. Cape Split is a beautiful trail and these enhancements respond to feedback from hikers, ultimately providing a better experience. We hope this project will bring even more people to this incredible part of Nova Scotia."
- Beth Patillo, chair, Nova Scotia Trails and food safety manager, Noggins Corner Farm II Ltd., Wolfville.
Quick Facts:
-- investments are being made under the Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program. This is a $6-million infrastructure funding program, administered by Tourism Nova Scotia, focused on revitalizing Nova Scotia's most competitive tourism sites and enhancing opportunities for private sector businesses to create new excursions and experiences
-- the Cape Split budget includes $180,000 for planning and development of infrastructure enhancements and $220,000 for implementation
-- icons that will receive infrastructure investments through the Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program are, Peggy's Cove - $2 million, Halifax Waterfront, $1.5 million, Cabot Trail - $1 million, Bay of Fundy, including Annapolis Royal - $750,000, Lunenburg Waterfront - $750,000
Additional Resources:
Cape Split Proposed Southern Loop Map, https://tourismns.ca/sites/default/files/Cape%20Split%20Proposed%20Trail%20-%20Sept%202019.pdf
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Media Contact: Zandra Alexander
902-424-5496
Email: zandra.alexander@novascotia.ca