Trail Update
Update on the Proposed East River Valley Shared Use Trail (August 2008)
In the June issue ERVCDA reported on the brush clearing that has been taking place on the abandoned rail bed between Eureka and Sunny Brae. The former railway right-of-way is provincial Crown land administered by the Department of Natural Resources. The provincial government has a policy respecting abandoned railways which gives priority to development of the land for public use as a recreational trail.
The railway right-of-way was identified a number of years ago as an excellent opportunity for development of the Trans Canada Trail. This trail will be part of the world’s longest recreational trail crossing the country from the Atlantic Ocean (St. John’s, Newfoundland) and the Pacific Ocean and north to the Arctic Ocean. Television personality Valerie Pringle heads the group of volunteers working at the national level while the Nova Scotia Trails Federation (NS Trails) is the Nova Scotia partner working with local communities to have the trail completed as a locally-led initiative. The Trans Canada Trail will be a network of connected community trails – a trail of trails. ERVCDA has joined NS Trails and that organization’s representative for our region is already working closely with us.
In the upcoming months two important steps will be undertaken. First, the process established by government leading to formal designation as a recreational trail requires that ERVCDA consult the community on the trail proposal. In particular it is important that adjacent landowners be informed of the plans and given an opportunity to bring forward any concerns so solutions may be identified to address any adverse impacts that trail development might cause. The provincial policy speaks of a “good neighbour” approach and this is fully supported by ERVCDA. East River Valley residents will be asked to share their ideas on this trail proposal.
The second priority area is the assessment of the railway right-of-way to determine what issues need to be managed in the development process. River and other watercourse crossings, as well as road crossings, require special attention to ensure public safety and appropriate procedures to protect the environment. This technical work is necessary in order to prepare trail development plans and projected trail development costs. Some river bank erosion of the right-of-way exists. Because a shared use trail forming part of the Trans Canada Trail is being proposed we can apply for funding from the Off-highway Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, the Recreational Facility Development program of the Department of Health Promotion and Protection and from the Trans Canada Trail Foundation. Persons involved with these funding opportunities have been very encouraging.
East River Valley residents will be provided with additional details and the opportunity to discuss the proposal at a public meeting. Government officials and trail developers will be available to present information, answer questions and generally gain a better understanding of public opinion with respect to the shared use trail proposal.