Trail Projects: Atlantic

NEW BRUNSWICK

Moncton – Riverfront Trail Stabilization

The City of Moncton completed an emergency erosion protection project along the Petitcodiac River in early 2022 to protect the side of the trail, as well as two lookout structures. The work included the installation of a protective layer of riprap on the bank (approx. 220 m) and the placement of a geotextile fabric on the slope to further minimize erosion and increase stability.

Quispamsis – Winter Maintenance Study

The Town of Quispamsis undertook a pilot project to determine how additional winter maintenance (plowing, sanding) would impact trail use. The project was completed on the Quispamis to Rothesay Trail, and the numbers clearly showed the positive impact of winter maintenance. As a result, the Town will be including future winter maintenance in its municipal budget.

Shore-Line Trail Extensions

Three sections were added to the Trans Canada Trail network, all part of the Shore-Line Trail.

• In Shediac, a new 6-km section was constructed, along a former railway corridor, to expand the Town’s trail system to the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway. The trail connects with existing community trails and local attractions such as the Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf, the farmers market, restaurants and accommodations, and will provide a future link to the neighbouring community of Dieppe.
• Village of Cap-Pelé – this double track trail (5m wide) travels through a forested section of the Shore-Line Trail in the Village of Cap-Pelé. It will provide year-round access for walkers in the warmer months and will be groomed for winter cross- country skiing.
• Meandering along the banks of the Petitcodiac River, a new 8-km section of trail in the Village of Hillsborough provides stunning views of the surrounding tidal environments.

St. George – Coastal Link Trail Expansion

The Town of St. George expanded its trail network by building a 1.42-km Trail section behind the senior care home, providing an accessible, mobile-assist friendly trail for residents of the nursing home and the rest of the community. To ensure safe access to the trail, two crosswalks, road markings and signage were installed. In addition, work on drainage, erosion control and site restoration was undertaken.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Clarenville – Trail Maintenance

This project repaired the Clarenville section of the Newfoundland T’Railway, which begins at the eastern end of Clarenville and extends eastward for 12 km. Washouts were repaired, culverts replaced and overgrown alders along the trail were trimmed.

NOVA SCOTIA

Dartmouth – Salt Marsh Trail Accessible Picnic Shelter

Users of the Salt Marsh Trail, located in Dartmouth, benefited from the installation of an accessible picnic shelter and table to replace a non-accessible shelter, which had been removed during an earlier trail stabilization program. This Trail section is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality Active Transportation route, within the Cole Harbour Lawrencetown Provincial Park.

Dartmouth – Woodside to Shearwater Multi-Use Pathway

A study was completed of a 3-km section of busy roadway between Woodside and the Shearwater Flyer Trail, which identified an opportunity to take this Trans Canada Trail section off-road.

Rum Runners Trail – Martins River Bridge Repair

A study previously funded by TCT noted the need for significant upgrades on two bridges along this trail, to ensure connection and to assist in the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure. In 2022-23, masonry repairs on the Martins River Bridge were completed. A second project will be undertaken to complete repairs on the Mush-a-Mush River Bridge.

Sackville – Great Beech Hill Trail Development

This project involved the construction of the Great Beech Hill Trail (2.9 km) through Sackville Lakes Provincial Park. The trail connects the Lakeside Trail to the Windsor Junction Area, as well as to a planned greenway along Cobequid Road to connect to trails in the River Lake Corridor.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Montague – Trail Lighting Project

This project consisted of installing 44 light poles to improve visibility and safety along the Trail, thereby increasing accessibility and the number of usable hours during the winter months. With the addition of timers, there will also be a reduction in the amount of light pollution, so as not to disturb nocturnal animals.