New Brunswick’s Section of The Great Trail Now Connected

Momentum building as Trans Canada Trail works to connect The Great Trail for Canada 150 celebrations in 2017.

Trans Canada Trail (TCT) is thrilled to announce that New Brunswick’s section of The Great Trail is now connected, province-wide, making it Canada’s fifth province or territory — after Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Yukon and Saskatchewan — to reach this milestone.

This achievement was marked at a public celebration at Government House, the historic residence of New Brunswick Lieutenant-Governor, The Honourable Jocelyne Roy Vienneau. “The Trail links New Brunswickers to our environment, to Mother Earth and to one another,” said Lt-Gov Jocelyne Roy Vienneau. “I am humbled that the grounds of Government House, on traditional Maliseet territory, can be used to mark this historic event.”

“After many years of hard work we are very happy to celebrate 100% connection of The Great Trail in New Brunswick,” says The Honourable Brian Gallant, Premier of New Brunswick. “The Trail showcases the wonderful natural gems, iconic cities and spirited communities of our province. This will be a great legacy for New Brunswick.”

The celebration of New Brunswick’s achievement was attended by TCT partners, volunteers, donors and government supporters. “The Great Trail has been bringing Canadians together — in the spirit of volunteerism and community engagement — for nearly 25 years. We are grateful for the continued support of our partners, volunteers, donors and all levels of government as we work to connect the Trail country-wide for Canada 150 celebrations in 2017,” says Deborah Apps, TCT president & CEO. “With New Brunswick’s section now connected, we are much closer to making this dream a reality.”

TCT is supported by financial contributions from donors in both the public and private sectors, who believe in TCT’s commitment to investing in vital infrastructure for safe, affordable outdoor activity, and to fostering an appreciation for Canada’s spectacular natural heritage. The following TCT donors played an integral role in connecting New Brunswick’s section of The Great Trail:

All gifts to TCT are matched by the Government of Canada, as part of a funding program to support TCT’s 2017 national connection goal. This program has the Federal Government contributing one dollar for every two raised by TCT, up to $25 million. This support allows for Trail development across the country, benefitting Canadians and strengthening communities.

Matt DeCourcey, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, spoke at the event. “With the connection of New Brunswick’s section of The Great Trail, we have an opportunity to experience the vast beauty and diversity of our province, its people, landscapes and communities, in a way that enriches and deepens our appreciation of our home,” says DeCourcey. “It’s fitting that, as we look to next year’s celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, we can also celebrate this Trail that not only connects New Brunswickers and Canadians, in a way unmatched by any country in the world.”

“Fredericton is honoured to be host city for the 100% connected New Brunswick celebration. On behalf of Council, I would like to extend my congratulations to the countless volunteers who have made this possible.” – Eric Megarity, Fredericton City Councillor

Every Canadian province and territory is home to its own section of The Great Trail, which is owned and operated at the local level. Since 1995, New Brunswick Trails Council Inc. (NBTCI), a recognized trail leader, has been a valued TCT partner, responsible for planning, designing and building the majority of the Trail in New Brunswick. Working with local governments, Trail groups and supporters, NBTCI has been the driving force in connecting The Great Trail across the province.

“The McCain Foundation is dedicated to helping projects in Atlantic Canada that bring about positive change for health and welfare in our communities,” says Linda McCain, chair of The McCain Foundation. “We are proud to fund the connection of The Great Trail in our home province of New Brunswick, giving families the chance to get outdoors, be active and explore our beautiful area.”

“New Brunswick will be connected to our neighbouring provinces and to the rest of Canada by means of The Great Trail,” says NBTCI president Jim Fournier. “The Trail provides New Brunswickers with opportunities to enjoy our fabulous outdoors, and allows us to connect with nature. We are proud to be part of The Great Trail, the longest recreational trail in the world.”

Now connected, The Great Trail route in New Brunswick spans just over 900 kilometres from the Quebec border to the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island and through to Nova Scotia. The Trail’s provincial route passes through many picturesque landscapes and historic communities and traverses magnificent fresh and salt water marshes.

“Scotiabank is proud to support Trans Canada Trail and their efforts to promote Canada’s rich history, natural beauty and geographic diversity. Congratulations to the many volunteers who contributed to the connection of the New Brunswick section of The Great Trail. This achievement brings us one step closer to achieving the goal of building the longest and most beautiful recreational trail in the world by the 150th Anniversary of Canada’s Confederation in 2017.” – Brian Porter, president & CEO, Scotiabank

The Great Trail currently spans over 21,000 kilometres across the country and, nationally, is 90% connected. TCT’s goal is to connect the entire network, nearly 24,000 kilometres, in 2017. But, connection is only the beginning: TCT will continue to encourage Canadians and visitors to discover, experience and cherish the Trail by supporting improvements and by sustaining its integrity for future generations.