Tourists and residents in the Clarenville/Shoal Harbour area will have better access to the network of trails in the region once the new pedestrian walkway is completed linking to the Bare Mountain Trail network and the Newfoundland Trailway.

Mr. Bill Matthews, MP for Random-Burin-St. George’s announced $93,135 in funding for the project on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Lucienne Robillard, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), President of the Queen’s Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

“The completion of this project will provide easier and safer access to the existing extensive trail network in the region and build on the cluster of attractions currently available,” said Mr. Matthews. “This region offers tourists a wide range of activities including hiking, skiing, and golf as well as natural attractions such as the Canada Goose Sanctuary. This initiative will create viewing areas for several natural scenic attractions and provide interpretation at the site.”

The Town of Clarenville and the Shoal Harbour Enhancement Committee are working together to complete the project. The addition of the pedestrian walkway will enhance the existing features of the site and will be another step in fully developing the area.

“This development puts us closer to achieving our goal of completely developing the site which will include interpretation of the nearby Canada Goose Sanctuary, salmon river and the history of logging and the sawmill industry in the area, “ said Fred Best, Mayor of Clarenville. “This project has been a truly collaborative partnership with a great deal of community support. Once completed, tourists and local residents alike will benefit.”

ACOA is providing $80,000 toward the project with HRSDC contributing $13,135. The Town of Clarenville is providing $50,024 in in-kind and cash contributions to the project with additional funds coming from the Shoal Harbour Enhancement Committee ($12,941).

The funding for this project is being provided through ACOA’s Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). SCIF is providing $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages the development of strategic sectors. This fund, administered by ACOA, is a component of the $700 million Atlantic Investment Partnership (AIP).

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The Shoal Harbour-Clarenville area will have a more accessible trail system thanks to a $93,135 contribution from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Human Resources Skills Development Canada. A pedestrian walkway adjacent to Shoal Harbour causeway will provide a vital and safe link to the Bare Mountain Trail Network and the Newfoundland Trailway.

In making the announcement, MP Bill Matthews commented that the initiative will not only link the trails but also complement the other attractions in the area.

For more information, please contact:

Valérie Poulin
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire
Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(613) 941-7241

Michael O’Shaughnessey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lucienne Robillard
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(613) 944-2482

Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA 
(709) 772-2935

Fred Best
Mayor, Clarenville
(709) 466-2276