By Mark Squibb
Residents along the Southern Shore can expect to see some upgrades to the East Coast Trail in the near future.
The provincial government pledged $100,100 to the East Coast Trail Association’s 2025 Trail Enhancement Project in a pre-election spending announcement earlier this month.
The money will be used to enhance Caplin Bay Path between Calvert and Ferryland, and the Beaches Path between Witless Bay and Mobile. It will also focus on "assessment and replacement across the entire trail network," acording to a press release. The project will support 18 seasonal jobs.
It’s estimated the 336-kilometre trail network draws some 15,000 annual visitors.
The provincial government’s contribution leverages $283,822 in funding from the federal government and $46,478 from the East Coast Trail Association, for a total project cost of $440,400
“The East Coast Trail is more than a hiking trail – it’s a living connection to our province’s natural beauty, heritage and community spirit,” said Tourism Minister Fred Hutton in the same press release.
