INKERMAN (CNB) - The provincial government is joining with local community groups to develop the Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne, or Acadian Peninsula bicycle trail, Transportation Minister Denis Landry announced today.
Wellness, Culture and Sport Minister Hédard Albert; Jean-Guy Rioux, the chair of the 2009 World Acadian Congress (WAC) organizing committee; Armand Caron and Serge Dugas, of the Amis de la Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne, were also in attendance.
"Investing in the development of a bicycle trail will promote the well-being of Acadian Peninsula residents of all ages, as well as tourists visiting the region," said Landry. "This project could become a major eco-tourism project for the Acadian Peninsula."
Landry was speaking on behalf of Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.
The provincial government will invest $200,000 in the project through the Regional Development Corporation. The 2009 WAC will contribute $175,000, while the Amis de la Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne will provide $25,000. The funds will be used for the planning and development of a 316-km bicycle trail across the Acadian Peninsula, from Grande-Anse to Neguac, linking the 14 municipalities and the local service districts.
"The members of the organizing committee and the entire team behind the 2009 World Acadian Congress are particularly proud to contribute to the Acadian Peninsula trail," said Rioux. "Our objective was to leave a legacy to an activity illustrating the theme of the 2009 event, L'Acadie rassemble (Acadia comes together). The Acadian Peninsula trail brings something new that will benefit the region's entire population, and as a result, it fits in perfectly with the vision of the 2009 WAC."
Caron, president of the Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne inc., said the trail will promote the development of a unifying initiative for the Acadian Peninsula and a safe leisure infrastructure for biking and walking enthusiasts.
"Besides improving the quality of life of Acadian Peninsula residents, this paved trail will become a destination for thousands of tourists who will discover the beauty of our coastline, the richness of our culture, the hospitality of our communities, and our other tourist attractions," he said. "With the trail, our region joins the worldwide trend of eco-tourism development."
13-07-10
