News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – More than $185,000 in provincial, federal and municipal funding will allow Fredericton’s Wostawea Cross-Country Ski Club to improve trails at Killarney Lake. The investments are aimed at making the region a destination of choice for recreational and competitive cross-country skiers.

“The provincial government is committed to investing in projects that promote wellness and active living for all ages,” said Families and Children Minister Stephen Horsman. “These trail upgrades will create new routes for local users, as well as potential winter tourism opportunities by expanding the trail system as an option for regional and national ski events.”

Horsman spoke on behalf of Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames.

The project includes developing nine kilometres of new trails, as well as improving five kilometres of existing trails for cross-country skiing and hiking. This includes grading, smoothing and adding crushed gravel.

The provincial government is contributing $20,000. The federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, is investing $90,131. The City of Fredericton is providing $75,000.

“The federal government is committed to working closely with municipalities and communities to support projects that contribute to the quality of life of the families who live there,” said Fredericton MP Matt DeCourcey. “Expanding the trail system at Killarney Lake is increasing local options for recreational skiing, while attracting important regional and national events that will create opportunities for economic growth and diversification.”

DeCourcey attended for federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for ACOA.

“Wostawea’s membership has doubled in the past decade as more and more Frederictonians discover the joys of cross-country skiing,” said club president John Ball. “These new trails will offer exciting new routes and challenges for recreational skiers and racers of all ages, and should make Killarney Lake Park the cross-country ski destination of choice for southern and central New Brunswick. We are also excited that this will enable the city to attract higher-level competitions.”

“Our government is proud to be part of the Canada 150 Celebrations,” said Horsman.  “We plan to invest at least $10 million to promote New Brunswick as a destination for tourists during the 2017 year-long Canada 150 celebrations. Events in the sports, tourism, heritage, arts and cultural sectors are expected to attract visitors and stimulate our economy. I encourage all New Brunswickers to be proud of who they are and where they come from, and to celebrate our heritage and history in 2017.”

The tourism industry is an important job creator, employing 42,100 people in New Brunswick as of August 2015, which was an increase of 3,200 over the previous year. It contributes $522 million annually to the provincial GDP.

In 2015, for every public dollar spent on marketing the province, there was a return of $3.19 to help fund important social programs.