Smoother, safer rides for drivers and cyclists along the Cabot Trail
BADDECK, NS, April 20, 2017 /CNW/ - Modern and efficient roadways are crucial to encouraging and supporting economic activity, facilitating trade, and creating good paying, middle class jobs. The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are investing in well-planned infrastructure that will make it easier to move people and products across the province, while supporting sustained economic growth and productivity for years to come.
Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney‒Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, announced joint funding for the rehabilitation of more than 22 kilometres of road along Cape Breton's scenic Cabot Trail parkway.
Residents and tourists will benefit from smoother roads along four distinct sections of Trunk 30 on the Eastern edge of Cape Breton Island, with new paved shoulders to better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.
These vital upgrades to one of Nova Scotia's major highways and premier tourist destinations will significantly improve road conditions, increase public safety and contribute to the unforgettable experience of navigating the Cabot Trail and its breathtaking sights.
The Government of Canada is contributing approximately $11.2 million to this project under the Small Communities Fund. The province of Nova Scotia is providing $24.8 million.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is working closely with Nova Scotia to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that promote economic development that also help to grow the middle class. These improvements to the Cabot Trail will help draw even more people to Cape Breton's spectacular attractions, further strengthening the region's reputation as a premier tourist destination."
Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney‒Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The highway around the Cabot Trail is not only vital to keeping our citizens connected but is foundational to the economy of those communities. This has been a long time coming."
Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso
"The Cabot Trail is considered one of the world's most scenic destinations attracting thousands of visitors to Nova Scotia. It's a key contributor to the province's tourism industry and economy. Today's provincial and federal investment will not only make the Cabot Trail safer, it will help contribute to long-term growth and prosperity, especially for tourism."
The Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
Quick facts
- The Cape Breton Highlands National Park, accessed via the Cabot Trail, is one of Nova Scotia's premier tourist attractions with approximately 400,000 visitors annually.
- The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- Budget 2017 proposes over $10.1 billion in trade and transportation projects across Canada. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Associated links
Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2017/docs/plan/chap-02-en.html#Toc477707375
Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html.
Small Communities Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html.
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
For further information: Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Brian Taylor, Communications Advisor, Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, 902-220-1727, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [email protected], Twitter: @INFC_eng, Web: Infrastructure Canada
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