In a bid to enhance resilience against the challenges posed by a changing climate, the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail in Cape Breton is set to undergo a significant renovation.
The Province has announced funding of $158,400 for the project, sourced from the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund. The announcement was made last Monday in Louisbourg, marking a pivotal step towards safeguarding this cherished trail against the impacts of climate change.
Brian Comer, Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health and MLA for Cape Breton East, announces funding for the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail alongside Carter Stevens, Chair, Coastal Connections Trail Association, which maintains the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail. Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia
The Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail, which holds historical significance and provides access to the renowned Fortress of Louisbourg, will witness a transformation thanks to the collaboration between the Coastal Connections Trail Association, a not-for-profit organization, and government partners.
The trail had experienced damage from Hurricane Fiona, prompting a proactive response to relocate and rebuild the sections most affected by the hurricane's aftermath. These strategic measures aim to mitigate potential future damage caused by storm surges and other climate-related factors.
Brian Comer, Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health and MLA for Cape Breton East, delivered the government's message and underscored the project's importance. "This funding is about maintaining our connection to nature and our community, and our commitment to tackling the challenges of our changing climate," he said on behalf of Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Comer highlighted the collective strength of communities in dealing with climate change's impacts and applauded the Louisbourg Lighthouse Coastal Trail Committee's dedication to securing rural infrastructure.
Established as part of the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, the the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund provides a total of $15 million over three years to support projects that foster climate change adaptation, mitigation, and greenhouse gas reduction. The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, which administers the fund on behalf of the government, has expressed enthusiasm for the Louisbourg project's proactive stance against climate change.
Carter Stevens, Chair of the Coastal Connections Trail Association, commended the government's partnership in addressing climate change impacts. "Thanks to our government partners, we will be able to restore the three Fiona-damaged sections of trail by rerouting and redesigning the trail, which will prevent future damage," Stevens noted. He emphasized that such restorative efforts are often unattainable for smaller rural communities without external support.
Juanita Spencer, CEO of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, lauded the Louisbourg project as a testament to the fund's commitment to bolstering community resilience. "The Coastal Connections Trail Association's project is funded through the adaptation stream, designed to help communities proactively prepare and respond to climate change," Spencer affirmed. The fund's focus on sustainability and the protection of outdoor recreation and active transportation aligns well with the objectives of the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail restoration.
As Cape Breton takes a significant step towards safeguarding its cherished Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail, this venture not only promises to protect historical and recreational infrastructure but also symbolizes a united front in the face of climate change's ever-evolving challenges.
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