The Newfoundland and Labrador government could soon build a new 850-kilometre trail network on the Northern Peninsula, according to a draft plan obtained by CBC/Radio-Canada.
The Great Coastal Trail would be almost three times as long as the East Coast Trail.
The first phase of the project — 500 kilometers of new trails linking Parson’s Pond, just north of Gros Morne National Park, to the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site — would cost about $21 million, according to a preliminary estimate.
CBC/Radio-Canada obtained a copy of a draft proposal prepared in February by Tracy Consulting on behalf of the provincial government and the Central Development Agency.
The Great Coastal Trail would be a catalyst for tourism and economic development for the region, according to the document.
no timeline; plan still in draft stage
During the project’s first phase, about $18 million would be spent on building trails, bridges and other amenities like camp sites.
About $2.5 million would be spent on salaries for three permanent and 80 seasonal employees. Between May and October, 20 teams of four will work to maintain the trail network.
Another 350 kilometers of trails linking L’Anse aux Meadows to Roddickton, a town to the southeast, would have been constructed during the project’s second phase. The draft plan does not include a cost estimate for Phase 2.
Provincial Tourism Minister Steve Crocker was not available for an interview Tuesday, but a spokesperson said the draft plan is subject to change.
The 16-page plan does not include a timeline for construction.
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