When completed, 170-km Shore-Line Trail will link Cap-Pelé with Alma
Trail is important to the local economy, says Cap-Acadie mayor, as work continues
Work on the next phase of a trail system that would connect much of southeastern New Brunswick is underway in Cap-Acadie.
The Shore-Line Trail is a 170-kilometre series of new and resurfaced trails that, when completed, will connect Cap-Pelé with Alma.
Some work began in 2023 on a section of trail between Mill Creek Park in Riverview and Parlee Beach Provincial Park.
Now that work has moved into Cap-Pelé.
Serge Léger, mayor of the municipality of Cap-Acadie, which includes Cap-Pelé, said the trail is significant for his community.
"The Shore-Line Trail is a big part of the southeast economy," said Léger . "We're so happy to be part of that."
This branch of the trail, the Cap-Acadie Route, would connect to the larger Shore-Line Trail.
The Shore-Line branch takes advantage of previous trails and decommissioned rail lines, while much of the Cap-Acadie Route has to be built from scratch.
The route would run between Boudreau-Ouest to Shemogue and according to the trail website would "maximize the views" and access the natural beauty of the region, while minimizing the ecological impact and the impact on private property.
That balance is something the municipality is working on, said Léger.
He said the municipality would like to put much of the trail along the water, which means working with private landowners.
"Some people are hesitant right now but we're working with them."
When completed, the trail system will connect six municipalities with a population of more than 150,000, according to the trail website, and will connect a large number of attractions, including Aboiteau Beach, Parlee Beach, Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park.
Léger said the economic benefits are huge and he expects the trails will draw a lot of tourists to the area, but that it's also a quality of life measure for year-round residents.
"This is just going to add to the service we offer to our citizens."
With files from Information Morning Moncton