'A real gem': Report outlines what the future could hold for P.E.I.'s Confederation Trail
User groups largely pleased with recommendations in independent report
The P.E.I. government has released recommendations about how the Confederation Trail could be used in the future.
The independent report on the trail, which runs on old rail beds from one end of the province to the other, was prepared by the firm Volume 18, and was based on feedback from Islanders during public consultation sessions.
The P.E.I. Snowmobile Association was pleased to see the recommendations include renewing a lease for exclusive snowmobile use in winter. That lease expires in March 2026.
"I think that the government realizes the economic value that we can bring to the communities, especially the communities in rural P.E.I., between the restaurant owners and the gas stations and the hotels that are our partners," said Dale Hockox of the snowmobile association.
"We bring a lot to them when the snow is here. It makes a big difference to those rural companies [and] businesses."
The report also recommends against allowing all-terrain vehicles on the tip-to-tip trail network, a rule that's currently in place. ATV riders can now only cross the trail in designated areas.
Plans are underway to create an Island-wide network of trails exclusively for ATV use.
Find a space for horses
The report calls for more accessible washrooms along the Confederation Trail, setting speed limits for things like e-bikes, and adding more trail enforcement officers.
It also suggests finding an ideal network for horseback riders, who are currently allowed on certain sections of the trail as a pilot project.
Some riders like Sylvia Hall Andrews were happy to be included in the report, but disappointed their access to the trail won't be expanded yet.
She said horses have been on sections of the trails for a few years now with no issues.
"It's a draw. We have this gem that is being underutilized in the field of equestrian tourism," Hall Andrews said.
"That's something that in a province that thrives on bringing tourists in and showing them what we have to offer, horseback riders and horse owners are yet another factor that could be considered in the tourism facet."
Infrastructure Minister Ernie Hudson said he now wants to meet with the groups that use the trail to get their thoughts on these suggestions.
It would be premature to say when or if all of the recommendations will be implemented, he said.
"With the Confederation Trail we have a real gem there," Hudson said.
"With that, how can we enhance it, how can we improve it?"