CREDA File

Welcome to the CREDA File, a monthly column on economic development issues and activities in Cumberland County from the files of the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association - published monthly in the Citizen newspaper.

May 2009

 

Residents, business owners/operators and visitors along the Fundy Shore of Cumberland County are encouraged to spend a few minutes completing a confidential on-line survey that Novus Consulting Group is currently carrying out for CREDA. Please share your thoughts and views as they will help identify a community vision for the Fundy Shore and the opportunities for developing the area. As residents your input is important to us in helping to plan for the future. A link to the survey can also be found on the CREDA website main page at www.creda.net.

Novus Consulting has been retained by CREDA, in partnership with the Cumberland Development Corporation (CBCD Cumberland), to develop a Business Development Strategy for the communities along the Fundy Shore. Funding partners include ACOA and the Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development. Purpose of the study is to identify sustainable development activities (businesses) in communities along the Fundy Shore; catalogue underutilized, and existing infrastructure (i.e. old campgrounds, vacant buildings); identify potential opportunities and/or direction for business development ; investigate opportunities for existing home-grown manufacturing, value-added agriculture and other rural-based businesses; and to identify opportunities for return on investment for the private sector based on the draw of traffic to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cape Chignecto Provincial Park in Advocate Harbour will open for the 2009 season on May 15th, just in time for the Victoria Day Holiday weekend. The 4,200-hectare natural environment park is situated on a dramatic coastal peninsula and features 29 kilometres (18 miles) of pristine coastline, some of Nova Scotia’s most significant geological features, deep valleys, sheltered coves, rare plants, remnant old growth forest, scenic views, and a rich cultural heritage. Wilderness camping is offered in secluded coves and ravines, while a spectacular coastal hiking trail leads visitors along high cliffs and deep valleys. Because Cape Chignecto is a wilderness hiking and camping park, there are no drive-up camping sites although group camping is available, along with a cabin and a bunkhouse.

Visitors must register at the Red Rocks Visitor Centre on West Advocate Road prior to entering the Park. The Centre also offers interpretation, a gift shop, washrooms and a warm fire on a cool, wet day.

Meanwhile, the new Eatonville Day-Use area will open later this spring, road conditions permitting. Located in the once thriving settlement of Eatonville Harbour, Cape Chignecto’s Day-Use area will provide visitors with over 5-kilometres of accessible walking trails suitable for everyone including families and the physically challenged. Visitors to the new day use area will arrive via the West Apple River Road. While it might seem like a long drive, the experience waiting at the top of the cliffs is well worth the adventure. The new Three Sisters Interpretive Centre, a renewable energy building powered by solar panels, provides access to the trail system as well as information on the historical and geological significance of the area.

Two user-friendly trail systems offer an entire day of entertainment for park visitors. One trail takes visitors to the famous Three Sisters, three magnificent sea-stacks, engulfed in local folklore. The second trail leads to Squally Point, an actual raised beach that was created thousands of years ago when glaciers covered much of this area. There are rest and picnic areas along the trail systems and seven professionally engineered viewing platforms offering spectacular views of the upper Bay of Fundy as well as interpretive information.

For more information on Cape Chignecto, visit the website or call 392-2085. For reservations call 1-888-544-3434 or book on-line at novascotiaparks.ca.

 

 

If you have any questions or want further information regarding CREDA call 667-3638. CREDA is Quality System registered to ISO 9001:2000.