Cape Split Provincial Park, one of Nova Scotia’s most popular trails systems, reopens to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts today, July 31.

The eight-kilometre trail was closed to visitors on July 4 as post-tropical storm Arthur approached Nova Scotia.

Many trees were knocked down by the storm or in danger of falling, and the province kept the park closed until repairs could be completed.

“We moved fast to get Cape Split open again because it’s important to local businesses and it’s important to all Nova Scotians,” said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill.

MLA Keith Irving, speaking on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson, said Cape Split attracts about 15,000 visitors each year.

“It’s one of our province’s hiking treasures, where visitors to Nova Scotia can enjoy the dramatic scenery of our Bay of Fundy coast,” said Mr. Irving.

Despite pressures to reopen the park earlier, Mr. Churchill said the safety of Cape Split visitors trumped all other concerns.

The biggest challenge was Cape Split’s remote location, which made it more difficult to bring in large equipment.

Government contacted qualified service providers on July 15 and 16, and awarded the project to Burton’s Towering Tree Services, of Aylesford, Kings Co., on July 25. The value of the tender was just over $19,500.

Source: Release