The Stephen R. Bronfman Foundation's Trans Canada Trail Discovery Program was launched today outlining the development and permanent installation of over 2,000 interpretive Discovery panels along the route of the Trail.
The program is designed to provide Trail users with visual reference and explanatory text that immediately connects them to the nature of their surroundings. Each panel will feature a specific topic on the flora, fauna or geography that is indigenous to a particular Trail segment. The Discovery Program will feature over 150 natural subjects that trail users can discover along the route of the Trans Canada Trail.
"The Confederation Trail, Prince Edward Island's section of the Trans Canada Trail, provides Islanders and visitors with exposure to nature that we can't always access," noted MLA Elmer MacFadyen, representing the Province. "The interpretive panels will provide everyone with factual information about nature along our trail system. As the very first province to complete our section of the Trans Canada Trail, it gives me great pleasure to be here to launch this program."
The Trans Canada Trail Discovery Program was officially launched today and will be implemented in phases, beginning in those provinces and territories where Trail development is most advanced. Over the next three to five years, every province and territory will have the opportunity to participate in this grand, national endeavour.
The Trail on Prince Edward Island encourages healthy, adventurous outdoor activity cantered on the Island's extensive network of multi-use trails, including PEI's section of the Trans Canada Trail, the Confederation Trail.
Trans Canada Trail representatives will begin approaching communities along the Trail to present the program in detail. The Discovery Panels are made possible through the generous funding contribution of the Stephen R. Bronfman Foundation and are provided at no cost to participating communities. The communities will, however, be responsible for the cost of building and installing the metal display unit at their chosen panel site(s).
"This is a great project which runs parallel to our goals of stimulating people's interest in protecting our environment and our culture. These are the ties which bind us to our Canadian heritage," said Mr. Bronfman.