Improved amenities along the Confederation Trail will help promote tourism and healthy living thanks to investments by the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island.
“Our Government understands the key role tourism plays in Atlantic Canada’s economy,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie). “We are pleased to support initiatives like the Confederation Trail, which promote healthy living, recreation and tourism in our region.”
The latest project included the installation of washrooms along the trail, the installation of improved signage, benches and control gates, and the restoration of the vintage locomotive next to the Confederation Trail in Kensington. These improvements will enhance the educational value of the trail and highlight the historic significance of the formal rail line to the Island’s culture and heritage.
The historic locomotive, which is now part of the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation Provincial collection, had deteriorated over the years. The restoration work included repairs and painting of the locomotive itself, new interpretive signage, fencing and improvements to the grounds around the locomotive.
The project also received in-kind donations from various organizations and individuals including the provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation, the Town of Kensington and the local Railway Historical Society.
“The preservation of historical assets like the locomotive in Kensington is very important to the cultural fabric of the Island, and it makes for an excellent enhancement to the Confederation Trail,” said Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Henderson. “This locomotive is one of the last remaining pieces of the former Prince Edward Island Railway, which was instrumental in the economic development of the province. It’s important that assets like it are preserved for the benefit of future generations and for the enjoyment of those who use the trail.”
The Confederation Trail on PEI, which was completed in the year 2000, now stretches from Tignish to Elmira. The trail provides a 357 kilometre route for people to walk, cycle and enjoy the beauty of the Island.