Nova Scotia announces $5M in funding to repair trails damaged in July floods

The province announced on Thursday itwill provide $5 million in funding to help repair more than 45 trails in Nova Scotia that were damaged by flooding in July.

"Trails across the province help us get out into nature, connect with friends, keep active and promote positive mental health. We all want the trails we rely on to be fixed," Service Nova Scotia Minister Colton LeBlanc said in a news release.

All of the trails receiving funding are on provincial government land. More money could be made available for additional trails if damage is identified at a later date.

The funds will be used to pay contractors to repair trails and reimburse community groups for work they have already completed.

"It's definitely great news," said Damon Conrad, co-ordinator with theSackville Rivers Association. "There's been a fair amount of damage to trails across the region."

NS Trails administering funds

The association is one of several organizations, including ATV and snowmobile clubs, that will receive some of the money. It will be administered by the non-profit group NS Trails.

Conrad said the SackvilleRiver watershed flooded in July, affecting many trails along the river.

"A lot of the damage is related to the movement of materials. Rock, sand, silt, tees and general debris," he said in an interview.

The repairs may take awhile due to the extent of the damage and the backlog of contracts, Conrad said, but it will be worth it.

"The trails are a great way not only for people to go from community to community, but also to get out into the environment and experience nature," he said.