From the left: Robert Bernard, Chair of the Destination Cape Breton board of directors and Executive Director of the NS Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Tim Halman, Warden Bonny MacIsaac, MLA Claude Bourgeois, amd MLA Dianne Timmins at the announcement.
-by April MacDonald
You could feel the energy in the room in the council chambers in Port Hood as members of both provincial and municipal governments, special guests, and the Seawall committee association gathered to bring this unbelievable endeavour one step closer.
Dianne Timmins, MLA for Victoria-The Lake was the emcee for the event.
She asked all those who had been steadfastly pushing this project forward for 15 years to please stand up.
“This is your moment,” she said.
“We are the public face but it is the folks on the ground that make things happen,” said Timothy Halman, minister of environment and climate change.
He said that it was five years ago that this came across his desk.
He explained that he has lived in every nook and cranny across this great country but nothing compares to Cape Breton Island.
“You have the best scenic vistas in the world…with rugged coastlines and vast wilderness. Plus there is no more welcoming place than Cape Breton Island. It is truly a special place,” said Minister Halman.
“This is one of the province’s crown jewels,” he added.
Nova Scotians and visitors to the province will soon be able to experience a new world-class coastal hiking experience in northern Cape Breton.
The Jajiktek Seawall Trail through the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area will give hikers access to one of Nova Scotia’s most spectacular and remote wilderness areas in a way that ensures the ongoing protection of the area.
“It’s precisely the place we protect because it’s so special…and done in a thoughtful and responsible way,” added Halman.
The trail, expected to open in about two years, will be a marquee destination for those seeking a premium wilderness hiking experience, further strengthening Cape Breton’s tourism sector.
Halman announced two agreements on Monday, October 19th, that will allow the Municipality of the County of Inverness to build and manage the trail.
“We are pleased to work with the Municipality of the County of Inverness to advance the communities’ vision of creating a world-class, guided hiking experience through one of the most beautiful places on the planet,” said Minister Halman.
“The Jajiktek Seawall Trail will give people a unique opportunity to experience one of Nova Scotia’s most spectacular and special protected areas, while ensuring conservation remains at the heart of the project. It shows that protecting our natural areas while creating opportunities for people to experience and appreciate them can go hand in hand,” he added.
Hikers will cross about 48 kilometres offering scenic coastal vistas, mountainous terrain, rugged wilderness and pristine nature. The experience will take four days to complete, and hikers will spend the night in camping huts at three locations along the trail.
“The hike will be a magical experience; something like this should be experienced firsthand. It’s more than just a concept, it becomes profoundly personal. This project is also about community,” said Halman.
The minister took the time to recognize Warden Bonny MacIsaac for her unwavering support of this Seawall Trail project.
“This experience will stay with you forever,” he closed.
“The Jajiktek Seawall Trail represents an extraordinary opportunity for both Inverness and Victoria counties and Cape Breton Island. This project is about much more than creating a world-class hiking destination. It is about supporting the long-term economic vitality of our rural communities, creating opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs, and showcasing the natural and cultural heritage that makes this region so special,” said Bonny MacIsaac, warden, Municipality of the County of Inverness.
The warden also made a point to recognize two individuals: Elder Judy Googoo and Vincent vanZutphen for the wisdom and passion they played in pushing this project forward.
The Jajiktek Seawall Trail is expected to generate economic benefits throughout its construction, creating opportunities for local contractors, trades people, and suppliers. After it opens, the trail is anticipated to become a significant tourism attraction that will support local accommodations, restaurants, transportation providers, guides and other businesses, while encouraging longer visitor stays, extending the tourism season and creating new economic opportunities for communities throughout northern Cape Breton and beyond.
MLA Claude Bourgeois said that he had been on the trail committee for five years and spoke to the population understanding the necessity of hiking the wilderness, especially after the COVID pandemic.
“Tourism season is extended longer than it ever has been,” he said.
“I knew Vinnie myself and this was in his DNA. My hope is that people remember him when they hike this trail,” said Bourgeois.
“People already come to Cape Breton to get outside and explore, and this trail will give them one more reason to make the trip. The Jajiktek Seawall Trail will take hikers through some of the most beautiful coastline in the world – the kind of unforgettable journey they’ll talk about for years. We’re proud to invest in a project that will draw more tourists to northern Cape Breton, support local businesses, and give both visitors and Nova Scotians a new way to experience this part of the province,” said Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.
Robert Bernard said he was wearing multiple hats and said that as president of Destination Cape Breton this project is a win for the Island.
“The Jajiktek Seawall Trail will be a bucket-list experience that will draw destination hikers to Cape Breton Island from around the world. A four-day hike through one of the most remote and beautiful stretches of the coast gives visitors a reason to stay longer, which aligns with our primary goal of extending the length of stay. We’re looking forward to its opening,” said Terry Smith, CEO, Destination Cape Breton, who was not present for the event but sent his words.
“The size, magnitude and scope of a project like this requires provincial and federal funding,” said Bernard.
“This trail celebrates the many beautiful cultures that make up Unimaki…it began as a Northern Community project and the Mi’kmaw people were brought in quickly,” he said.
Bernard said that this project is much bigger than a path through the woods.
He spoke to the potential of having Mi’kmaw guides to tell their story of this land and of that area.
He could not stress enough how important it is today to have the inclusion of the Mi’kmaw people.
He also thanks the steadfast support from the municipality of the county of Inverness.
Visionaries like Ray Fraser, Derek MacLellan, Keith Bain, David Williams or “Seawall Dave” were recognized for doing “test trails” and for always pushing the project to where they are today.
The Province has invested about $7 million to help design and build the trail and camping huts.
Jajiktek is a Mi’kmaw word that means crouching down and standing up as you move along a difficult route close to water
The Jajiktek Seawall Trail will begin near Red River, Inverness County, and end in Meat Cove, close to the Victoria County line
About 86 per cent (42 kilometres) of the trail will be within the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area; the remaining six kilometres will cross lands administered by the Department of Public Works, the Nova Scotia Nature Trust and the federal Department of National Defense.
The municipality will continue to work with community partners and stakeholders to set up a not-for-profit governance structure that will oversee the long-term operation, maintenance, and promotion of the trail once it opens.