Cobequid Trail Co Nsulting Rmatourism

Cobequid Trail Co nsulting & RMATourism

Proposed Trail Plan

May 2018

Version 1.1

Content Summary

Executive Summary 2

1.0 Overview 7 2.0 Resource Assessment 15 3.0 Trail Concept 23 4.0 Market & Justification 35 5.0 Trail Design 45 6.0 Trail Construction 71 7.0 Capital Budget 97 8.0 Operations 103 9.0 Conclusion 110

Report Prepared by

Thomas Young RMA Tourism Garnet McLaughlin Cobequid Trail Clare Waque Independant Alexia McLaughlin Cobequid Trail c.~bequ\d 7""°v-R,, Kendra Chalmers Cobequid Trail t.UNl='UILllNt. Corinna Muller Independant

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction The Seawall Trail will be a unique and challenging wilderness hiking experience along one of the most rugged coastlines in Eastern North America. The trail will run for roughly 50 km along the coast, with another 20 km of connecting day-use trails weaving through cliffs and coastal canyons on a scale similar to Gros Morne National Park. This trail project, proposed by the Seawall Trail Society, will be constructed primarily within the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area (PCAFWA). The PCAFWA has significant attributes for outdoor recreation. Canyons that transect the coastal mountains create exceptional topographic and ecological diversity.

The Trail Concept The Seawall Trail will feature wilderness hut to hut hiking. Trails that offer hut accomodations have become increasingly popular over the last several decades and are attractive to international travellers. The trail experience will last five days with four unique hut locations along the trail. The hut system will provide a reward for hikers after the challenges of the trail, allowing them protection from extreme weather and significantly lightening their packs.

The Market The trail will be designed for the emerging destination hiking market. This group consists of international travellers with higher than average disposable income. Europe and North America are the primary markets. Many Seawall Trail users will come to Nova Scotia primarily to hike the trail, but are expected to explore the province seeking cultural and culinary experiences while staying in quality accommodations as part of their visit. The trail will also provide recreation opportunities for Nova Scotians and Mi’kmaq communities.

Construction The Seawall Trail Society will begin construction as soon as the Trail Plan is finalized and consultation is complete. The trail will be hand-built and constructed as a footpath using partial cut-and-fill and bench-cut methods. Bench-cut construction (described in Section Six) will minimize maintenance and will suit this landscape where the trail alignment frequently travels along side-slopes. Switchbacks will be used to address steep inclines. The primary purpose will be to create a sustainable and low maintenance wilderness corridor. Along with the construction of wilderness huts, trailhead development, and organizational planning, the Seawall Trail will cost approximately $2,400,000.

Operations The trail experience will be structured as a one-way, hut to hut hike. Hikers will be required to register and pay a fee for all four huts. A free daily shuttle service will be offered to take hikers from the orientation centre in Meat Cove to the south trailhead. Hikers will pay a fee of $50 per hut ($200 for all four huts). The centre of trail operations and administration as well as the visitor orientation centre will be located in the community of Meat Cove. Secure parking will be provided at the visitor centre. The trail will employ 8-10 seasonal workers including a general manager, field supervisor and ridge-runners (on the trail staff). Ridge runners will circuit through all four huts, doing trail maintenance as they travel between huts and providing support to hikers in mornings and evenings. Huts will be supplied once each season by air.

Trail operations are expected to break even by the third year. In subsequent years, the seasonal use of the trail will generate positive net income making it possible to offer a winter product as well.

SEAWALL TRAIL PLAN Table Of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2

1.0 OVERVIEW 9 1.1 Proposed Seawall Trail Plan 10 1.2 Organizational Structure and Vision 12 1.3 Process for Trail Development (NSE 10 Step Program) 14

2.0 RESOURCE ASSESSMENT 17 2.1 Location 18 2.2 Geology and Landforms 20 2.3 Biological Assets 21 2.4 Cultural Assets 22

3.0 TRAIL CONCEPT 25 3.1 Trail Experience 26 3.2 Trail Standards 27 3.3 Logistics 27 3.4 Facilities 29 3.5 The Hiker 32 3.6 Day-Use 34

4.0 MARKET & JUSTIFICATION 37 4.1 The Hiking Market 38 4.2 Economic and Community Impacts 43

5.0 TRAIL DESIGN 47 5.1 Trail Alignment 48 5.2 Map 49 5.3 Trail Section 1 51 5.4 Trail Section 2 53 5.5 Trail Section 3 55 5.6 Trail Section 4 57 5.7 Trail Section 5 59 5.8 Day-Use Trails 61 5.9 Cape North Spur Trail 63 5.10 Overnight Accommodation Concepts 64 5.10.1 Site Descriptions 64 5.10.2 Specifications 66 5.11 Opportunities for Future Development 69

6.0 TRAIL CONSTRUCTION 73 6.1 General Guidelines 74 6.2 Construction Methods 75 6.3 Interactive Map 77 6.4 Trail Construction Plan 82 6.5 Signage Recommendations and Costs 99 6.6 Timeline and Logistics 100 6.7 Timeline 101

7.0 CAPITAL BUDGET 104 7.1 Trail Construction Costs 105 7.2 Cost of Huts 106 7.3 Signs and Wayfinding 106 7.4 Total Project Cost 107

8.0 OPERATIONS 110 8.1 Revenues 112 8.2 Staffing 113 8.3 Maintenance Activities and Costs 113 8.4 Other Costs 114 8.5 Operating Budget 115 8.6 Operations Development Timeline 116

9.0 CONCLUSION 117

APPENDIX 1: OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS 118 APPENDIX 2: ORIENTATION CENTER & PARKING 124 APPENDIX 3: SIGNAGE PLAN 127

APPENDIX 4: LAND OWNERSHIP 130

1.0 OVERVIEW 6

1.0 OVERVIEW

1.1 Seawall Trail 1.2 Organizational Vision and Structure 1.3 Process for Trail Development ( NSE 10 Step Program)

1.1 Proposed Seawall Trail Plan

The Seawall Trail will be a multi-day, hut to hut, coastal hiking experience. It will be unparalleled in Eastern Canada and well positioned to become one of Canada’s iconic wilderness attractions. The experience will be a challenging coastal wilderness hiking trail through the mountains, canyons, mixed forests and lowlands of the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area (PCAFWA). The majority of the proposed trail is within the PCAFWA through small portions utilize TIR administered "K" roads, federal lands and a few privately owned parcels.

The trail will run through the longest continuous section of undeveloped coastline south of Newfoundland and Labrador while encompassing significant variations in topography and elevations: from sea level to 420 m (1,400 ft). The total of vertical ascents throughout the 50 km coastal trail amounts to more than 3,500 m (11,500 ft), representing an elevation gain of over two miles.

With the exception of a circuit through the Upper Polletts River Canyon and a proposed spur trail alignment to Cape North, the entire trail will be within two kilometers of the ocean. Parts of the trail will have alpine hiking characteristics. Large sections of the proposed trail alignment run along the edge of high capes, 400 m above the ocean, or traverse steep side-slopes that plunge into the sea. Watersheds that drain the elevated plateaus run through faults that form deep canyons. Viewscapes from the upper edge of these canyons are breathtaking and the ascent from canyon bottoms to the high ridges is a challenging experience found only on top international trails.

It is expected that the proposed trail will be a destination for adventure travellers in the international tourism market. The goal is to be positioned as one of the premier multi-day hiking or trekking experiences worldwide. In the long run, it is likely that this trail will generate high demand not unlike British Columbia’s West Coast Trail.

The proposed trail traverses an extreme wilderness environment, but will have access to an excellent base of tourism services as a result of its proximity to Cape Breton Highlands National Park (CBHNP). The pairing of the Seawall Trail and CBHNP adds to the destination appeal of both products. CBHNP offers a series of day use trails and one or two longer trails, but nothing of a comparable scale, scope or degree of outdoor adventure as the proposed Seawall Trail. The Seawall will offer a more challenging wilderness experience than anything offered in CBHNP, adding substantially to the tourism product mix of Nova Scotia.

This plan contains a detailed trail alignment founded on a process of evaluating site conditions and possible route options. Sources of information include personal accounts by guides and outfitters, mapping information, satellite imagery, aerial observation and extensive on-the-ground assessment. Additional fine tuning of the trail alignment and hut locations within Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area is expected as a result of pending field inspection by Nova Scotia Environment (NSE). The primary intent is to avoid areas with rare plants, other sensitive species, and ecological communities which may be impacted by trail use, while ensuring a high-quality trail experience.

The plan begins with a review of site assets and an analysis of the market. Trail standards and construction guidelines, trailheads and overnight facilities are then described, and a budget for trail construction is provided. The trail plan is concluded with guidelines for trail management and operation.

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1.2 Organizational Structure and Vision

This plan is prepared on behalf of the Seawall Trail Society. The Society’s purpose is to create and operate an exceptional destination hiking experience in the PCAFWA.

The Seawall Trail Society is a non-profit society based on Cape Breton Island and centred in Bay St. Lawrence, whose mission is to develop northern Cape Breton's natural walking assets and create a product that will support residents of Nova Scotia, members of the Mi’kmaq community and visitors to the province. The Society is comprised of a diverse group of members passionate about nature, exploring, hiking and grassroots community development. Directors of The Society include teachers, engineers, professors, fishermen, writers, contractors, outfitters, chefs and guides.

At the time this plan was prepared, the board of directors included the following:

Executive Directors Ray Fraser, Chair David Williams, Vice Chair Ricky Buchanan, Secretary & Treasurer

Directors Jen Moses Hector Hines Scott Cowell Scott MacLeod Mark Timmons

The Board of Directors has been working with committees in the neighbouring communities. These consultations include the Meat Cove Development Society and an advisory panel of experienced outdoors enthusiasts working out of Sydney.

@seawalltrail #seawalltrail

The Seawall Trail Society’s vision is a multi-day wilderness footpath through a coastal landscape that is physically challenging, exceptionally stewarded, visually unique, and supports the conservation goals of the provincial wilderness areas.

To achieve the vision set out by the organization, the proposed trail alignment is designed to incorporate diverse landscapes and exceptional coastal experiences with ocean viewscapes, cliffs and canyons. The combination of challenges, exceptionally rugged landscape and breathtaking ocean views will make the trail an exciting and unique experience.

1.3 Process for Trail Development (NSE 10 Step Program)

The Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area (PCAFWA) is Cape Breton’s largest wilderness area and was designated in 1999. Wilderness areas are provincially significant protected areas which are designated under Nova Scotia's Wilderness Areas Protection Act and administered by Nova Scotia Environment (NSE).

The designation as a Wilderness Area provides limits on resource use, restricts development and protects these areas from industrial forestry, mining and other commercial resource development. Ecosystems within protected areas have permanent protection. Timber resources within these areas cannot be harvested or removed leaving forests to evolve through their natural phases into old growth, mixed species and multi-age ecosystems.

Wilderness area designation provides valuable conservation for nature trails as the natural landscape remains undisturbed, forest ecosystems are preserved and wildlife habitat is protected. While there are several small private landholdings and federal government lands in the coastal region through which the Seawall Trail will be developed, the trail alignment is designed to exist largely within the PCAFWA or public right of ways (K-Class roads). The process of proposal and consultation is required for the portion of trail within the wilderness area, but is also being applied to the entire assemblage of lands.

Trail development within Nova Scotia’s Wilderness Areas generally follows a planning process that consists of at least 10 steps from construction to opening. The 10-step program, required by Nova Scotia Environment, outlines the graduated development of a wilderness trail from conception, through consultations, to the implementation of best construction practices. Steps 1 - 5 were completed between 2014 and 2017. This document represents Step 6 in the process and will provide the information, references and guidelines for steps 7 - 9.

The steps outlined by the Nova Scotia Environment are:

1. Submission of an Expression of Interest. 2. Submission of a Trail Concept Document (this is normally a two page document). 3. Preparation and submission of a Trail Development Proposal (this document expands on the Trail Concept Document, providing details on regional significance and community development). 4. Public Consultations 4.1. First Public Consultation (led by Seawall Trail Society). 4.2. Mi’kmaq Consultation (led by Nova Scotia Environment). 5. Sign a Trail Planning Agreement and prepare a Trail Construction Plan 6. Submit Trail Development Plan (with Trail Construction Plan) 7. Second Public and Mi'kmaq Consultation. Trail Development Plan is then finalized. 8. Trail Management Agreement signed, after NSE approves final Trail Development Plan. Permission from other affected landowners is also needed. 9. Trail Construction. 10. Trail Opening.

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2.0 RESOURCE

ASSESSMENT 14

2.0 RESOURCE ASSESSMENT

2.1 Location 2.2 Landscape Assets 2.3 Biological Assets 2.4 Cultural Assets

2.1 Location

The Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area (PCAFWA) consists of 27,230 hectares in northern Cape Breton. This significant land area encompasses much of the northwestern corner of Cape Breton Island. The eastern boundary of the wilderness area is defined by the steep linear slope of the Aspy Fault and the communities of Cape North and Aspy Bay. To the south, the area is bounded by Cape Breton Highlands National Park. To the west and the north, the boundary is defined by the Gulf of St Lawrence that extends from Red River to Cape St. Lawrence, and then east to Meat Cove and Bay St. Lawrence. This coastline consists of high slopes and cliffs transected in areas by deep valleys and canyons. The centre of the wilderness area is the Cape Breton Boreal Plateau.

The PCAFWA region is a unique area of the province. It is the northern extension of the Cape Breton Highlands with the Gulf of St Lawrence to the west and the Atlantic to the east. The southwestern coast of Newfoundland is a mere 100 km away (closer than the Canso Causeway), and reflects similar geological characteristics to northern Cape Breton. Looking at a map, it is clear that southwestern Newfoundland is a geographic continuation of the northern peninsula of Cape Breton. The Iles de la Madeleine are 80 km west and are visible on a clear day.

The climate of the area is affected by the ocean on the north, east and west. The eastern slope, exposed to winds coming off the Gulf of St Lawrence, can be impacted by severe winter storms. Significant snow accumulation is common in this area and snow often persists on the highlands until the end of May. The autumn climate is moderated by the Gulf of St Lawrence. Snow accumulation may not occur until December, extending the fall hiking season.

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2.2 Geology and Landforms

The geological zone that comprises the PCAFWA is part of the Blair River Inlier. This formation is about one billion years old and is only evident in the northwestern corner of Cape Breton. As the oldest formation in Nova Scotia and having endured two continental collisions, the Blair River Inlier forms the core of Cape Breton Island. Some evidence of this ancient rock can be found in the canyons of the PCAFWA. The landscape of the area is the product of millions of years of geological change and global transformation which have occurred since the time the Blair River Inlier was formed.

The predominant landscape feature of the PCAFWA, the Cape Breton Highlands Plateau, is the present day incarnation of the Appalachian Mountain chain, which stretches from Georgia to Newfoundland. The pressure of continental drift and collision 335 million years ago created the Appalachian Mountains, a range that in prehistoric times is thought to have been higher than the Himalayas are today. Through the effect of time and multiple ice ages, these ancient mountains eroded and evolved into the Cape Breton Boreal Plateau. On the western slope, the plateau is transected by a series of deep valleys and canyons caused by faults in the Blair River Inlier. The largest canyon system, Polletts Cove River, is characterized by steep slopes and precipices over 400 m high. At Delaneys Brook, a pair of canyons are separated by a narrow ridge. Lesser canyon systems exist at Malcolms Brook and Sailor Brook.

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2.3 Biological Assets

The upland areas of the PCAFWA are a mix of softwood dominated forests, barrens and bogs. The sheltered areas and canyons are forested with mixed conifer and deciduous forests. Some of these valleys feature widely-spaced stands of open old growth hardwood, reminders of the old forests from tales of our ancestors. Deciduous species include tolerant hardwoods such as sugar maple, yellow birch, oak, beech and ash.

The diverse characteristics of the western slopes support a number of uncommon species and attributes. Nova Scotia Environment lists the following biological assets within the PCAFWA.

○ The endangered Bicknell’s Thrush, one of Canada’s rarest and most elusive songbirds, can be found in exposed areas along the coast or at high elevations associated with stunted, krummholz forest.

○ Arctic-alpine ecosystems, rare in Nova Scotia, occur along coastal cliffs and on high ridges. Arctic flora such as diapensia, blue mountain heather, pink crowberry, northern blueberry and alpine bilberry flourish here.

○ Rare maidenhair and green spleenwort ferns occur in the deep humid canyons that cut through the plateau.

○ A rare and threatened aquatic lichen, known as eastern waterfan, occurs in the canyon streams. This species requires pollution free and non-acidic water to survive. This area is known for being one of only nine locations in Canada where it grows.

○ Heavy snowfalls help support the Canada lynx, listed as an endangered species in Nova Scotia.

○ The barrier beach complex on Aspy Bay is a habitat for endangered piping plover.

○ The islands in the sheltered North Harbour feature rich salt marshes and brackish lagoons used by shorebirds for foraging and resting. One island is underlain by gypsum, providing high pH soil for several rare calcareous plants.

○ One of the province’s largest concentrations of moose occurs in this wilderness area, attracting hunters during the popular, annual, non-motorized moose hunt.

2.4 Cultural Assets

Historical records indicate that Mi’kmaq were present in the area of Pleasant Bay prior to the 1800s. The Mi'kma'ki territory was divided into seven districts. The PCAFWA area is within the Unama'kik (Unama'gi) district which encompasses the entire island of Cape Breton. In the 1800s Taqamkuk, an eighth district, was added which included the entire island of Newfoundland. Taqamkuk was historically part of Unama'kik before the 1800’s. The 1725 Peace and Friendship Treaty set the legal framework for settler relations. Scottish immigrants settled the area in early 1800s and farming and fishing became the mainstay until the 1900s (History of Inverness County, Nova Scotia, Chapter XLII - Pleasant Bay). Both Polletts Cove and Lowland Cove were settled and farmed throughout this period.

Based on field surveys, signs of human activity were observed in various locations within the study area. These may be artifacts of forestry operations or camps from over the past 100 years, hunting encampments, or other human activities. Whether any other types of settlements existed in the interior of the study area (Malcolms Brook to Sailor Brook) during the post-European period is unclear. This area of coastline is quite rugged and there are few suitable locations for landing from the sea. During the 1900’s, there appears to have been a general abandonment of farming as a livelihood. Parts of the area that were once farmed have largely returned to wildland except for Polletts Cove, Lowland Cove and Cape St Lawrence. These latter locations are still used as unmanaged pasture land for horses and cattle today.

In 1864, Ambrose F. Church was commissioned by the Nova Scotia legislature to create a series of maps, one for each of Nova Scotia's 18 counties. Each shows the locations of towns and villages, basic topographic features and the names of residents. In many cases, the occupation of prominent townsfolk (clergy, blacksmith, merchant) was also included. Mr. Church completed the series in 1888. The following illustration is an excerpt of the Church map for Inverness County and indicates landholdings in Polletts Cove, Otter Brook and Lowland Cove.

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3.0 Trail Concept

3.0 TRAIL CONCEPT

3.1 Trail Experience 3.2 Trail Standards 3.3 Logistics 3.4 Facilities 3.5 The Hiker 3.6 Day-Use

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3.1 Trail Experience

The Seawall Trail will be a physically challenging 50 kilometer coastal wilderness hike, with several steep ascents from sea level to 450 m. The addition of the Cape North spur trail and the day-use trails out of Meat Cove create a trail system that will be in excess of 70 kilometers in total length. Running through the rugged, geographically diverse landscape of the PCAFWA, with its exposed western slopes and steep ascents, the proposed trail will include coastal conditions that are fairly unique in Eastern North America. The landscape of the PCAFWA is only matched by the topography of western Newfoundland.

The trail will be designed to backcountry standards with wilderness huts that will accommodate trail users. Hut to hut hiking has become popular in the international market for destination trails and has begun to emerge in Canada as a system to accommodate a wide range of hiking enthusiasts and travellers interested in a wilderness experience. Huts are featured in internationally recognized trails in New Zealand (such as the Milford Track), Australia, Iceland and many other countries.

Trail sections between huts will be 8 - 12 kilometers and will involve significant ascents and descents. Traverse and switchback sections will assist hikers in areas of steep and/or exposed slopes and rock-fields. The trail will appeal to travellers seeking a unique and memorable outdoor experience. This will include experienced hikers and adventure travellers.

The hiking product will be seasonal, generally limited to the period of May to November. Parts of the trail and one or more designated huts will accommodate winter-use (snowshoeing and cross-country skiing). The winter-use area will be accessed from the North Mountain trailhead within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and will provide access to the upland plateau and barrens as well as the Polletts River Canyon.

With the addition of the Cape North spur trail and the day-use trails out of Meat Cove, the trail system will be in excess of 70 kilometers. The two day-use trails out of Meat Cove will create a stacked loop system. These day use trails will use parts of existing trails combined with sections of the planned Seawall Trail alignment. Another option for a day use trail could create a loop from the Cape North Trailhead and connector to the Seawall Trail.

3.2 Trail Standards

The Seawall Trail will be a backcountry footpath with minimal trail development. Trail construction will meet the following objectives:

● Minimize the impact of trail use in the wilderness area. ● Minimize the impact on wet or soft surface terrain. ● Provide a stable walking surface. ● Create navigable and stable slopes through the use of switchbacks and bench cuts. ● Create stream crossings by selecting and marking suitable locations and, where appropriate, developing cable bridges. ● Trail development on barrens and hard surface terrain will be minimal but clearly identified with trail markers. (See Signage Plan for details regarding wayfinding).

Built infrastructure will be employed primarily to provide solutions to significant hazards. For example, cable handholds could be used if there are steep exposed sloped sections (See 5.0 Trail Construction). The exceptions to this will be overnight locations, where built infrastructure (such as composting toilets) will contain, reduce, and minimize impact on the area.

3.3 Logistics

The Seawall Trail is a linear trail with endpoints at Red River (at the south end) and Meat Cove/Cape St Lawrence (at the north end), and an alternative entry point at Cape North.

In the absence of a planned system for parking, users would either leave a vehicle at one end of the trail and find their way to the other end to begin their hike, or hike directly from their car and backtrack to their car after their hike. This uncontrolled system of random entry would result in two directional traffic on the trail. This has the consequence of having hikers continuously intersecting with other hikers going in the opposite direction.

The proposed system will have all hikers going in the same direction. In this case, rather than intersecting with as many as 50 other hikers on the trail, trail users would likely only encounter other hikers at overnight locations. This tends to preserve the wilderness experience and makes the usage of overnight sites easier to monitor and manage. The West Coast Trail only allows hikers to travel in one direction for this reason.

Base of Operations There is strong support for an entry and orientation facility within the communities of Meat Cove and Bay St Lawrence. Support for locating the main trail orientation centre was less enthusiastic within communities in the vicinity of Red River, where there are concerns about parking and traffic. Meat Cove is 28.5 km from Cape North on the Cabot Trail, and Bay St Lawrence is 18 km away. The driving distance from the south end to the north is roughly 1 hour. The main orientation centre will therefore be located at Meat Cove on the north end of the trail. This location has an existing visitor centre, day use trails and parking which, while limited, has potential for expansion.

One-Directional Trail The direction of travel on the trail will be south to north. This suggests that trail users will register at Meat Cove and leave their car there and then travel to the Red River trailhead to begin their hike. All hikers will then finish their hikes at their vehicles. Provision for shuttle transportation during peak periods would both service the needs of hikers, and provide employment. Shuttle services will reduce the requirement for parties having two vehicles in order to hike the trail.

Leaving a vehicle at the finish of the trail is likely to suit most hiking parties, provided the vehicle is secure. It ensures that hiking parties have immediate access to their vehicle regardless of when they finish. They are not held to a schedule in order to access their vehicle.

Transportation Options for the shuttle service include the following: 1) An on demand taxi service privately operated by the community. 2) An on demand service owned and operated by the Seawall Trail Society. 3) A scheduled service during the peak season (June-October) owned and operated by the Seawall Trail Society, with possible on demand services outside the peak season.

The Fundy Trail offers a private on demand shuttle service (cost $250.00). This is an important service for a linear trail where the entry and exit are over 2 hours apart. Visitors to the West Coast Trail can take a shuttle service between trailheads for $80 (travel time approximately three hours).

It is the recommendation of this plan that a passenger van be operated by the Seawall Trail Society. The van would provide free shuttle service each morning to hikers and trail users from Meat Cove to the southern trailhead. The van would also ferry trail stewards (ridge runners) to the southern trail entrance. If there is a fee for use of the shuttle it is likely that some hikers will avoid it and try to find alternatives resulting in unwanted parking at Red River, two-way traffic, and other negative impacts. Provision of a free service will encourage visitors to use the shuttle. It is expected that virtually all visitors would use it. Costs could be recovered through hut fees. Having the staff and vehicle both operated by the Society will allow trail and hut servicing, maintenance and transportation, and an excellent customer service experience.

3.4 Facilities

The Seawall Trail will be a hut to hut hiking experience. Huts or fixed-roof accommodations at key locations on the trail provide protection against the weather, as well as reducing the amount of gear the hiker must carry. These facilities commonly offer bunks or hostel type rooms with or without bedding, heated lounge areas, simple cooking facilities, water (potable or not) and toilets (preferably composting). They may be powered (solar generated) or unpowered.

A wilderness trail featuring huts will broaden the appeal of this adventure tourism product beyond the more intense hiker profile and appeal to the greater adventure destination market. The area is quite remote and in 2017 there was essentially no cell phone service (some signal is possible at the highest elevations in one or two locations). While the trail would be challenging, huts would allow hikers refuge from adverse weather and also extend the walking season. Huts reduce requirements for completely outfitted camping gear, an important consideration for international travellers.

Huts will have the following outcomes:

● Huts will limit the footprint by consolidating the overnight accommodations of up to 20 people into one facility and reducing the need for outdoor fires, tent pads, outhouses and food disposal. ● Extension of the hiking season. ● A support network for hikers in case of emergency or bad weather. ● Reduced amount of gear carried (better serving international travellers). ● An all weather facility that provides an opportunity for hikers to dry out. ● A source of revenue (to the managing organization) for maintenance of the trail.

Huts may be single winterized structures with kitchen and lounge facilities, small bunk-house style buildings with a heating unit or building clusters with a centralized common space. More details about the proposed hut concepts are included in 5.9 Accommodation Concepts.

Case Study: The Milford Track The Milford Track, New Zealand’s most famous hut to hut trail, is a 53 km long wilderness hike. This trail has become a destination for adventure travellers and attracts tourists from around the world. As a hut to hut hike, it can accommodate a wide demographic of hikers who may have varying levels of experience. A maximum of 90 walkers can start the trail per day (40 independent, and 50 guided). Usually these 90 places are booked months in advance, despite the high cost of the guided walks ($1,000.00 - 3,500.00 CAN).

The track may only be walked in one direction and takes four days to complete with each night spent at a pre-booked hut. There are three huts for independent hikers (each with 40 bunks) along the Milford Track.

During the New Zealand summer, (the high season) the Milford Track costs roughly $63 (CAN) per night for independent hikers. All hikers must stay in all three huts (a total cost of $190). There are several private huts for the guided hikers.

Typically huts on New Zealand’s trails provide either stream water or roof-collected rainwater, have outhouses or composting toilets, are wood heated, and provide dorm-style sleeping bunks. Visitors must bring their own sleeping bag unless they are on a guided tour.

Maparid Image or ovemlght aco:,mmodatlons Milford Trek Website , 2017

Milford Track

ITJ Glade House (Guided) 0 Clinton Hut (Independent) (!) Pompolona Lodge (Guided) 0 Mintaro Hut (Independent)

(I) Quintin Lodge (Guided) (I) Dumpling Hut (Independent)

Case Study: Overland Track Australia’s Overland track passes through Cradle Mountain National Park and is one of Australia’s signature trails.. The trail is 65 km long, and attracts roughly 8,000 visitors a year. The Overland operates a complete network of overnight huts. Huts are not booked ahead so all hikers must carry a tent in case huts are full. The Overland Track charges a one time fee of $200 (AUS) per visitor. In 2014 the Overland Track generated $1,248,000 in revenues.

The economic benefits of the Overland Track have been extensively studied. It is calculated that the Overland Track provides over $16 million in income to the state of Tasmania.

"In 2012-13 , PWS spent $905,000 on the track in staff costs, helicopter services and track and facilities maintenance , to provide a quality experience for walkers and maintain the very values that attract walkers to that experience ." Regional employment was identified as a significant benefit of the track, with PWS employing 10 staff (4.5 full time equivalent) on the Overland Track and a total of 42.8 full-time equivalent staff in Tasmania. When the total economic impact , including the supply chain that supports the tourism industry , is taken into account, it's conservatively estimated that the Overland Track supports 85 full-time equivalent jobs in the state "

Imagerrom Overland Track Website , 2017

3.5 The Hiker

Hikers are resilient consumers who want wilderness, viewscapes, authenticity, as well as safe and environmentally appropriate practices. Negative reviews on hiking sites generally center around poor trail design, poor maintenance, lack of information and poor signage. Primary ways to communicate with the trail user include a website, pre-departure email notices, signage and public notice boards. In the case of the Seawall Trail, remoteness requires that all trail users arrive fully-equipped and with their own provisions. These rules, policies and information packages should be further developed in line with a full management plan. Outlined below is a rough sketch of the information that needs to be clearly communicated.

What to pack A hiker’s provisions should include: food for five days of hiking; sleeping bag; water bottle; water purification system; insect repellent; flashlight; warm and cold weather clothing; socks and undergarments; head cover; sunscreen; rain gear; hiking boots and toiletries (eco-friendly). A detailed Hiker’s Checklist can be provided upon booking of the huts.

What is provided at the huts Huts will provide basic amenities such as: ● Sleeping space and sleeping mats at each hut location on the trail. ● Access to water. ● Heated drying room. ● Heating via gravity-fed pellet stove ● Cook facilities via propane stove. ● Pots, pans, cutlery & dishes. ● Wash station. ● Solar charging facilities and solar lighting. ● Composting toilets. ● Emergency radio (there is almost no cellphone reception on the trail).

Guidelines for trail behavior Basic rules and guidelines that hikers will be required to observe include: ● Fires are prohibited except at designated locations (huts). ● Tents are prohibited along the trail. ● Dogs are discouraged. ● Pack out all garbage. ● Dispose of all food waste and toilet paper at designated organic disposal sites. ● Report to hut before dark to avoid an unnecessary search party. ● Wear orange during hunting season.

A hiker’s experience is largely shaped by their expectations. Clarity about what the Seawall Trail will offer and what the hikers must provide for themselves will be the key to happy and satisfied adventure tourists. Hikers’ expectations will be set largely before the experience of the actual trail begins.

Expectations ● Marketing should be clear about the challenging nature of the trail. ● Website must have up-to-date information, rules, warnings, fees and policies. ● Staff at the Meat Cove Center (orientation session) must review material with hikers in advance of departure and check that they are properly outfitted. Hikers will have to sign a waiver and acknowledge the rules and guidelines. ● On trail signage should be consistent and allow for hikers to plan and track progress while not distracting them from the wilderness experience.

Experience ● Hut facilities will be booked, reserved and paid for online. ● An orientation package will be provided with booking confirmation. ● Transportation must be punctual and schedules clear. The shuttle must balance running on time with departing without a registered hiker. ● On-trail stewardship will add to the feeling of safety and comfort. Staff will travel simultaneously with hikers while offering soft support, monitoring, hut-use orientation and undertaking trail maintenance. ● The trail and hut facilities will require monitoring, maintenance, and upkeep. This is part of the role of the on-trail stewards (Ridge-Runners).

Travel information: Meat Cove is a long drive away from the nearest gas station, outfitter or airport. Travellers should be provided with travel information, availability of services and a sense of where they can stop to pick up supplies. Walkers must arrive before the 10 am orientation time to access the daily shuttle to the south trailhead. Arrival a day before starting the trail will be recommended. (DavidWIiiiams, 2004)

3.6 Day-Use

This plan includes the development, through enhancement, of two day-use trails based out of Meat Cove. One short route will utilize parts of the the Seawall Trail’s northern alignment and another day-use trail route connecting to Lowland Cove.

The existing Meat Cove trail structure for the Cape St Lawrence Trail will be upgraded to a loop trail with a northern coastal alignment creating the Bear Mountain Trail. The existing Lowland Cove Trail will be upgraded and expanded to provide a longer full day hiking experience also based out of Meat Cove. These two day-use trails are described in section 5.0 Trail Design below.

In addition to these two day hikes, there are opportunities for day use trail development associated with the Cape North Spur Trail. The Cape North alignment has an awesome knife edge ascent, a feature that would be a significant attraction to the more adventurous visitors to Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

The addition of several day use trails creates a product mix that will appeal to a wider market and those who have limited time to spend in the region. There is the possibility of creating a weekend long experience by pairing the day-use loops with the huts at either end of the trail allowing people to hike in, stay the night, and hike out through a different landscape.

BearHIii, AeflalPhotograpti (Bob Gusoot. 2007)

The Seawall hiker is a traveller seeking an epic adventure.

4.0 Market & Justification

4.0 MARKET & JUSTIFICATION

4.1 The Hiking Market 4.2 Economic and Community Impact

4.1 The Hiking Market

Market Size The international outdoor recreation market is estimated to be 85 million people. A significant part of this market originates in Europe and North America. It is estimated that there are 33 million hikers in the USA. An estimated 9.8 million US travelers are motivated to travel for hiking. In total, 11.2 million North Americans are potential customers for Canada’s wilderness hiking and backpacking experiences.

Europe in particular has a strong demand for high quality outdoor experiences. The Seawall Trail will have strong appeal in the European market and become a travel motivator for Europeans interested in wilderness trail experiences. Key markets include Germany, Great Britain, France, Spain, and Italy. The "Hiking: A Market with a Bright Future" study commissioned by the German Hiking Association provides reliable data on the hiking market in that country. The study's key result is that 39.8 million Germans, or 56% of all respondents, rated themselves as "active hikers". Hiking is Germany's favourite outdoor activity.

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), in a study conducted in 2013, estimated that the value of the adventure travel market (of which destination hiking is a significant component) to be in excess of $345 billion.

Motivations forAdventure Travel

e e e TransformationExpanded Worldview Leaming Nature& Discovery Mental Health

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The Destination Hiker The Seawall Trail will target destination hikers. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), destination hikers are looking for a unique, authentic, epic adventure trail experience often in rugged and remote wilderness settings. The destination hiker will travel to a destination primarily because of its attractiveness to hiking, but other activities and amenities encourage them to stay longer. However, for destination hikers, hiking is the main event.

One recent study by the ATTA segmented the adventure travel market into three groups: adventure grazers, adventurers and adventure enthusiasts. The ATTA model distinguishes travelers by the following attributes including differences in skill level, whether they repeat the same type of activities or bounce around and how they understand risk as an element of their values and experience.

Grazers - people who are primarily working through their “bucket list”. This segment includes novice and first-time participants and they generally align with the touring/exploring “drive” vacation.

Adventurers - people with a preference and skill for a particular sport. They are thrill-seeking repeat participants who partake in favourite adventure activities. The ATTA believes that “Adventurers” are the sweet spot for the adventure travel industry. They seem to be the most likely to develop a relationship with an adventure company and become a devoted customer. These travelers have high potential to become destination hikers.

Adventure Enthusiasts - skilled practitioners in favourite activities. They are more accepting of risk, spend more money on gear, and are more likely to book with a tour operator or travel advisor. Enthusiasts are definitely part of the destination hiker market.

In the USA the ATTA estimates that adventure grazers represent 24% of the population, adventurers account for 20% and adventure enthusiasts represent 8% of the population.

Studies in the hiking market show that hikers include a mix of age groups and are fairly evenly distributed between male and female with high education and incomes. For example in one Ontario study, “The Hikers and Trail Users Survey” found that of the hikers surveyed: 48% were male and 52% female and 79% were under 50 years of age. Of this number, 34.6% were 29 or younger, 44.4% were between 30 and 49 years of age and 20% of the total number of respondents were between the ages of 50 and 69. Hikers were generally well-educated; the majority held a college diploma or higher and were in the middle to upper income range. Autumn is the most popular season for hiking, followed by spring, summer and then winter. This study and similar studies conducted for the Canadian Tourism Commission indicate that the age of hiking enthusiasts is increasing and will continue to increase until 2026.

DefinitionofAdventure Travel

+ + -

NATURE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CULTURE ADVENTURETRAVEL

£ ADVENTURETRAVEL ~ TRADE ASSOCIAT ION

The demographic profile of the average Seawall Trail visitor is expected to coincide with the profile of hiking visitors described by the Canadian Tourism Commission. Hikers will be a mix of age groups who will be well-educated with the potential to spend more money than an average visitor. The Seawall Trail will be a unique and challenging coastal hiking product and will appeal to both experienced hikers and bucket-list travellers (referred to by the ATTA as ‘Grazers’). Both groups will be attracted by the hut to hut hiking, but the ‘Grazers’ in particular will chose the Seawall Trail specifically because it has the amenity of overnight huts.

According to the ATTA, the destination traveller will chose a location primarily for a trail experience and will then stay to enjoy the culture and services of the host region. By achieving destination trail status, the Seawall Trail is expected to be highly attractive to this kind of international trail tourist. The destination trail market has a global reach. Destination hikers from North America travel wherever hiking destinations exist; whether it be Europe, Latin America or New Zealand. Similarly, European travellers will scan the globe for signature trail products. We expect that initially the trail will entice the hiking community within the province. As it gains recognition, the market will expand to destination hikers from a variety of origins. America and Europe will be principal target markets but the hiker may come from other countries as well.

In 2016, Explore Magazine (Canada’s most widely circulated outdoor periodicals) produced a special edition entitled “The Top 50 Hikes In The World”. This edition listed many of the elite international trails such as Yosemite’s Half Dome, the Grand Canyon, New Zealand’s Milford Track and Tasmania’s Overland Track. In Canada, the publication begins with this country’s most recognized multi-day trail, the West Coast Trail and continues with 10 other multi-day trails. Notably, the issue identifies only one trail in the Maritime provinces, New Brunswick’s 42 km Fundy Footpath.

It is also of interest that the median distance of destination trails in Canada identified by Explore Magazine is approximately 50 km. The following table identifies the trails in Canada listed as destination trails:

Name of Trail Location Length of trail

West Coast Trail British Columbia 75 km

Sunshine Coast British Columbia 180 km

Chilcoot Trail British Columbia 53 km

Berg Lake Trail British Columbia 23 km

Skyline Trail Alberta 42 km

La Cloche Silloette Ontario 100 km

The Bruce Trail Ontario 885 km

The Fundy Footpath New Brunswick 42 km

Long Range Traverse Newfoundland and Labrador 35 km

Travellers to Nova Scotia

Tourism Nova Scotia provides visitor profiles of travellers to Nova Scotia based on past visitor exit surveys. This survey data provides an indication of factors that influence a traveller’s decision to visit Nova Scotia, as well as a visitor’s place or origin such as: the Atlantic region; the rest of Canada; or from international locations.

The following are the three most important factors in travel decisions to visit Nova Scotia:

Natural landscape The seacoast Opportunity to visit and wildlife friends/family

Overseas Visitors 80% 72% 59%

US Visitors 86% 86% 34%

Visitors From Canada 59% 64% 60%

The top outdoor activities for travellers to Nova Scotia include the following:

Hiking Coastal sightseeing Beach exploring

Overseas Visitors 46% 41% 33%

US Visitors 43% 45% 33%

Visitors From Canada 19% 24% 22%

Nova Scotia exit surveys identify the natural landscape and the seacoast as the two most significant motives for travel to the region. Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity for overseas visitors and one of the top two most popular outdoor activities for American visitors.

Nova Scotia also uses its visitor exit surveys to define key segments of the tourism market. Segments include categories such as outdoor enthusiasts, cultural enthusiasts, culinary enthusiasts etc. Of the 10 segments identified, outdoor enthusiasts (the second largest group) had the highest overall spending exceeding any other group by a factor of two. Outdoor enthusiasts are the highest yielding segment of the travel market to Nova Scotia and account for 16% of all travellers to the province.

Outdoor Enthusiasts Profile Outdoor enthusiasts include pleasure visitors who are highly motivated by outdoor experiences and are engaged in outdoor activities. Outdoor enthusiasts include visitors who participated in at least three outdoor activities, and who ranked natural landscapes and wildlife at least an 8 out of 10 in importance towards their decision to visit Nova Scotia. Over 70% of this segment participates in hiking and/or coastal sightseeing.

Outdoor enthusiasts are primarily comprised of couples (46%) and families (22%) who have higher levels of education and higher incomes compared to all pleasure visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts typically come from farther away. Only 14% of outdoor enthusiasts are from the Atlantic Region compared to 44% of all pleasure visitors. Over one third of outdoor enthusiasts are from Ontario (34%), 12% are - from Western Canada, 21% are American, and 12% are from overseas. More long haul visitors result - in greater numbers of outdoor enthusiasts arriving by air (45% compared to 33% for all pleasure visitors). Camping is one of the activities of this group but accounts for only 20% of the segment.

Choosing the Target EQ Segment Several years ago, the Canadian Tourism Commission conducted a market segmentation study that broke the tourism market into distinct traveller types. Referred to as EQ segments, these market profiles allow the provinces to match segments of the market with its own strengths and objectives.

Strategic marketing for Nova Scotia primarily targets the “free spirit” segment based on the Canadian Tourism Commission EQ market breakdown. The free spirit group typically are middle income and well educated. Therefore they tend to be high spending, adventurous, curious and seek unique experiences.

4.2 Economic and Community Impacts

Recreation trails have become recognized as significant drivers of economic development through tourism. Trails provide opportunities to develop commercial recreation businesses as well as supporting services which boost economic activity in host communities. Case studies show that destination trails stimulate tourism by supporting the development of new tourism businesses such as accommodations, food and beverage, retail etc. This has a direct impact on small communities close to the trail, as well as larger service areas in the proximity. For example, following the development of the Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail, new accommodations and award-winning dining facilities opened in the small community of Advocate Harbour.

Research shows ample evidence that trails not only enable Canadians to live actively in a healthier environment, but also that trails benefit both adjacent landowners and the local business community. In fact, 70% of all trail users spend money on non-durable goods leading to job creation and increased property values for adjacent landowners.

We project that the trail will employ at least eight people each year. This will include residents within adjacent communities but will also attract new people to Cape Breton Island. Some of these positions will be seasonal, however we expect the duration of seasonal work will be at least six months.

Level of Utilization A selection of similar wilderness hiking products provide some indication of the level of use for comparable multi-day trails.

The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is a coastal wilderness hiking trail that has become a destination for hiking enthusiasts. Visitors come from all over the world to hike the trail. In 2015, over 7,000 people hiked the West Coast Trail. The number of hikers starting the hike is limited to a maximum of 75 per day by the trail managers.

Cape Chignecto Provincial Park offers a similar product to the proposed Seawall trail. It is a three to four day hike in a coastal wilderness setting. Cape Chignecto is managed by the Parks Division of the Department of Natural Resources. The number of visitors at Cape Chignecto in 2016 was estimated to be approximately 2,000.

The Fundy Footpath (FFP) is a multi-day wilderness trail adjacent to Fundy National Park with minimal infrastructure or services. In 2016, user numbers to the FFP grew to approximately 1,000 people.

A reasonable long term objective for the Seawall would be 2,000 users per year, an average of 10 per day over a 200 day season. This is within range of the number of users at Cape Chignecto and slightly higher than the FFP but significantly less than the West Coast Trail. In 2016, more than 300,000 people visited Cape Breton Highlands National Park. If we use the above benchmark ratio of 35% (hikers to overall visitors to Cape Breton), then we would estimate that over 100,000 visitors to CBHNP participate in hiking during their stay. While this number is not directly transferable to the Seawall Trail, it highlights the volume of visitors who travel through CBHNP that are potentially interested in hiking.

A destination trail can potentially charge a user fee and/or provide overnight accommodations on a fee for service basis. In the case of the West Coast Trail, a fee of $152.00 is charged for each person who starts the trail plus an additional $60 in ferry fees. At Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, camping is roughly $30 per site and there is a $5.65 entrance fee. Entry fees can have direct employment impacts over the long term by providing funds to hire people for trail maintenance and management. See 8.1 Revenues for recommendations regarding fees for the Seawall Trail.

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5.0 Trail Design

5.0 TRAIL DESIGN

5.1 Trail Alignment 5.2 Map 5.3 Trail Section 1 5.4 Trail Section 2 5.5 Trail Section 3 5.6 Trail Section 4 5.7 Trail Section 5 5.8 Day-Use Trail 5.9 Cape North Spur Trail 5.10 Overnight Accommodation Concepts 5.10.1 Site Descriptions 5.10.2 Specifications 5.11 Opportunities for Future Development

5.1 Trail Alignment

The Seawall Trail will be a multi-day, linear, one-directional hike from south to north starting at the existing road end at Red River and finishing at the Meat Cove Welcome Centre.

North Trailhead The main orientation and registration centre will be located at Meat Cove. Secure parking will be provided at Meat Cove for overnight trail users. All hikers will be required to register for the trail at the Meat Cove Welcome Centre and attend an orientation session before travelling to the south trailhead to begin their hike. The existing community centre building will be adapted to serve this purpose. Meat Cove will be the primary embarkation point with parking to accommodate 30-40 cars. Shuttle service will be provided daily from this location to Red River, the south trailhead. A developmental concept for the Meat Cove orientation area is provided in Appendix 2.

South Trailhead The south trailhead will primarily be a drop off point. There are a limited number of parking spaces therefore Seawall hikers will be discouraged from parking at this location. Free shuttle service will be offered and most hikers will leave their vehicle at Meat Cove. The existing trail entry to the Polletts Cove Trail will be adapted as the south entry point. A bridge located 100 m from the end of the road must be repaired. Alternatively, the feasibility of a replacement pedestrian bridge, such as a cable bridge, may be considered.

East Trailhead (Cape North) Cape North will be an alternate entry point. It is a short shuttle distance from Meat Cove and may be a preferred departure spot for some people tracing the steep canyons of the Polletts River as it approaches the coast. The Cape North Trail also has attributes that could make it a popular overnight or weekend hike to the Polletts Cove Hut. The distance to the first hut, H1, is slightly greater than the southern route.

Wayfinding & Trail Signage Discrete markers every 100 m are standard on back-country trails. Distance markers placed at least every kilometer are recommended. Trail signage will provide orientation, interpretation and trail user guidelines. They will be located at all trailheads and at overnight (hut) locations. See 6.4 Signage Recommendations and Costs.

There will be four hut locations spaced roughly six hours apart. The linear trail alignment (from the south trailhead at Red River to Meat Cove) is divided into five sections (each representing one day of hiking) that link the four hut locations.

5.2 Map

SEAWALL TRAIL: Overview

1:100,000 Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 20

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Km

Rl.1J.. Po!nl

... Trail head • Hut Locations • Stream/River Crossing j Section Name

S1 (11.0 km)

S2 (12.5 km) I I 53 (7.5 km) ' 54 (7.5 km)

55 (10.5 km)

Cape North (17.5 km) ., Cape St.Lawrence Look Off (3 km) ;

Lowlands Cove Coastal (6 km) I Main Trail (2 km) I I I Mea t Cove Look Off (0.5 km)

South Trailhead

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5.3 Trail Section 1

Start: South Trailhead (Red River) End: Cabin Site H1 - Polletts Cove River Length: 11 km

This section runs from the south trailhead along the coastal slopes for eight kilometers following an existing trail along a historic old road. The existing trail has a coastal orientation with filtered and, occasionally open coastal views. Roughly one km before Polletts Cove, the alignment diverges from the existing trail and heads eastward ascending slopes to barrens at upper elevations. The alignment then follows the open terrain across high elevation hills and ridges along the south canyon edge before descending into the Polletts Cove River Canyon.

The south rim of the Polletts Cove River features extensive viewscapes of Polletts Cove and canyons of the north and south branch rivers. The descent to Polletts Cove River follows a narrow descending ridgeline and will require short switchbacks when the slope exceeds 5% and a series of switchbacks and traverses at lower sections where the slope increases. The section ends within Polletts River Canyon, 4.5 km from the coast. The alignment is designed to circumvent the private lands at Polletts Cove.

5.4 Trail Section 2

Start: Polletts Cove River End: Cabin Site H2 - Malcolms Brook Length: 10.2 km

This section begins with a cable bridge across the Polletts Cove River. The alignment then follows the river valley downstream for about 2 kilometers before turning north along a tributary stream for 500 metres. It then ascends a hardwood forested valley to the shoulder of the escarpment overlooking Blair River. The ascending valley is open old growth and the top of the ascent is a relatively level meadow, largely unforested with view-planes to the west, south and east. One spur trail leads to viewpoints overlooking Polletts Cove and the second leads up a final ascent to the top of the Blair River Canyon ridge.

The alignment descends in a traverse and switchbacks before crossing the Blair River. Blair River flows out of a deep canyon with cliffs on the east side and the steep slopes of Polletts Cove Mountain on the west. The alignment bypasses the private inholdings south of the Blair River. The trail continues where slopes are slightly more moderate and ascends Polletts Cove Mountain through a series of switchbacks. Views from the east ridge towards the Blair River canyon are breathtaking. From Polletts Cove Mountain, the alignment runs north for 0.5 kilometers along the canyon, then turns west towards the headlands and directly towards the ocean. Turning north, the alignment then runs along edge of the high capes overlooking the ocean. Reaching the upper slopes of Malcolms Brook, the trail descends in a series of switchbacks to H2 adjacent to Malcolms Brook.

5.5 Trail Section 3

Start: H2 (Malcolms Brook) End: Hut Site H3 - Delaneys Big Head Length: 7.4 km

From H2, the alignment continues north along mid and lower slopes to Upper Delaneys Brook. A stream crossing is required at Upper Delaneys. After crossing Delaneys, the alignment ascends the steep and exposed western ridge between Upper and Lower Delaneys (referred to as the Seawall) in a series of switchbacks and traverses. This includes bench cut switchbacks on rock and scree slopes.

This section is mountainous terrain that overlooks and plunges directly into the ocean but offers breathtaking viewscapes. The ridge continues north between the upper and lower Delaneys Brooks. It is a narrow and extremely high ridge, however it is buffered from steep slopes on either side by vegetation and rock outcrops. As the ridge widens out, the alignment alternates from one side of the ridge to the other capturing views into both canyons including a pair of major waterfalls on Lower Delaneys Brook.

Approximately 2 kilometers east, a traverse/switchback descends into the Lower Delaneys Canyon crossing at the upper waterfall. A brook crossing/cable bridge is required. A series of long switchbacks ascending out of the canyon leads to higher elevations and open barrens looking seaward and south back to Delaneys Brook Canyon. The alignment follows the north rim of the canyon to H3 at Big Head.

Graph : Min, Avg, Max Elevation : 6 , 171, H l m . . . _ m M,n Slope : _7%, _ 1. % Avg Slope : lB.l %, _ 1 _ % Range Tota ls: Disla.nee : 7.61 km Elev Ga1n, Loss. 677 m, 618 54 6 4 4 4

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Tour Gulde (17~ km ) .!', km l km (,km 7.63 km

5.6 Trail Section 4

Start: H3 (Big Head) End: Hut Site H4 - Sailor Brook Length: 8.1 km

Continuing north, the alignment follows upper slopes for one km crossing a small stream and ascending onto open and partially forested terrain. From this point the alignment swings inland approximately 1 kilometer to skirt the last major canyon before Sailor Brook. The alignment then returns to the coast on the opposite side of this canyon.

A spur trail leads out onto a rocky outcrop looking south and west. Travelling north, the alignment follows upper to mid slopes towards Sailor Brook. This will include steep side slope construction to provide diversity in the trail experience and variable viewscapes. There are two exceptional viewpoints approximately 1.5 kilometers north before the alignment ascends up-slope in a series of traverses and occasional switchbacks.

The alignment continues north along slightly rolling terrain to the top of the Sailor Brook Canyon and then northwest along the upper end of the canyon. It then reaches the start of a steep descending ridge with the canyon on one side and the ocean on the other. Unlike the Seawall ascent, the ridge is covered in vegetation and striking views are filtered or obscured by trees. The alignment descends this ridgeline, working around rock outcrops until the slope starts to moderate and a more or less straight trajectory along the top of the ridge is possible. A cable bridge crossing at Sailor Brook will minimize the steep final 10 - 15 meters of the descent. The trail then follows lower slopes along the coast to H4.

5.7 Trail Section 5

Start: H4 (Little Sailor Brook) End: Meat Cove Trailhead Length: 10.5 km

From H4 the alignment ascends along the shoulder of a hill to the north. Viewscapes look directly down to H4 and back to Sailor Brook Mountain. It continues north through softwood into an open mature hardwood forest of maple and ash, then north towards Lowland Cove.

A stream crossing will be required just prior to Lowland Cove. The alignment then follows the old footpath north, climbing inland for 0.5 km where the coastal slope suddenly becomes a high cliff prior to Cape St. Lawrence. There is a stream crossing as the alignment approaches the Cape.

At the Cape St. Lawrence Lighthouse, the alignment turns east and follows the north coast to the base of Bear Hill ascending the northeast side and running along the top ridge of the hill. The north side of the hill consists of sheer cliffs and views are breathtaking. There is a scree slope on the south side where a switchback descent is feasible. From there, a connector trail leads to the old Cape St. Lawrence Road while the main trail skirts north to the coast along the base of Bear Hill.

The alignment continues for approximately 1 kilometer east along the coast before heading south, uphill through an old growth hardwood forest, joining the lighthouse road where it intersects with the road at Lowland Cove.

Trail users will then walk out to Meat Cove for approximately 2 kilometers, most of it downhill along the shared use road.

Upon arrival at Meat Cove they will be able to gain immediate access to their vehicle and will be able to give feedback and dispose of trash at the interpretive center.

A 11 Max Elevation : 4, 86 , 236 ~ev Gain/ lo~.s : m. _ m Graph : :::·gei~tal s: Dis tanc.~: 10.9 km 695 66 7 l!C. m

2.0 0 m

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Tour Gulde 1km 1 km 10 km 10.9 km

5.8 Day-Use Trails

Cape St Lawrence Trail Start: Lowland Cove Junction End: Cape St Lawrence Look-Off Length: 3.7 km

The primary day-use hiking experience proposed in this plan will be a loop trail utilizing the existing path from Meat Cove to Cape St. Lawrence and incorporating parts of the planned Seawall Trail. The alignment will be an elongated loop and will include approximately 3 kilometers of the Seawall Trail’s northern coastal alignment. This dramatic coastal day-use trail with excellent features will become one of the Island’s premier coastal trails.

The trail will begin at the Meat Cove Orientation Centre. The new trail will use the existing trail and road to the “blueberry field”. From there it runs through sloping terrain forested with open hardwood to sea-cliffs that form the northern edge of Cape Breton Island. The trail will run west along the the cliffs to Bear Hill and south along the base of the hill before ascending a rockfield in a series of short switchbacks. Bear Hill is a unique landmark, surrounded with steep cliffs and rock-fields with panoramic views to the north. From the hill, the alignment continues west to Cape St. Lawrence. The southern half of the loop runs back along the existing path to the “blueberry field” and then back on the road to start at Meat Cove.

Google Map GIS Track, T.Young, 2017

Lowland Cove Start: Cape St Lawrence Junction End: Seawall Trail (Lowland Cove) Length: 6.18 km

A second, longer day use experience will incorporate the Cape St. Lawrence Trail with a longer loop trail that will provide day hikers with a glimpse of the backcountry landscape looking south towards Sailor Brook. This day hike will take hikers to the viewpoint overlooking the Sailor Brook hut location and provides an option for an overnight excursion with a stopover at Sailor Brook. Two possible options exist for this overnight offering: limiting the option to the low season only when hiking traffic is reduced or increasing the size of the Lowland Cove hut to accommodate a number of concurrent single night stays.

The alignment utilizes the existing Lowland Cove Road but deviates south 0.6 kilometers before the coast. The alignment hugs the base of hills to the southeast through hardwood dominated mixed forest, crossing Lowland Brook 0.5 kilometers upstream from the coast. The alignment runs southwest ascending an open hardwood slope before turning north to intersect with the proposed Seawall Trail alignment.

Google Map GIS Track, T.Young, 2017

5.9 Cape North Spur Trail

Start: West side of Aspy River End: H1 Hut Length: 16.5 km

The Cape North Trail will be a linear trail that begins on the east side of the Aspy Fault (near Cape North, Nova Scotia) and runs west to hut H1 on the Polletts Cove River. Crossing the high plateau (north and south of the Polletts Cove River), this alignment intersects with the winter route from North Mountain (see below). Where the trail serves both winter and summer use, it is recommended that the alignment be constructed to a standard appropriate for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well as hiking. Parts of the Cape North Trail run across moose-hunting territory and therefore it may be wise to close this section from October to December.

The map shown below illustrates the Cape North alignment in blue from the intersection with the North Aspy Road to the Seawall Trail hut location on the Polletts Cove River. Also shown is the proposed winter ski route from the Cabot Trail on North Mountain, shown in white. From the point of intersection of the white and blue alignments circumnavigating Polletts Cove River Canyon, the trail is designed for both summer and winter use.

The trail begins on the west side of the Aspy River and travels south along the base of the escarpment for 3 kilometers, turning west into a steep valley. The alignment then climbs a knife edge GoogleMap GIS Track, T Young,2017 ridge to the upland plateau. The knife edge ascent climbs almost 400 m and is a key feature of this trail. The alignment then continues north for approximately 2 kilometers to the edge of the Upper Polletts River Canyon. Following the canyon edge east, the trail circumnavigates the upper canyon tributaries then turns west along the canyon’s northern rim. The route provides a sequence of viewscapes along slopes forested with old growth hardwoods. As the alignment approaches H1, the trail descends a long ridge to the Polletts Cove River.

5.10 Overnight Accommodation Concepts

The idea of overnight huts was proposed in the original trail concept presented by the Seawall Trail Society. The Society will provide fixed roof accommodation at four overnight locations. ● Huts will be primarily for use during the hiking season but one or two huts will be designated for all-season use. ● Huts should be located where they will not conflict with moose hunters and can be periodically serviced. ● Huts should accommodate at least 20 scheduled hikers per day with room for overflow (caused by poor weather, delays, unregistered hikers etc.).

5.10.1 Site Descriptions

H1 Polletts Cove River Canyon The Polletts Cove River Hut will be the first overnight location. Estimated travel time will be six hours from south trailhead and eight hours from the east trailhead. The location is roughly 4.5 kilometers from the coast and is clearly separated from the boundary of the private property at Polletts Cove.

Assets at H1 are as follows: 1. This location is in a deep valley. Canyon walls tower above the site. The terrain is dry with open hardwood. 2. The canyon runs east/west allowing morning and evening light to reach the site. 3. The site is close to the Polletts Cove River providing reliable all-year access to fresh water. Polletts Cove River is the largest river in the PCAFWA. 4. This site provides an experience of the sheltered and forested deep valley ecosystem. 5. There is an option to allow winter use at this location.

H2 Malcolms Brook Malcolms Brook hut location is located approximately 12.5 km (a 6 - 8 hour hike) from H1 (Polletts Cove South Rim). It is situated within the Malcolms Brook Valley close to the brook. The hike to Malcolms Brook includes two steep mountain ascents.

Assets at H2 are as follows: 1. This location has views to the west along Malcolms Brook to the ocean. 2. It is located in a basin surrounded by a dramatic circle of hills and ridges. 3. The basin is forested with old growth hardwood. 4. The hut will be located close to Malcolms Brook providing a source of freshwater.

H3 Big Head Site H3 is located 7.5 km north of Malcolms Brook. The proposed hut site is located in a slight basin on the Big Head Headland offering some shelter and buffering from extremely high cliffs and slopes on the south and west sides. A minor valley slopes away to the north. The hike to Big Head includes the ascent up Seawall Mountain (that separates the two branches of Delaneys) and the twin waterfalls on Lower (north) Delaneys Brook.

Assets at H3 are as follows: 1. This location is a unique coastal headland and has stunning coastal views. 2. The Delaneys Brook Canyon to the south is breathtaking. 3. A spring has been reported in this area but the exact location is still unknown. It is likely that it is within the valley that runs north from the site. In absence of a spring, rain water can be collected.

H4 Little Sailor Brook Site H4 is located approx 7.5 km from Big Head. Unlike the other hut locations, this one is located on a low meadow close to the water and has ocean access. It has sweeping views south toward Sailor Brook Mountain. A barren hilltop overlooks the site to the north. The hike to Little Sailor Brook includes a series of headlands with expansive ocean views and a steep descent down Sailor Brook Mountain.

Assets at H4 are as follows: 1. This site is the most accessible of all four hut locations. It could easily be supplied by water and it is less than 5 kilometers from Lowland Cove. 2. There is a stream directly adjacent to the site. This has the dual benefit of providing a reliable supply of water while also providing a pleasant sound and aesthetics. 3. This site has beautiful beach access. 4. It is a fairly easy day trip from Meat Cove making it a possible day hike location.

The Sailor Brook Hut should be designed to accommodate overnight traffic out of Meat Cove as well as through hikers. This will require 6 - 8 additional sleeping units, additional common space etc.

Cabin Sites; Sailor'sBrook (left), Big Head(right), (C.Muller, 2017)

5.10.2 Specifications

Capacity Huts will be designed to accommodate all registered Seawall Trail users and a Ridge Runner (on-trail steward). It is proposed that no camping be permitted on the trail corridor. Long range expected user numbers are predicted to be in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 per year. Huts must therefore have a capacity of at least 15 with overflow capacity to bring them to 20.

Option 1: Fixed roof pre-assembled units This concept is based on modular unit construction, which can be prefabricated and airlifted to the site. These modules will be dropped and assembled on pressure treated framed platforms with treated plywood, set on stone footings. Modular construction will make airlift feasible, reducing the load and surface area.

Generally, each structure will include four functional areas: common area, sleeping area, entry/gear storage/drying area and staff unit with storage area. Each unit will have a minimum of sixteen sleeping platforms with an upper and lower bunk arrangement. Two or more overflow sleeping platforms will double as seating. The front wall windows will be west facing, oriented towards the water where the site allows. Shutters provide protection during the winter and can be closed in case of rough weather.

Key characteristics of huts are: ● Heating provided by a single unit gravity-fed pellet stove situated in the common area. ● Lighting provided via roof-mounted solar array power supply and efficient LED lighting. ● Shared use cooking stoves, basic kitchen amenities and a washing station in common area. ● Water provided by roof-top collection system, stored in elevated 1,000 litre HDPE tanks and surrounded by a galvanized steel cage. ● Options for managing "grey water" (to be evaluated for each hut location). ● Double glazed windows and opening screened windows on opposite sides for airflow.

See Appendix 1 for examples of two modular hut design concepts.

(C.Muller,2017)

(C.Muller, 2017)

-""'--

Option 2: Cedar Log Units

Cedar, fitted log home construction will provide a durable option for hut construction. Log home manufacturers specialize in fitted log assembly and remote installation. Cedar has high insulating properties and fitted logs have an insulated double tongue and groove compression seal system that eliminates the need for industrial wall insulation.

Most manufacturers offer a weather tight shell package with complete construction guidelines.

This type of construction will have the following benefits:

FRCNT ELEV.AT ON RI~ SIDE ELEVA TION Weathering: Fitted cedar logs have natural weather resistance.

Assembly: Logs are designed to fit together allowing simple wall construction.

Insulation: Wall insulation is built in. Weight: Cedar is relatively lightweight compared with other types of log construction

Considerations Log construction may require a concrete slab or foundation. In remote locations only accessible by air, this will add additional costs.

Logs are pre-milled, however, construction must be done on site. This may require establishing a field site which requires additional mobilization and airlift fees. The roof structure and interior will also be constructed on site, requiring longer site access.

5.11 Opportunities for Future Development

Fully Supported Hikes and Guided Tours The all-inclusive, guided segment of adventure tourism is a high yield business opportunity that could both stimulate use on the trail and provide revenues for local guiding companies. All-inclusive tours include itineraries, offer guides and supply meals both on the trail and at wilderness huts.

Expansion of Capacity Growth of hiker traffic from the supported and guided tour market (or simply through incremental growth) may require expansion of hut capacity. In the case of guiding services, the market may demand private accommodations not offered by the bunkhouse style huts discussed in this report. Whether private or shared, the additional capacity may be increased cost effectively by offering satellite units at each hut location. Yurts are popular, comfortable and can be easily taken down and stored in the hut over winter. Each hut location could potentially include cluster of yurts to accommodate the needs of all-inclusive tours.

Cost of yurts (as of this report): $9,000 per unit uninsulated, $12,000 insulated

Little Foot Yurts, NS. 17ft yurt at KejlmkujikNational Par!<,NS

http•/Jkenomeecom/ tKenomee Log Homes)

Luxury Hut Development Similar to the use of yurts to accommodate guided tours, fully serviced huts with private rooms are used in several countries to provide a higher-end hiking experience. In the future, a business plan to explore this concept should be done, possible partners identified and the opportunity reviewed with the Nova Scotia Environment.

Winter Tourism The Cape Breton highlands provide a lovely winter tourism experience. While the market for cross-country skiing doesn’t appear to be growing at present, it is still a significant market and at the same time, snowshoeing has become increasingly popular. A winter hut to support skiing and snowshoeing will provide an opportunity for building a valuable winter tourism product. For winter use the trail could start on North Mountain within CBHNP and cross the upper plateau joining the Cape North hiking trail along the Polletts Cove River Canyon. The winter trail could utilize the backcountry hut in the Polletts Cove River. Creation of an entry point on North Mountain must be approved by CBHNP.

To encourage and stimulate winter-use, a winter hut located somewhere on the interior highlands plateau may be developed. This location would provide a base camp for trips northeast and northwest (towards Malcolms Brook).

6.0 Trail Construction 70

6.0 TRAIL CONSTRUCTION

6.1 General Guidelines 6.2 Construction Methods 6.3 Trail Construction Plan 6.4 Signage Plan 6.5 Timeline and Logistics

6.1 General Guidelines

Centre Line This plan provides a centre line for trail construction. A centre line defines the trail route generally within 10 metres and allows assessment of the trail alignment by government staff. Resource, environmental and biological assessments are normally done based on the centreline plan. The centre line is defined with a GPS track with some flagging in the field (pink flagging tape). In our experience, in an environment such as the Seawall Trail, flagging will largely disappear within a few months and will have to be completely redone during the micro-alignment. Mapping provided in this report identifies this centreline and GIS data is available to assist with field assessments.

Micro-alignment When trail construction for any section of the trail begins, and prior to trail clearing, a micro trail alignment will be completed to define the precise location of the right of way (ROW). This will ensure that slopes are minimized, poorly drained areas are avoided and the trail can bypass large trees and obstructions.

Right-of-Way (ROW) The Seawall Trail will be constructed as a footpath. The right of way (ROW) will be a minimum of approximately 1.25 m wide (4 feet) and 2.5 m (9 feet) high. The ROW simply refers to the profile or dimensions of the trail corridor. The trail ROW will be cleared of coarse woody debris with the cut ends facing away from the trail.

Trail Tread The trail tread or walking surface will be on average 40 cm (18 inches) wide. This conforms to the Nova Scotia guidelines for backcountry trails in “Developing Recreational Trails in Nova Scotia”. The backcountry standard trail is a natural surface -- 4ft -- tread and the right-of-way is wide enough for hiking and l snowshoeing. The trail tread 8ft should be generally defined by lightly raking and stump removal.

6.2 Construction Methods

The remote environment in which the trail will be built and its designation as a Wilderness Area restrict the use of mechanized trail building equipment. Virtually all construction will be done with hand tools. This is in contrast to the recent and emerging methods for recreation trail construction which rely extensively on the use of machines. Rubber-tracked mini-excavators, motorised wheelbarrows, compactors and other motorized equipment that have all become industry standards would be extremely difficult to mobilize on a site with no road access.

Generally, trail construction methodology is planned to adapt to the landscape to ensure a trail is sustainable. Techniques for trail construction should make the trail durable by channeling foot traffic into a corridor that does not degrade or trap water. This ensures that the trail allows hikers to travel safely and prevents scarring and damage to the environment. The diversity of landscapes, topography and geology influence both trail design and trail construction techniques. The design itself is the most important method for avoiding problems.

In this section methods for trail construction are grouped and coded in numbered categories. These categories are described in the table below. Different categories of trail construction require specific levels of effort. We have assigned a level of effort to each of the categories measured in metres per person per day. This refers to the average level of production for trail workers in a wilderness environment and can be used to determine both the cost of construction, the number of workers needed to do the work and the time required.

All time requirements in the following table are based on manual labour. The table includes a construction plan code in the left side column, a brief description of the conditions for trail construction and the level of effort in meters per person per day, in the right hand column.

Construction Metre/ Description code person/day A - EXISTING TRAIL A1 Existing trail in good condition, requires some pruning. 500

Existing trail on slopes requires minor improvements such as filling over exposed A2 80 roots. May be narrow in places and should be widened to 0.5m (18in).

Existing trail on slopes requires partial realignment, as well as minor improvements A3 (fill added over exposed roots). May be narrow in places and should be widened to 40 0.5m (18in).

A4 Existing trail is wet and requires rock hardening. 8 B - NEW TRAIL B1 New trail overexposed barrens on mineral soil or bedrock. 160 New trail on well-drained terrain and slopes under 5% requiring grade dips every 10 B2 50 m. New trail with generally well-drained conditions but occasional low spots and/or B3 build-up of organics that require building up of tread surface and grade dips every 25 10 m.

New trail on variable terrain where there may be periodic layers of organics over B4 rock or mineral soil that require building up of tread surface and grade dips every 10 12 m and occasionally imperfectly drained terrain which requires rock hardening.

B5 New trail on rocky and irregular terrain requiring flagstone rock tread. 10

B6 New trail across imperfectly drained terrain requiring rock hardening. 8

C - NEW TRAIL ON SLOPE

New trail on slopes between 5% and 40% on well drained soils requiring C1 40 switchbacks and traverse alignments and bench cut construction.

New trail on slopes greater 40% on well drained soils requiring switchbacks, C2 30 traverse alignments, and bench cut construction.

New trail on slopes greater than 40% on talus slopes requiring switchbacks, traverse C3 40 alignments, and bench cut construction.

C4 New trail on slopes greater than 40% requiring stone steps and/or cable handholds. 5

W - STREAM CROSSING W1 Minor stream crossing (passable with caution at all times). 8 Medium stream crossing (difficult to cross after extreme weather events). Requires W2 2 cable handhold. Medium stream crossing (impassable in extreme weather events). Requires cable W3 0.5 bridge. W4 Major river crossing. Requires cable bridge. 0.1

6.3 Interactive Map

The following URL will permit access to the Map Viewer on ArcGIS Online: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=420ac50b92864462b3c6c89faa90dbb9

Map Viewer Application

The layers button can be found on the interface in the upper left corner of the map as pictured on the above (circled in yellow).

__ , Q. ------I 0 --•

·..~· ./ ! ,,_,... I c~_,,,..•.., ~

C A PC fJRETO~ H IG N LA N D':

For more information about each layer on the web viewer click the ‘layers’ button:

The ‘layers’ button opens the Layers window (Figure 1 on left). Each layer ~ Layon ,.,"

V can be toggled on and off using the checkboxes. By clicking on the black

., Tra~heads arrows beside features in the layers window one can view the symbology for each layer.

., Streamc ross,ng

., S.awalt Tr.ul

Figure 1. ) S

Individual trail segments can be selected to see more information about ID Num 4 10 Name Sec 4 the segment. Selecting a trail segment opens a pop-up window (Figure 2 Trail Type Bl on right). The pop-up window provides information about the segment: the Distance (ml 800 ID number, trail type, the length in meters, etc. C!l../,0011110

Figure 2. 75

Code Descriptions

Category A refers to the utilization and upgrade to existing trail. It includes clearing or pruning of the trail corridor to meet right of way (ROW) specifications as well as creating grade dips to avoid erosion.

Grade dips or reversals are gentle dips in the elevation of the trail followed by a slight upwards slope. This prevents water from running along the trail and allowing it to run off to the side. Grade dips should be located every 10 m.

Category B refers to the construction of new trail where slopes are less than 5%. On barrens with shallow soils and bedrock, trail construction may be minimal. These conditions are common on the Seawall Trail where there are significant sections of trail that are constructed on barrens. Finished tread must be durable and dry and free of standing water or seepage. The trail tread should always be out-sloped 3% to allow the water to sheet off the tread.

On soils that contain organic material, the trail tread must be well drained. Use of grade dips is essential to avoid erosion. Trail hardening with rock or coarse material may be needed where organic layers exceed 5-10 cm.

Category C refers to trail construction on slopes and includes bench cuts on mineral soil and bench construction in rock fields and talus slopes. These methods will be common on the Seawall Trail where • there are significant steep climbs including where the ' alignment descends into canyons and ravines and where the alignment runs along a side slope.

Bench cut construction on mineral soils is shown in the illustration. Material is removed from the uphill side and used to build up the downhill edge of the trail. Rock may be used to stabilize the downslope side.

Bench construction on steeply sloped rock fields builds a slightly out-sloping tread surface by repositioning rocks from the upslope side to build up a stable trail. Generally the profile of bench cuts on rock fields is similar to those on mineral soil. As much as possible, loose rocks on the slope above the trail should be removed and used to support the downhill side. This type of construction should generally be started at the bottom of the slope working up.

Where the alignment ascends rock slopes and where switchbacks and bench-cut construction are impractical or unfeasible, rock steps may be used. The method of rock step construction will require the support of a person knowledgeable of this technique.

Exposed slopes may require the use of cable handrails anchored into rock. This is frequently used in areas where trails run along steep slopes. The following illustrations provide examples of cable handholds. Note the age of the hiker on the left.

Category W Stream Crossings (including cable bridges, etc.) Stream crossing are categorized in four groupings: minor crossings that do not present significant challenges (W1), medium crossings that can usually be crossed on foot (W2), but may act as barriers after significant rain events (W3), and finally major crossings (W4).

Minor Crossings (W1) will only require some rock stabilization of stream banks and placement of one or more steppings stones.

Medium Crossings (W2) may require cable handholds to help travellers cross when water levels are high. These should be located where the river bed is as wide and level as possible. Six stream crossings of this type are identified in this plan.

In some cases, cable bridges may be constructed at these medium crossings (W3). In these cases, the stream may have a significant drop in elevation and storm events may create a very hazardous crossing. In addition, stream embankments may be steep on both sides. Trail construction on these steep banks may be susceptible to erosion and a cable bridge crossing is the better solution. Three streams of this type are identified in this plan.

Major Crossings W4. A major crossing is passable under normal conditions but would be hazardous in high water conditions and impassable after extreme weather events. A cable bridge is required in these locations. One major crossing is identified in this plan. Examples of cable bridges are shown in the following images.

6.4 Trail Construction Plan

The following series of maps and tables provide plans for construction of the Seawall Trail. To facilitate the planning process, we have calculated approximate labour requirements measured in person days for each section of construction. While many trails simply hire a contractor, there are options for developing community-based models for construction that may be employed in this case and it is relevant to calculate the labour requirements as well as the estimated cost. Person days are converted to cost in the summary of this section. Summarized costs are then used to calculate the total budget for the Seawall Trail project (refer to Section 7.0 Capital Budget).

Google Map GIS Track, T.Young, 2017

Section 1: South Trailhead to Polletts Cove River

Location Distance from Site conditions /construction Dist from Constr Distance m/person Person code south trailhead beginning of code (km) day days (km) section (km) 1.01 0 Existing trail from road and south parking 0 A1 0.065 500 0.13 area. 1.02 0.065 Existing road bridge. 0.065 W0 0.01 1.03 0.075 Existing trail in good condition. 0.075 A1 0.79 500 1.58 1.04 0.865 Stream crossing. 0.865 W1 0.005 40 0.13 1.05 0.87 Existing trail in fair condition. 0.87 A3 2.43 40 60.75 1.06 3.3 Stream crossing. 3.3 W2 0.02 2 10.00 1.07 3.32 Imperfect drainage will require rock 3.32 A4 0.1 8 12.50 hardening. 1.08 3.42 Existing trail. 3.42 A2 2.16 40 54.00

1.09 5.58 Slope to south ridge. 5.58 C1 0.68 40 17.00

1.1 6.26 Open ground and barrens on south canyon 6.26 B3 3.64 25 145.60 ridge.

1.11 9.9 Steeply sloped ridge from upper elevations 9.9 C1 0.6 40 15.00 will require occasional short switchbacks to reduce grade. 1.12 10.5 Steep side slope will require bench-cut 10.5 C2 0.3 30 10.00 traverse with at least one switchback. 1.13 10.8 Level, well drained terrain. 10.8 B2 0.2 50 4.00 1.14 11 H1 Polletts Cove River. 11

Distance Person days Total: Section 1 11.00 331

SEAWALLTRAIL: Se ction 1

Trail Type • Trail head - A1 • Hut Locations -- A2 Stream/Ri ver Crossing • N - A3 Poll..tl-. Cor.l' A4 81 82 83 84

85 86 -- C1

-- C2 C3 C4 - wo - w1

-- W2 ,,, 'I-, ,,,< W3 ~-- I~ W4

1:35,000 Universal Transverse Mer cato r Zone 20

0 1 2 3 Km

Additional Sources: Cobequid Cosulti.n; : trails,j unctioos /2017; KCGeoma tics & Design: traits,junct ions /2017 Somces : Esri, HERE, Delo rme, TornTom, lntermap , incremeni P Corl;J, Author: KendraChalmers. GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kad~er NL, Btemance Date: Dec 7, 2017 Survey, Esri Japan, MET I, Esri China (Hong Kon!')\), swiss~11J],4Mapmy lndia, © A«GISl 0.3.1 OpenStreetM ap contributors, and the GIS User Commemil'yc 82

Section 2: Polletts Cove River to Malcolms Brook

Location Dist. from S Site conditions Dist.(km) from Constr. Distance m/person Person days code trailhead (km) beginning of code (km) day section 2 2.01 11.200 Bridge over Polletts Cove River. 0.200 W4 0.010 0.1 100.00 2.02 11.210 Polletts Cove River riparian zone; alignment 0.210 B3 1.990 25 79.60 occasionally climbs slopes along river to avoid low areas of flood-plane or steep embankments. 2.03 13.200 River crossing; raised rock embankments. 2.200 W3 0.005 0.5 10.00

2.04 13.205 Slope to upland terrain; open hardwood; wide 2.205 C1 1.095 40 27.38 switchbacks. 2.05 14.300 Slope to Blair River; moderate to steep; will require 3.300 C2 1.200 30 40.00 traverse and switchback alignment with bench-cut construction.

2.06 15.500 Stream crossing, Blair River. 4.500 W3 0.010 0.5 20.00 2.07 15.510 Lower slope, Polletts Cove Mountain; open 4.510 C2 0.690 30 23.00 hardwood; well-drained with some areas of skree; will require a series of switchbacks.

2.08 16.200 Mid-slope Polletts Cove Mountain; shoulder ridge; 5.200 C3 0.300 40 7.50 some short switchbacks until slope levels out, then follows top of ridge.

2.09 16.500 Upper Slope, Polletts Cove Mountain; rocky slope, 5.500 C4 0.300 5 60.00 wide switchbacks with bench-cut construction. 2.1 16.800 Barrens and upper slopes along west side of Blair 5.800 B1 0.500 160 3.13 River canyon. 2.11 17.300 Drainage basin; will require rock hardening. 6.300 B5 0.050 10 5.00 2.12 17.350 Open terrain; barrens and upper headland slopes. 6.350 B3 2.850 25 114.00

2.13 20.200 Upper terraces; moderate slopes. 9.200 C1 0.200 40 5.00 2.14 20.4 Steep slope on open terrain will require a series of 9.4 C2 0.4 30 13.33 tight switchbacks. 2.15 20.8 Lower slopes and rocky terrain along Malcolms 9.8 C1 0.4 40 10.00 Brook. 2.16 21.2 H2 Malcolms Brook. 10.2

Distance Person days Total: Section 2 10.20 518

SEAWALLTRAIL: Section 2

Trail Type 1 :35,00 0 - A1 Universa l Transverse Mh cato r Zone 20 ' - A2 N - A3 0 1 2 3 Km A4

B1 fort C ove

-- B3

B4 BS

B6 E Pollett> Gove a .,\spy Faul - c1 Wilderneos"''°"' - c2

-- C3

- C4 - wo - w1 - w2

- W3

- W4

C A P E B

-< 1P(J,,. • Trail head

I~ 0 Hut Locations

• Stream/Ri ver Crossing

Author.: Kendra Chalmers Date : Dec 7, 2017 ArcGIS 10.3.l 84

Section 3: Malcolms Brook to Big Head

Location Dist. from S Site conditions Dist (km) from Constr Distance m/person Person code trailhead (km) beginning of code (km) day days section 3 3.01 21.2 Lower slopes and rocky terrain along Malcolms 0 B4 0.8 12 66.67 Brook. 3.02 22 Stream crossing. 0.8 W2 0.005 2 2.50 3.03 22.005 Slopes north of Malcolms Brook; moderately 0.805 B2 0.895 50 17.90 well-drained with variable terrain and cover. 3.04 22.9 Stream crossing. 1.7 W1 0.005 8 0.63 3.05 22.905 Slopes south of Upper Delaney Brook; 1.705 B2 0.995 50 19.90 well-drained with variable terrain and cover. 3.06 23.9 Rocky variable terrain. 2.7 B5 0.3 10 30.00 3.07 24.2 Coastal lowland with areas of imperfect drainage. 3 B6 0.2 8 25.00 3.08 24.4 Embankment to beach. 3.2 C4 0.02 5 4.00 3.09 24.42 Beach alignment. 3.22 A1 0.28 500 0.56 3.1 24.7 Stream crossing. 3.5 W2 0.005 2 2.50 3.11 24.705 Slope to base of Seawall Mountain. 3.505 B5 0.095 10 9.50 3.12 24.8 Seawall Mountain; rock fields; slopes and rock 3.6 C3 0.5 40 12.50 outcrops. 3.13 25.3 Upper ridge; well drained; rocky steeply sloped 4.1 B2 0.5 50 10.00 terrain. 3.14 25.8 Level terrain with variable soils and conditions. 4.6 B3 0.6 25 24.00 3.15 26.4 Steep slope to Lower Delaney; will require 5.2 C2 0.6 30 20.00 traverse and switchbacks with bench-cut construction. 3.16 27 Stream crossing. 5.8 W3 0.01 0.5 20.00 3.17 27.01 Slopes north of Lower Delaney. 5.81 C2 0.39 30 13.00 3.18 27.4 Barrens with occasional softwood stands. 6.2 B1 1 160 6.25 3.19 28.4 Rocky slope descending to Big Head. 7.2 C3 0.2 40 5.00 3.2 28.6 H3 Big Head. 7.4

Distance Person days Total: Section 3 7.40 290

SEAWALLTRAIL: Section 3

Trail Type Trailhead

- A1 D Hut Locatio ns - A2 • Stream/River Crossing N - A3

--- B1

-- B2

- B3

--- B4

B6 - c1 -- C2 / - c3

--- C4 - wo - w1

- W2

- W3

- W4

1:15,000 Universa l Transverse Mercator Zone 20

0 1 Km

Additional Sources: Cobequid Cos uit ing: traits, junctions /2017; KCGeom at lcs & Design: traifs, junctlons /2017 Sources: Esri, HERE, Del orme , TomTom, lnterm ap, increment P Corp., -!· Author; Kendra Chalmers GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance -,, Oa•~• Pee 7, 2017 Survey, Esri Japan . METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, Mapmylndia, ©'., NCG1S 10.3.l OpenStreetMap contributors, aAd the GIS User Community

Section 4: Big Head to Sailor Brook

Location code Dist. from Site conditions Dist from Constr Distance (km) m/person Person south beginning of code day days trailhead section (km) (km)

4.01 28.6 Barrens north of N. Delaney. 0.000 B2 0.55 50 11.00 4.02 29.15 Sloping terrain with variable conditions will require 0.550 B2 0.25 50 5.00 frequent grade dips. 4.03 29.4 Stream crossing. 0.800 W1 0.002 8 0.25 4.04 29.402 Moderately steep slope; traverse; bench-cut. 0.802 C2 0.246 30 8.20 4.05 29.648 Upper barrens and terraces 1.048 B1 0.452 160 2.83 4.06 30.1 Variable slopes with mixed conditions. 1.500 B3 1.5 25 60.00 4.07 31.6 Moderately sloped, predominantly forested terrain; 3.000 C1 1.4 40 35.00 bench cut. 4.08 33 Slope to high plateau; forested; will require 4.400 C2 0.4 30 13.33 switchbacks.

4.09 33.4 High plateau; variable but generally well drained; 4.800 B2 0.5 50 10.00 will require frequent grade dips.

4.1 33.9 Upper ridge of Sailor Brook Canyon; largely open; 5.300 B1 1 160 6.25 variable slope. 4.11 34.9 Upper Sailor Brook Mountain; steep slope; 6.300 C4 0.3 5 60.00 frequent rock outcrops; will require tight switchbacks and rock steps.

4.12 35.2 Lower Sailor Brook Mountain; moderate slope with 6.600 C1 0.6 40 15.00 occasional tight switchbacks 4.13 35.8 Stream crossing 7.200 W3 0.01 0.5 20.00 4.14 35.81 Lower slopes Sailor Brook; partly forested; rocky 7.210 B3 0.59 25 23.60 terrain and rock outcrops; moderately steep. 4.15 36.4 Variable slopes and drainage patterns. 7.800 B3 0.3 25 12.00 4.16 36.7 H4 Sailor Brook. 8.100

Distance Person days Total: Section 4 8.10 282

SEAWALLTRAIL: Section 4

Trail Type Trailhead -- A1 • Hut Locations - A2 Strea m/River Crossing • N A3 A4 --- B1 - B2 --- B3 - B4 B5

B6 - c1 - c2

-- C3

-- C4 - wo - w1

- W2

-- W3

- W4

1:20,000 Unive rsal Transverse M ercator Zone 20

0 1 2 Km

Addibonal Sources.~CobeQuid Cosulting: trails.,j unctlons /2017; KCGeomatlcs & Design: trails,j unctions /2017 Sources: Esri, HERE, Delo rme, TomTom, lntermap, increment P Corp.,

Author: KendraChalm ers GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Oate: Dec 7, 2017 Survey, Esri Japan, MET I, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo , Mapmy lndia, © ArcG1S 10.3. I OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community 88

Section 5: Sailor Brook to Meat Cove

Location code Dist. from S Site conditions Dist from Constr Distance m/person Person days trailhead (km) beginning of code (km) day section (km) 5.01 36.7 Ridge north of Sailor Brook; variable slope; good 0.000 C1 0.5 40 12.50 conditions. 5.02 37.2 Hardwood slopes to Lower Cove. 0.500 B2 0.5 50 10.00 5.03 37.7 Mixed-wood slopes; generally well drained. 1.000 B3 0.4 25 16.00 5.04 38.1 Stream-crossing. 1.400 W3 0.01 0.5 20.00 5.05 38.11 Lower Cove to Cape St Lawrence; existing 1.410 A1 3.29 500 6.58 footpath. 5.06 41.4 Stream-crossing. 4.700 W2 0.01 2 5.00 5.07 41.41 North coast to Bear Hill; partially forested sloped 4.710 B3 1.49 25 59.60 terrain. 5.08 42.9 Steep slope to Bear Hill summit will require a 6.200 C2 0.5 30 16.67 series of switchbacks.

5.09 43.4 Upper Bear Hill; well-drained; partially open. 6.700 B2 0.25 50 5.00

5.1 43.65 Slope from Bear Hill; rock field; tight switchbacks. 6.950 C3 0.15 40 3.75 5.11 43.8 Partially forested sloped terrain. 7.100 B3 1.1 25 44.00 5.12 44.9 Hardwood forested sloped terrain will require 8.200 C1 0.8 40 20.00 occasional switchbacks and frequent grade dips. 5.13 45.7 Road to Meat Cove. 9.000 A1 1.1 500 2.20 5.14 46.8 Shortcut traverse to Meat Cove. 10.100 A1 0.4 500 0.80

Distance Person days Total: Section 5 10.50 222

SEAWALLTRAIL: Se ction 5

Trail Type Trail head

- A1 D Hut Locations - A2 • Stream/Rive r Crossing - A3

- C3

--- C4

- wo

- w1

- W2

- W3

l "'''l,1111I - W4 I tor,· I I I I I I i. North Trailhea I

I I

I I 1:30,000 I Unive rsal Transverse Mercator I Zone 20

0 1 2 I 3 Km I Additional Sources: Cobequid Cosu1ting: traiis,{Unct ions /2017; KCGeomat ics & Design: traits,jun ctions /2017 Sources: Esri, HERE, Deworme, TomTom, lntermap , increm Author: Keodra Chalmers GEBCO, USGS, FAO, N'Ps, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Ka Oate: Dec 7, :Wt7 Survey, Esri Japan, MET I, Esri China (Hong Kong), swis ArcG1$ 10.3. l OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Comm 90

Existing Day-Use Trails

Two of the existing day-use trail will provide options for connecting the Seawall Trail to Meat Cove. Construction plans for required modifications to the existing Lowland Cove and Cape Saint Lawrence Trails are detailed below

Lowland Cove Trail

Lowland Cove Loop (day-use loop) Location Site conditions Dist from Constr code Distance m/person Person days code beginning of (km) day section (km) L1 Existing trail requires clearing and grade dips 0 A1 500 8.92 on slopes. 4.46 L2 Traverse alignment along hardwood 4.46 C1 40 6.5 forested sloped terrain, bench-cut. 0.26 L3 Imperfectly drained section will require some 4.72 B6 8 6.25 rock hardening 0.05 L4 Sloped terrain, predominantly open 4.77 C1 40 16 understory forested with hardwood 0.64 L5 Stream crossing 5.41 W1 0.002 8 0.25 L6 Open hardwood, well drained 5.412 B2 0.418 50 8.36 L7 Softwood, well drained. 5.83 B2 0.35 50 7 Intersection with Seawall trail 6.18

Distance Person days Total: Lowland Cove 6.18 53.28

SEAWALLTRAIL: Lowlands Cove

• Trailhead

Hut. Locations • Stream/Rive( Ctosslng Section Name -- 51 (11.0 km) - S2 (12.5 km)

, -- S3 (7.5 km)

- S4(7.5 km) 1:17,500 - SS(10 .5 km) Universal Transverse-Mercato r Zone 20 - Cape North (11.S km)

- cape St.Lawrence Look OH (3 km)

- Lowlands CoveCoasta l (6 km) 0 1 2 Km

- M ain Trail (2 km)

Jr,Od$~ ~c.t.':~~1r,1k_.,_-l_..f}OlS,l(CG~:f~ &O.1;1&,20a Japan, MET I. Esri China (Hong Kong). swisslopo. Maprey~ ;"C-'l ~ 1o.s..1 OpensttooiMap oontributors. and theG IS Us(l:f Communily

Cape Saint Lawrence Trail

Cape Saint Lawrence (day-use) Location Site conditions Dist from beginning Constr code Distance m/person Person days code of section (km) (km) day

0.0 Shortcut traverse to Meat Cove. 0.4 A1 0.4 500 0.8

0.4 Road to Meat Cove. 1.5 A1 1.1 500 2.2

1.5 Existing road to Cape St Lawrence 4.5 A1 3.0 500 6

4.5 Intersection with Seawall Trail

Distance Person days Total: Cape Saint Lawrence 3.0 6

SEAWALLTRAIL: Cape St.Lawrence

1:10,000 Universal Transverse I\.P.ercator Zone 20

1 Km

/ • Trailhead

Hut Locations

• Stre am/ River Crossing Section Name

-- 51 (11.0 km)

-- 52 (125 km)

- s3(7 .Skm )

-- 54 (7.5 km)

-- SS (10.5 km)

- Cape No rth (17 .S km)

--- cape -St.Lawrence Loo K Off (3 km)

--- Lowl and s Co 1R Co astal {6 km )

- Main Trail (2 km¼ 14d110r!IJ sc....«,o,s:cobot(Jl.id'°""'Ii""+ ilAI~ ~!- /1018;11.'.C-G-1:cs & O'llilJMttl ...... a....-.r./10 18 - Meat Coye Look Off (O.Skm ) Sources : Esri . HERE. Oelonne., Tom Tom . Inter.map, ffl~ f' Corp .. GEB CO .

NhloclMit ~·CMINfS USG S. FAO, N.PS, NRCAN,Ge0 Base1 IGN, Kadaster Nt .. ~ance Survey',E s.ri o.J».lif a. 101a J apan, METI. E-sti ctina { Hong Kong), s.,.,is.stopo. Mapmylnjfia, It! N10G1S1o.s.1Open S1teelMap oonl&utors. and the GIS User C ni1y

Cape North (Spur Trail)

Location Site conditions Dist (km) from Cape Constr code Distance m/person Person code North Trailhead (km) day days

N1.01 Rocky side slope, requires bench-cut and 0 C1 40 1.56 39 occasional stone infill. N1.02 Knife edge ridge ascent; intermittent rockwork, 1.56 C4 5 0.85 170 steps and handrails. N1.03 Upper canyon edge, slope and partially open 2.41 B2 50 2.15 86 barrens. N1.04 Open barrens, variable conditions, some areas 4.56 B4 12 1.32 110 of imperfect drainage. N1.05 Upper canyon edge, slope and partially open 5.88 B2 50 7.02 281 barrens. N1.06 Mix of conditions: open barrens: upper canyon 11.8 B3 25 1.1 44 edge and dips into forested shallow ravines. N1.07 Upper canyon edge, slope and partially open 12.9 B2 50 1.6 32 barrens. N1.08 Moderately sloped ridge; will require frequent 14.5 C2 30 2 67 switchbacks and bench-cut. N1.09 H1 hut location. 16.5

Distance Person days Total: Cape North (Spur Trail) 16.5 829

SEAWALLTRAIL: Cape North ~ Cobeqvid ~CO N SULT I N G

TJailhead

Hut Locations

~t r<\,lm[River Crossing C A P E 8 R E T O N , I I I

Hut Loca t ions I ' I Trail Type I

- A1

- A2

- - B1

-- B2 .- s3 I I - B4 BS

66 I I - c1 S."" - c2 ,P'' - c3 ,,f ...... '"N,,,.,L., - C4 I ,,, r,t ,, - wo 1:35,000 I - w, I Uni~ -rsalT 'ra nsveef 'MeJrc~tor

- w2 I - W3 0 1· _;2,J2 3'· 4 Km --- W4 ht!,$; ~dC«IJl:i~r.l~ ~~ /20 l7;il'.CG-t~ &-~ t~ l&;,pdoOl'lf./l017 So_J,J-ces: Est ffERE , Delorme . lomTom. lntermap . ioctetoonl P Corp.,, I l,..di~k>f'do~CM..-.o,s (§ESCO. IJ.~G,S, FAO: NPS. N.RC~N. GeoBase, IG~ . ~~t~ N. .L,Ot.d~ nce O.:.Qt>: ~ 3, 20a :,Survey. Esn J apan . METI, Esl1 CbanaQiong Kong), swisstopo, Mapmylntha, C NtGlS:t~ OpenStr~tMap oqnt~ulors , a.nd the GIS US9( CommlJrity

6.5 Signage Recommendations and Costs

A signage and wayfinding plan is a vital component of trail infrastructure. Signs and wayfinding should be simple, non-obtrusive and easy to maintain. They should minimize impact on the environment and the wilderness experience while reassuring hikers, allowing them to plan their time on the trail. A signage program should also: ● Provide interpretation and orientation when necessary. ● Reduce risks and limit liabilities. ● Allow distance tracking and identification of specific trail locations.

The components and costs of the signage program recommended are as follows:

Wayfinding blazes $2,000

Kilometer markers $1,500

Hut markers $1,000

Trailhead orientation $9,000

Hut orientation $8,000

Details of the Seawall Trail signage plan are included in Appendix 3.

6.6 Timeline and Logistics

It is recommended that trail construction planning and implementation should progress from north to south. Working north to south allows for:

● training and mentorship to be done between Meat Cove, Cape St Lawrence and Lowland Cove, an area that is accessible by vehicle. ● no interference with current users of the Polletts Cove trail. ● the establishment of Meat Cove as a base supporting the day use trails.

A trail staging area should be established in Bay St Lawrence and/or Meat Cove with an office for management/administration and storage for supplies and equipment.

Year 1 Trail construction will focus on developing the trail between Meat Cove and Lowland Cove. The goal in Year 1 will be to complete Section 5, including both northern day loops. This will allow day loops to open in 2019. We would recommend that the Meat Cove Visitor Centre and parking be constructed in the autumn of 2019 to be open to the public in 2020. In the second year, trail construction will move on to Section 4 of the trail.

Year 2 Early construction will focus on building the trail to the top of Sailor Brook Mountain. This will provide access to the high capes and the rest of Section 4 as far as Big Head. The second stage of construction in Year 2 will be Section 3 from Malcolms Brook to Big Head including the difficult ascent of the Seawall and the crossing of the North Delaney’s River. This phase of construction will require a Base Camp at Delaney’s Cove that can be supplied by sea.

Year 3 This phase will begin with construction of Section 2 of the trail between Polletts Cove and Malcolms Brook. The final stage of trail construction will be Section 1 between Polletts Cove River and the south trailhead. It is recommended that the backcountry huts be pre-assembled over the winter of 2021-22.

Year 4 Prior to the opening of the trail, backcountry huts will be airlifted to the site, finished and supplied with provisions.

Year 5 Construction of the Cape North Spur Trail.

6.7 Timeline

YEAR 1 Planning and Organization 0 Establish office for management and administration Purchase of equipment Training and mentoring Trail Construction Section 5 Sailor Brook to Meat Cove Northern Day Loops (Lowland Cove & Bear Mountain) Bridges Lowland Cove Brook

YEAR 2 Planning and Organization Establish base-camp at Delaneys Trail Construction Section 4 Sailor Brook to Big Head Section 3 Big Head to Malcolms Brook Bridges Sailor Brook North Delaneys

YEAR 3 Trail Construction Section 2 Malcolms Brook to Polletts Cove Section 1 Polletts Cove River to South Trailhead Bridges Blair River North Branch Polletts Cove River Otter Brook Huts Pre-assembly

YEAR 4 Infrastructure Completion Transport and complete huts Wayfinding in place Soft opening

YEAR 5 Development of Winter Use Product Construction of Cape North Spur

100

7 .0 Capital Budget 101

7.0 CAPITAL BUDGET

7.1 Trail Construction Costs 7.2 Cost of Huts 7.3 Signs and Wayfinding 7.4 Total Project Costs

102

7.1 Trail Construction Costs

The construction plan in the previous section calculates labour requirements for building a backcountry trail based on site specific factors and conditions. Our estimates are based on actual site assessment and are at a relatively accurate level of detail. The labour requirements are aggregated for each section of the trail.

Labour requirements referred to above are based on work at the site and do not consider labour and/or costs for mobilization, gear and equipment (including safety gear), travel to the site, set-up of remote base camps, supervision, and other costs such as workers compensation, liability insurance, work stoppages, and lost time etc. Calculation of trail construction in this report aggregates all these costs into a daily cost per worker. Implicit in the calculation of labour costs are all mandatory employment related costs.

To determine what the gross cost per worker-day will be, we have referenced contractor costs for work in a remote location (where there are significant costs associated with the site and situation). We assume that access to work sites and related logistical challenges will on their own, double the labour cost over a site that is accessible. A contractor cost per worker day in this location is therefore assumed to be $600 including equipment and other trail building costs for the project.

The following is a summary of trail building costs based on the labour requirements calculated in the construction plan.

Trail Construction Dist (km) Person Days Cost Sec 1 11.00 331 $198,411.00 Sec 2 10.20 537 $322,385.00 Sec 3 7.40 290 $173,941.00 Sec 4 8.10 306 $183,525.00 Sec 5 10.50 302 $181,210.00 Total - Linear Trail 47.20 1766 $1,059,472.00 Cape North spur all season trail 16.5 645 $387,040.00 Lowland Cove day-use trail 6.18 53 $31,968.00

Cape Saint Lawrence 3 6 3,000.00 Total Including Cape North Spur and 63.70 $1,407,853.00 Lowland Cove Trails

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7.2 Cost of Huts

The design concepts presented in this report are developed as modular units that will permit pre-assembly and allow easy airlift. Huts will be pre-assembled at a staging area within one of the communities close to the trail. Huts will be outfitted with bunks, mattresses, basic cooking facilities, 1,000 litre IBC caged water tanks with rooftop rainwater collection and solar panels with storage and LED lighting. Washroom facilities will be exterior composting toilets.

Huts will have a footprint of approximately 60 square metres (540 sq ft). Based on standard weight for pre-assembled homes of 225 kg per square metre, the total assembled weight will be approximately 11,000 kg. Payloads for helicopters appear to be in the range of 363 kg (800 lbs) for the Bell 206 (available through Vision helicopters), to 3,629 kg (8,000 lbs) for the Sikorsky S92 (available through Cougar Helicopters). Based on these estimates, a modular design with 3-4 components will be within the maximum payload for the larger aircraft.

Estimated cost of construction including airlift and on-site assembly will be $300/sq. m. We have therefore allocated a cost of $150,000 per unit.

Huts Construction Summary Table H1 $150,000.00 H2 $150,000.00 H3 $150,000.00 H4 $150,000.00 Total Huts $600,000.00

7.3 Signs and Wayfinding

Signage Plan Summary Table Trail markers $2,000.00 Distance and cabin markers I $2,500.00 ______Trailhead signs I___ $9,000.00_ Cabin orientation signs I $8,000.00 Total: Signs and Wayfinding $21,500.00

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7.4 Total Project Cost

Cost Summary Trail construction $1,407,853.00 Huts $600,000.00 Signs and Wayfinding $21,500.00 Meat Cove orientation centre - parking and renovations $200,000.00 Other costs Working capital (years 1-3) $150,000.00

Total Cost: Seawall Trail Multi-Day Destination Trail $2,379,353.00

105

106

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8.0 Operations

107

8.0 OPERATIONS

8.1 Revenues 8.2 Staffing 8.3 Maintenance Activities and Cost 8.4 Other Costs 8.5 Operations Budget 8.6 Operations Development Timeline

108

The Seawall Trail will operate for 26 weeks (182 days) per year, from early May to the middle of November for the first four years of trail operations. In Year 5, once the business model and daily operations have stabilized, full-season access may be offered. Full-season operations allow for winter access to huts for skiing and snowshoeing thus extending annual operations to 40 weeks.

During the hiking season, the trail will operate as a one-directional trail from the south trailhead at Red River to north trailhead at Meat Cove. Trail users will park, register and receive orientation at Meat Cove. The challenging nature of the trail must be explicit to protect the Society from liability. A shuttle will be operated to take trail users from Meat Cove to Red River. All overnight trail users will use the backcountry huts and shuttle.

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8.1 Revenues

It is expected that once developed the trail will attract at least 2,000 annual hikers (not including day use or local use). Factors in determining revenues are as follows:

● A fee of $200.00 per trail user is considered in this report. The fee is based on $50.00 per night for 4 nights on the trail. The fee is associated with the huts, not trail use or transportation.

● The fee of $50.00 per night per bunk space booking is estimated to be slightly below the market price for a back-country wilderness cabin (Algonquin Park: $62.00 - $135.00 plus daily user fee $5.00 - $13.00). A price slightly below market is reasonable as the accommodations are dorm style bunks.

● A clear policy should exist regarding deposits and refunds. A booking deposit of 50% (or $100.00) is recommended, refundable only if cancellation occurs more than two weeks prior to the scheduled booking.

● The trail has a maximum capacity of 2,329 trail users.There are four huts on the trail, it will take five days to complete the hike, and there are 182 days in the season. The proposed cabin designs allow for sixteen persons per hut (with overflow up to 20).

● A conservative estimate of 1,400 users was used to calculate revenues, just over 70% capacity, well within comparable attractions for the area.

No revenues from trail user fees are considered in this operating plan. The task of patrolling hikers is difficult and could create negative reviews. Furthermore, it would consume more resources than it would generate in revenues. This policy of no trail fees is intended to consider the sentiment that the land should be open to those who have historically used it. Day-use hikers who currently use the existing trails without fees will experience no difference except improved and extended trails.

No revenue generated through a shuttle service fee is considered. The shuttle is required for the one-directional trail to be successful. The Seawall Trail will offer to drop users off at Red River daily. The estimated time from Red River to the first cabin site is six hours. Assuming that most hikers would like to arrive at the cabin site with time to explore before sunset (around 4:30 PM) the shuttle should leave Meat Cove between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

No revenues from employment programs or grants are considered in this operations plan. Seawall Trail Society will be eligible for revenue through government programs such as the Federal Canada Summer Jobs Program, or the Provincial Student Summer Skills Incentive.

110

8.2 Staffing

The staffing recommendations, as outlined in this plan, will be appropriate for a long-term sustainable business model. Key considerations in recommendations for staff are that they offer support to hikers as well as providing continuous and ongoing maintenance of the trail and overnight facilities.

Full-time Staff The Seawall Trail Society will hire and monitor an Executive Director. The Executive Director will be a full-time employee and responsible for management of the trail including: reporting, development, system operations, and employment for the organization. The Executive Director will report to the board and be responsible for administration. The salary budgeted for this position is $50,000 including mandatory employment related costs. This position could be adjusted to be full-time seasonally and part-time in the winter depending on the need for off-season administration and development.

Seasonal Staff Seven seasonal trail stewards will tend to the trail and its users, referred to in this plan as “Ridge Runners” or trail stewards. At least one seasonal employee who is qualified and experienced in forestry, carpentry, construction, trail design and other relevant skills will be designated Manager of Trail Maintenance. The active upkeep, patrol, guidance, maintenance and oversight related to the trail, huts and shuttle will be the responsibilities of the eight seasonal staff.

Ridge Runners will double as trail technicians. A trail maintenance plan will be revised and updated continuously based on trail reports from trail stewards and users. Trail maintenance activities will then be assigned to Ridge Runners by the Manager of Trail Maintenance. Each Ridge Runner will do a five day tour each week. These tours will be on rotation with one steward leaving each day. This rotation will make it possible for one Ridge Runner to be present at each hut, each night. Stewards will be assigned a list of maintenance activities before each tour and will perform these daily tasks during their tour. Stewards will be on the trail to assist all trail users, to ensure that the huts booking system is operating smoothly, and that trail users have made it to their destinations.

8.3 Maintenance Activities and Costs

Huts Every year the backcountry huts will need to be opened after the winter. Supplies such as pellets for the stove, first-aid kits, cooking fuel, and supplies for maintenance will be airlifted in. Prior to these opening supply trips, staff will have to visit all cabins and assess the needs of the cabin and area to ensure that the helicopters’ supply runs are sufficient and effective. At the end of the season the huts will need to be closed, winterized, inventoried and secured.

Trail A trail maintenance plan will be prepared at the beginning of each season based on a field review by the Executive Director and the Manager of Trail Maintenance. Staff will be assigned pre-season maintenance tasks. During the season, all Ridge Runners will be outfitted with a trail maintenance tool kit including folding-saw, folding-shovel and emergency radio.

111

Tools and equipment for maintenance will include the following: ● Various tools and equipment will be required for each trail steward as a part of their maintenance kit. ● The Seawall Trail will need to acquire additional maintenance, landscaping and construction equipment including but not limited to: a chainsaw, clearing saws, trailers, etc. ● A GPS or satellite / emergency phone or VHF radio will be required at each hut and will be carried by each steward.

8.4 Other Costs

Shuttle It was not clear at the time of the writing of this plan whether it would be better for the Seawall Trail Society to purchase or lease a vehicle. A van large enough to carry 16 passengers plus luggage would be require one trip per day at full capacity (the round trip from Red River to Meat Cove is 124 km). Budgeting for the shuttle was based on the assumption of $600 per week for 26 weeks or 40 weeks of operations.

Marketing A budget amount of 5% of revenues for marketing is recommended. A large part of the marketing involves selling the adventure, as well as targeting the more experienced hikers who are ready for the challenge. Marketing should be primarily directed to online activities. The Seawall Trail Society’s social media platforms such as Mailchimp (email marketing), Facebook and Instagram will offer free exposure.

Active monitoring of these sites and sharing and learning from the posts of trail users is important. The unique, scenic and challenging aspects of the Seawall Trail will sell themselves through the existing network of hiking review sites and online groups. Watching these trail review sites will extend the hiking market reach and allow operations to receive feedback from the trail users. Engaging and responding to reviews, comments, and posts on these websites and social media channels will ensure good rating overall.

An online bookings extension of the Seawall website will aid in administration, sales and marketing. Pointing potential trail-users to the online bookings platform is the most important point of sale.

The challenging nature of the Seawall Trail requires that users book in advance and arrive equipped. Signage in Northern Cape Breton and a printed brochure will attract future users but won’t translate easily into overnight hut bookings. All information regarding fees, gear, risks, regulations and waivers should be placed on the website and at trailheads.

Administrative costs Projected administrative costs required for operation of the trail will include the following: ● Technology licensing and upgrades ● Office supplies ● Website hosting & domain fees ● Utilities ● Phones

112

8.5 Operating Budget

The budget below reflects a regular year of operation, estimated to be achieved by the second full year of operation.

Revenues $280,000.00 User fees $280,000.00 Expenses $277,200.00

Spring Opening & Maintenance $13,200.00 Advertising and promotion $14,000.00 Shuttle (van & fuel) $17,420.00 Tools & equipment $4,680.00 Rent $1,500.00 Staff $200,000.00 Staff Emergency Training $14,400.00 Insurance $10,000.00 Other $2,000.00 Net $2,800.00

Budget & Timeline Notes

● A $150,000 working capital fund is included in the trail development budget. This will cover cash flow needs, as well as, the cumulative net losses from operations during the first three years. In Year Three operations are expected to breakeven. In Year Four and all subsequent years, an operational surplus is projected. The net liability over the first 5 years of operation is $137,300.

● Winter operations will extend the community benefit but will make it difficult to pay down the accumulated development loss. For this reason the full-season launch may be delayed until operations have stabilized the financial position of the Society.

113

8.6 Operations Development Timeline

0 Soft Open Estimated number of visitors: 700 Estimated total revenues: $140,000 Estimated total expenses: $238,500 Estimated net: - $98,500

1st Year - Spring/Summer/Fall Estimated number of visitors: 1,100 Estimated total revenues: $220,000 Estimated total expenses: $274,200 Estimated net: - $54,200

2nd Year - Spring/Summer/Fall Estimated number of visitors: 1,400 Estimated total revenues: $280,000 Estimated total expenses: $277,200 Estimated net: + $2,800

3rd Year - Spring/Summer/Fall Estimated number of visitors: 1,500 Estimated total revenues: $300,000 Estimated total expenses: $278,200 Estimated net: +$21,800

4th Year - 1st Full Season Estimated number of visitors: 1,500 (spring fall), 50 (winter) Estimated total revenues: $305,000 Estimated total expenses: $314,350 Estimated net: -$9,350

5th Year - 2nd Full Season Estimated number of visitors: 1,500 (spring fall), 150 (winter) Estimated total revenues: $315,000 Estimated total expenses: $314,850 Estimated net: +$150

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9.0 CONCLUSION

This report has outlined a plan for the development of the Seawall Trail. The plan has been prepared based on extensive field and site work. In addition to extensive review of mapping, satellite imagery and aerial observation, a total of nine site visits were made amounting to a total of forty two days by members of the consulting team in the field. The consultants have prepared this plan based on field observations and information available, as well as the direction and input from the Seawall Trail committee. This document concludes the work of the consultants under the terms of our proposal.

This plan focuses on essential components of the proposed Seawall Trail over the next 5 years. These components not only provide a model for sustainability but also provide opportunities for further development in the future. Future development (such as fully supported guided tours and winter tourism) will contribute to regional tourism and help to grow and sustain the Seawall Trail as a viable tourism project These opportunities are consistent with the ongoing development of tourism in Nova Scotia.

The economic sustainability model provided in this plan is essential to the future success of the project. This includes the hut concept, the fee-for-use proposal, as well as the recommendation for Ridge Runners to provide ongoing maintenance to the trail and interaction with trail users. This model can avoid or resolve the issues that many community trails have encountered with maintenance and management.

Next steps for the committee are to submit the plan to the Nova Scotia Environment for review. Simultaneously, it is understood that the committee will submit the plan to other stakeholders, funders and partners.

The Seawall Trail Committee has strong connections and support within the communities that surround the trail, especially Cape St Lawrence and Meat Cove. The committee is also well connected with the outdoor recreation community including the international trail market. These connections and resources are a key asset to this project and will support the strength of the project in the long term.

. \. ' .. . , '\ . ' . ., ·.::<. ~ ...\ .. ~ . ,. ·, -~ r.· .·· ·-.~\·· . ·" ·.. ' ... :~ ...... ~ ...,.. .. . ,,, ·; ·.: - .. ..·'.... ~. 'f',· ...: ...... :: . ··:

115

APPENDIX 1:

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

Concept 1 & 2 Backcountry Huts & Reference Material

CONCEPT1

_,-/ . --- - l..

Concept to permit modular unit const ruction, prefabricated and airlifted to the site. This design consists of three modules, two longitudinal side units and one central upper unit.

116

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Eighteen upper and lower sleeping 11 I I platforms plus space for two double I I I I I 11 loft platforms. The sleeping platforms I to be 1m. * 2 m. spaced 1 m. apart. ,_. II ~,~ 111'•'ilk Windows wrap corner and two sides ,~.. , I-1j~ ~r ·-r· I-,~I "" of common area unit (ideally west facing). The entry way to be designa ted for wet gear and to be equipped with drying racks and hangers. Each unit to be equipped with solar panels, rooftop rainwater collection and exterior 1,000 litre water storage.

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Pellet heater to be located in common area with vents to other enclosed areas. The modules will be assembled as they are dropped at the site, on a pressure treated framed platform, set on stone or timber footings. Structure to be wood frame, in sulated, tongue and groove interior paneling clear coat finish, cedar shake exterior siding. All windows and doors to have exterior mounted shutters that entirely enclose the structure when not in use and ensure off-season security and weather pro

,___-, 2• tection. Shutters are firmly attached to the exterior when open.

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SEAWALL TRAIL BACKCOUNTRY HUTS

CONCEPT2

Con_cept to permit modular unit const r~ction,_ prefabricated and airlifted to the site. This design consists of five modules, three with sleeping platforms and one common area.

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118

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The sleeping platforms to be 1m * 2 m. spaced 1 m apart. In ad dition, one unit 2 m.* 3 m. will be designated for staff and storage. Common area attached to front overlapping sleeping units. Prin ciple windows area to be on ex terior wall of common area unit (ideally west facing). A wall unit with entry door and roof panel to complete rear enclosure and ent ryway. This entry way to be de signated for wet gear and to be equipped with drying racks and hangers. Each unit to be equipped with solar panels, rooftop rainwater coll ection and exterior 1,000 litre water storage. Pellet heater to be located in common area with vents to other enclosed areas.The modules will be assembled as they are dropped at the site, on a ~ pressure treated framed platform, set on stone footings.Structure ,,,.. to be wood frame, insulated, tongue and groove interior paneling \ ~ 7 clear coat finish, cedar shake exterior siding. All windows and doors /, :.t:ff ··"' to have exterior mounted shutters that entirely enclose the struc

'8' ture when not in use and ensure off-season security and weather protection. Shutters are firmly attached to the exterior when open.

119

SEAWALL TRAIL BACKCOUNTRY HUTS

REFERENCES

THE BACKCOUNTRY HUT COMPANY -- was founded to assist individuals and organizations -- in the design and construction of affordable outdoor recreation structures. Inspired by the idea of IKEA founder lngvar Kamprad of providing affordable well-designed products 'for the many people', The

~ Backcountry Hut Company provides a turnkey solu l'l tion to housing through the provision of a pre-fabri ..r, q e rJ cated kit of parts with the following characteristics: ~ Modular Combine different modules to adjust the ~ ' ii'! size, and adapt the structure for different needs, whether for one person, or a group.

120

THE HUT IN THE IKEA BOX

The Backcountry Hut is designed for flexibi lity in recreational use, suitable for the out door enthusiast, outdoor clubs, alpine asso ciations, and backcountry lodge operators. The Hut is designed for a more accessible construction of temporary or full-time resi dence and operation in remote areas, with the idea that it is easy to assemble through a collective ,barn-raising' process. The de sign is adaptable to larger groups of people or for individuals, and is suitable for small communities interested in the principles of self-assembly housing.

A prefabricated core minimizes the carbon foot (f0~ ~J~ - print and site imprint of the structural assem 1 Modu le 2 Modules J Modules 4 Modules ~..J 191 sqft 527 sqft 748 sqft 937 sqft bly. Prefabrication allows for an economy and conservation of material and energy usage in the production and assembly of the building components. Each component is flat-packed onto pallets for shipping to a location close to the site, then transported via air or off-road ve hicles. Site preparation requires no use of hea vy machinery for minimal site disruption. Piling holes are hand-dug and concrete is poured into Source and photo credit: sonotubes to form piles for the foundation. www.thebackcountryhutcompany.com

121

APPENDIX 2:

ORIENTATION CENTER & PARKING

A KING CONCEPT

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Concept for developing the parking area in three phases. Phase 1 provides parking for 20 cars, next two phases provide parking on demand for 20 more cars .

122

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MEATCOVE ROAD \

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123

The Meat Cove Welcome Center with it's existing facilities has great poten

tial to become the hub for the Seawall Hiking Trail. A built-in kitchen, which is already used for occasional local festivities, can be turned into a

seasonal restaurant to provide warm

meals to hikers after the arrival at the

center from the Seawall Trail. The outdoor deck beside the brook offers a great space to rest and can be used to show live music and celebrate the

hikers adventure. Public Wifi-access

and cell service allow to catch up and

transition back into daily life.

It's recommended to extend the center by public washroom facilities to acco modate the travellers needs after the multi-day hiking trail. Hot showers and flushing toilets can be connected to the sewage of the Welcome Center.

A simple building structure could be added on the south side of the center and be connected to the main building by an extended deck. An existing door makes the facilities accessible through the center but also from the parking lot outside of the main building.

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APPENDIX 3: SIGNAGE PLAN Wayfinding Blazes

Frequency ● Wayfinding blazes should be placed at minimum every hundred meters. ● Blazes should indicate turns in the trail and may be more frequent when the trail is difficult to follow. Marks on rocks can be used in areas where other modes can not be used. ● Blazes are located at trail intersections, spurs and cabin trails.

Method & Design ● Cyan Blue paint is recommended for visibility. Alternate colours of Orange and White can be used to mark spur trails and cabin trails. ● Using a standardized system for markings. ● Reflective material is especially important for winter and the fringe seasons of fall and spring when the days are short. ● Combination of paint and reflective markers. ● Option to use shapes or alternate colours indicating spur trails and cabins, etc. ● The markers should be placed as a part of trail construction, at the completion of each trail section to prevent hikers from trying to create alternate routes. The markers will be placed by a professional working with a GPS linked to the final alignment.

Cost ● Estimated total number of blazes 6,000 ● Estimated cost $ 2,000.00

CONTINUE START RIGHT TURN STRAIGHT OF TRAIL

I I II SPUR LEADING END OF •• TO A DIFFERENT LEFT TURN TRAIL TRAIL 11 II I I ••

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Kilometer Markers

Frequency ● Kilometer markers should indicate distance 1 km - 47 km. ● Cape North Trail, and eastern trailhead will be 1 km - 16.5 km in a distinct colour.

Method & Design ● Simple two tone design stating kilometer. ● Cyan blue and metallic is recommended for visibility and consistency. ● Alternate second tone should be used to indicate Cape North Trail. ● The markers should be placed as a part of trail construction process, at the completion the entire trail. ● The markers will be placed by a professional working with GPS units linked to the final alignment. The kilometer markers will not include the distance of the cabin or spur trails.

Cost ● Estimated total markers 59 ● Estimated cost of metallic markers $1,500.00

Cabin Markers

Frequency ● One kilometer from cabin sites on trail. ● At cabin spur trail intersection, with distance from main trail to cabin.

Method & Design ● Simple two tone design with cabin icon and distance in kilometers. ● Cyan blue and metallic is recommended for visibility and consistency. ● The markers will be placed as a part of the trail construction process periodically throughout the entire trail. ● The markers will be placed by a professional working with GPS unit linked to the final alignment. The distance of the cabin spurs is measured separately from the main trail.

Cost ● Estimated total markers 8 ● Estimated cost $1,000.00

126

Trailhead Orientation Signage

Frequency ● 3 exterior signs requiring specialized design, fabrication and infrastructure. ● Red River south trailhead should have specialized information about the trail (map), liability disclaimer, rules, wayfinding and hut booking information. ● Meat Cove north trailhead will include information about cabin orientation as well as day use trails. ● East trailhead will include information about cabin orientation.

Method & Design ● Trailhead signage will be installed only after trail system is completed. Temporary trailhead signage will state clearly that the trail is not open, and use is not permitted by the Seawall Trail Society until officially open. ● Signage must state clearly and prominently display the rules of protected areas: No cutting, no bicycles, no ATVs, etc. Additional regulations may be developed by the Seawall Trail Society in partnership and in consultation with other key stakeholders. ● Design and content for each sign will vary depending on the location. The content will be developed near the end of the trail construction phase. ● Signs will need to be translated into French, as well as, (the trail Society has requested) Mi’kmaw & Gaelic.

Cost ● Estimated total signs 3 free-standing signs ● Estimated cost $9,000.00

Hut Orientation Signage

Frequency ● Each Hut along the trail, as well as Meat Cove.

Method & Design ● Customized design for each hut location. ● Cabin site map. ● Instruction regarding common space and equipment, waste etc. ● Interpretive information about the site.

Cost Estimated total signs 5 mountable signs Estimated cost $8,000.00

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APPENDIX 4: LAND OWNERSHIP . ) ) n n io t o - t t sectio ead ilh bu a tr derness Area derness alternative Is alternative ass) ass) ass) ass) ass) ass) but a but ass) ass) Ii ass) l l l l i l il. l l ad. y l C C C W • • as a as permission to permission ass) ) l . developed sec developed Ro K-C K- (K ( (K•C (K ( ult un undeveloped ass) sed ass ass) pur tra pur ass) required. ( i l l l K-C now s u ad ( ass l C oad oad (K·C oad this road this oad (K-C oad a • so l f -C Ro R Road R Road seeking permission seeking seeking R . oad ( oad a (K-C (K-C (K o K for Road Is Is se. n Is u h h R h y t s a s o on ouse c c oad I i Cove Cove Cove Cove Road (K-C Road Cove Cove Road t th Road R s ss and, an acceptab an and, hth Cove Aspy Fa Aspy Cove l sectio Cove Road Cove good shape good gh g thi Bran owner Bran s t Socie e Society li li r) t t tt In Meat e Meat il il a e Cove de d Mea d Road Cove Meat d d Meat d Meat d d Cove Meat d d Meat Cove Meat d ca permi ll id i l l l l l l l may possibly be possibly may s Cove Road (K-C Road Cove s S S t 's o ' Tra o o o Tra e the priva a Po e Mea e in th in ir e o e o e ll e o e e ll h private l non th a s a i lett lett's Cove lett's lett's Cove lett's lett th th l l l l a th th the the th rt manned ort or u thi f equ g om r N N Po Po ce o ol manned ng ng th ng lr in i ing the ing ing i and Cove. and sing a a a a Po a l s sing s s s s e i i i i oped ( oped % u l ite it u u using u e act e u u u v ross on e Seawa e e Seawa e i s s may c ow th access v access ve r th . th 100 L l ss ly s i g t I t able il o me tion s n ossed v ossed ossed r r hi e perm Protected Area Protected Former For Crossed via Crossed C Crossed via Po via Crossed Crossed v Crossed C Crossed Crossed Crossed While Crossed Partia v Crossed ava Notes sec Crossed Crossed Crossed While direc T r - " . a owards the unde the urveyin t s - we , sing - u Cove need t - - - Road? Via be l l l l may a a a uld i • ti rti of Mea of document IA a but s ut Yes Yes Yes N Yes Yes Yes Yes Access Part K-Class Yes Partia Par P - ail wo ail thi . tr ass l -- e h d Yes ~ Notes ol As K·C T ed ed Yes ed Yes ed ed ed ed ed Yes ed Yes t te I tt tt itted U itt itt itt itt i itt 7 -- m m m mit mitted Yes mit ce bmi n ub ub ub ub u ub ub Status e S S S Subm S r on on S on Subm on aw i ti Subm tion ti tion L th ission or ca ca ca -- ocess -· ocess Cove i N s Process Process Pr and Cove and o Road IA l n n Pr n n n Application Applicat Perm N I Subm Application Application Application I I I Application Submitted Application Applica Appli Appl S Application Application S Application Application Subm Application lett' ~ l I 1 ow Cape L Cape St. / o o t t e l to Po to ~ --+,; - rva ver Cove te Ri t ln Required? Mea Meat Cove Meat Location Big Red ion I _[ Owner l l l l s o o o o o o o o o o o /A ewa ewa N N Land Yes Yes N N N No No N N N N N N Ye Permiss N n n , ' 1 ' ' e e R Renewa R e Renewa e e e e r on t tur tur tur - ad ad c c c - ead he he l l tru tru llh rai as as astructu awrence Yes Tra T fr L r nfrastru Cove Yes nfr nfr I I I e t. ver Trai ver d In d ervale ervale ervale nd t Cove Cove Cove Cove Cove Cove ern Cape Bre Cape ern nd nd n Ri Riv a nt nt t t t l and a a a ln l l th ed or ow Location Mea Cove Meat Cove Meat Brook Otter Red Big Big Mea Meat Cove Meat Meat Meat Mea L R River Red N Cape S Cape Big - J rtation -- rtation a tia ti -- spo spo Sco f ran ransportation o T T Transportation ova nt ova Sco ova t. N N ep f l Dept. D o Dept. Dept. Tran Dept. t a a a i ti ti Governme ol Government Lawrence St. Cape Yes Sco Scotia e e e e e e e I I t t t t t te t t va va vate va i i ova ova Sco ova ova Scot ova Nova Ownership Canada N Governmen Private Priva Pr Pri Private Private Private Private Private Pri DFO DFO Priva Priva Private Priva o Government Pr Priva Ownerahlp Canada N N - I- - . I J_ . -- 44 - - 7 oad - 4 R Road h ce oad n 50200112 50292515 50166289 50103670 50097120 50097161 50104512 50097286 50200120 50200104 50104447 50166263 50166255 5010 50103381 50182260 50166230 85070860 85158772 85072098 e R r (PIO) Area Area aw ROAD Area ID e L Lawrence Area Lawrence v" orth Side Branc Side St N Cove Road Cove co River t h lett's Cove lett's l ort o Mea Meat Cape St. Cape Property Cape Red Cape K-CLASS P N - -- .--

128

SEAWALL TRAIL SOCIETY

Is a not for profit community driven initiative.

@seawalltrail #seawalltrail

seawalltrail.com 129