Chris d’Entremont, Canadian Member of Parliament for Acadie-Annapolis in Nova Scotia, has announced a $37,452 non-repayable contribution to enable the Municipality of Digby to revamp the Balancing Rock Trail.
Located on Long Island, the 2.5 kilometre round trip attracts an estimated 10,000 visitors annually. It features the iconic “Balancing Rock”- a 20-foot basalt column that formed over an estimated 200m years ago – and ends at a wooden viewing platform overlooking the Bay of Fundy.
“Balancing Rock is one of the 10 Wonders of the Digby Area. Thousands of visitors annually come to hike the trail, and stay to discover the area’s history, natural beauty and culture. This year-round attraction is a point of pride in the community and helps generate income for local businesses,” d’Entremont said.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
“Rural communities know best how to attract visitors with high-quality experiences that are accessible and sustainable. By preserving tourism assets, improving safety, and investing in local development, our government is helping Atlantic communities showcase what makes our region such a special place to visit, live, and work,” Fraser said.
The support enables the Municipality to engage engineering experts to redesign the Balancing Rock Trail and viewing platform in Tiverton to enhance visitor experience. The plans will guide future upgrades to improve accessibility, enhance safety and climate resilience, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the popular tourism attraction.
“Balancing Rock is one of our most iconic natural attractions and a cornerstone of our tourism economy, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique beauty. Balancing Rock showcases the character of our coastline and strengthens our reputation as a must-visit destination in Nova Scotia. We are grateful for the funding support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage, which has been instrumental in advancing this important project,” said Linda Gregory, Warden, Municipality of Digby.
The Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage is investing $18,990 in the project and the Municipality of Digby is contributing $6,283.
