P.E.I. National Park plans $8M makeover
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 | 11:35 AM AT
CBC News
Parks Canada will hold a public meeting in Cavendish next week to discuss a proposed $8-million renovation to P.E.I. National Park.
One of the biggest pieces of that project is a complete re-construction of the Gulf Shore Road between Cavendish and Rustico. Matthew Jelley, president of the local tourism association, told CBC News Monday the Gulf Shore Road is in desperate shape.
"You want people to be able to concentrate on the scenery, not avoiding a pothole," said Jelley.
"The road has outlived its useful life and its design life. It's certainly time for this road."
New walking-biking trail
Parks Canada plans to keep the picnic areas along the road, and wants to add more viewing areas to show off the seascape. The plans call for a trail to run alongside the road for those not driving.
"We know that is the primary reason people are coming to Prince Edward Island is to view and experience the scenery," said Jelley.
"Really what better way would there be than a walking-biking trail though the heart of the national park?"
Jelley also wants Parks Canada to address the confusion some tourists have over the name Cavendish East, which has the cliffs, and Cavendish Beach, where they can swim. Proposals at the public meeting will include better signage to the beach and a new name for Cavendish East.
