10/27/2023
Take a minute and voice your opinion on the future of the confed trail on PEI.
Some Thoughts from the Trail….
When coining the phrase “The Gentle Island” as a tourism marketing slogan many years ago, the creative team must surely have been asking “what is the essence of Prince Edward Island”. What is it that attracts so many to vacation on PEI; what makes former Islanders so often seek to return; and, what has those of us fortunate enough to live here love it so very much. The answer, at its core, surely lies in the Island’s gentle nature, its pastoral beauty, its slower pace of life, its tranquility, its nature, and its kind and thoughtful residents. In a busy and hectic world, these attributes are something that so many seek – and we Islanders are so blessed to experience it every day.
Our Island’s natural richness and affable demeanour is not something that is lost on Prince Edward Island Trails Inc. (Island Trails). Nor was it lost on our founding members back in the early 1990s when our predecessor, Rails to Trails, saw an opportunity to repurpose abandoned railway lines into non-motorized hiking and biking trails. With leadership from Rails to Trails, and with multi-sector support, the Confederation Trail was created. Today, under the management of the provincial government, we are able to enjoy a world class trail spanning tip to tip that is the envy of many. By the mid-1990s, Rails to Trails had rebranded itself as Island Trails, and went on to develop and promote many woodland nature trails on PEI. Today, Island Trails continues to develop, promote, and maintain non-motorized trails throughout Prince Edward Island. As a not-for-profit non-governmental organization, Island Trails actively supports non-motorized trail use in PEI by providing leadership and encouraging trail use with a focus on health, safety, educational, cultural, social, and environmental aspects. It also promotes economic benefits for PEI from trail activities – particularly given the rise in hiking popularity internationally. Wonderful trail experiences like we have on PEI are actively sought out in increasing numbers.
Island Trails strives to keep its finger on the pulse of the views, concerns, and benefits from the perspective of members, and more generally those who use and enjoy Island hiking trails. Through a recent on-line Facebook (nominal) contest, Island Trails sought input asking trail users to share some thoughts on what trail use meant to them. Of the many who responded, a very clear common theme was evident, with certain words being used repeatedly – nature, quiet, peaceful, invigorating, beauty, wildlife, calming, rejuvenating, safe, therapeutic, solitude, stress reliever, joy, and restorative. Numerous respondents also observed on how the absence of motorized vehicles makes for a more comfortable and serene experience. Among the many comments, the following extracted quotes very much represent a consensus of opinion from individuals:
“Natural trails invigorate me… so much beauty, wildlife and nature”
“I enjoy the quiet, the nature and the birds and other wildlife.”
“it’s being in nature… it’s quiet, peaceful and safe.”
“I enjoy the smells, sights and sounds of nature… it is very calming and a great way to refocus and rejuvenate.”
“I use the trails weekly… and take children out hiking and identify plants and bird species.”
“Confederation Trail is my happy place.”
“The trail is my find-peace therapy.”
“I love the hiking community on PEI, and the quiet solitude that the trails provide… the peaceful time I spend there is vital to my health.”
“I take kids out… enjoy the safety away from cars so they can learn to ride and enjoy the trails… they love it.”
“We enjoy the sights and sounds… we photograph so many things”
“Moved from Ontario… some of the best outdoor time we have experienced in 25 years”
“The trails are a place of peace, healing and positive energies… for my children they are a place of wonder, fun and new stuff to explore”
In the past, some have suggested the tourism potential of expanding trails for motorized sport participation on the Island. In more recent months, Island Trails has been peripherally aware of exploratory interest in initiatives around “shared trails”. Indeed, there was a recent public survey (Prince Edward Island Trail User Survey) seeking views around trail use, and with an apparent focus on potentially expanding the nature of multi-use trails. While Island Trails fully recognizes that there are a variety of ways and means to enjoy the outdoors, we also recognize that some activities are not necessarily suited as a shared trail experience.
We at Island Trails would strongly urge the provincial government in considering new opportunities, and identifying appropriate recreational spaces for all interest groups, to not lose sight of that which has always been at our core, that which in large measure makes our Island what it is, and that which attracts nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts to our province. Let not the interests of some, albeit well intentioned, move us in a direction that could detract from our Gentle Island essence – the quiet solitude of nature that so many seek may not be so easily restored once lost.
Please fill out the attached survey to share your voice:
https://gov.questionpro.ca/a/TakeSurvey?tt=UAubDXVXe2XJb8sqNRKrDw%3D%3D&fbclid=IwAR0x2EgFR-pqfD8eOz8CMpZFfZRvshniosKJtF6HPZzS9fU3EVsKiihAMIE
