DOCUMENTS

Below is a list of the latest resources available relating to trail development, maintenance and management in Nova Scotia. This page is updated as new resources become available.

Trails Manual – Developing Recreation Trails in Nova Scotia

A detailed manual covering trail construction, maintenance and management.

Table of Contents

Section 1: Project Initiation

Section 2: The Project Planning Process

Section 3: Development & Construction

Section 4: Signage

Section 5: Maintenance & Management

Section 6: Abandoned Rail Bridges

Appendices

NS Trails Annual Report

COVID-19 Trail Signage

This signage was developed in partnership by NS Trails, Recreation Nova Scotia, NS Connect, and the Province of Nova Scotia, and outlines COVID-19 precautions to take on trail. Signs are available in English, French, Arabic and Gaelic. Mi’kmaq language signs will be available soon. 

Reopening Parks and Trails Webinar

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association hosted a webinar “Reopening Parks and Trails” on June 11th, 2020. During this hour-long webinar, you will hear from national, provincial and local organizations about how they are reopening. The webinar aims to facilitate discussion and share experiences and resources. Speakers include: Mr. Mathieu Roy, Vice President of Trail Development and Management, Trans Canada Trail Mr. Mike Redpath, Director, Regional Parks, Parks and Environment, Metro Vancouver Mr. Justin Ellis, Senior Associate, RC Strategies + PERC Ms. Jodi Robillos, Director of Parks, Forestry & Environment, City of Mississauga

TCT National Guidelines and Survey Results

Trans Canada Trail (TCT) has developed national guidelines intended to provide consistent operational and management practices that all trail operators should consider taking to mitigate the risk of transmitting COVID-19 through the trail environment.

Accessible Signage Guidelines

This document outlines Information on creating informative trail signage that is accessible to all users:

NS Trails COVID-19 Guidance for Trail Groups

These documents outline guidance from Nova Scotia Trails Federation Risk Management Committee regarding COVID 19 and trail construction, maintenance, and monitoring:

VIDEO: Hosting Virtual AGMs

Hosted by Sport Nova Scotia and Halifax law firm Wickwire Holm, this webinar is about hosting virtual AGMs in the COVID-19 environment.

  • To download the accompanying PowerPoint presentation, click here. 
  • To view the new provincial regulations and guidelines for groups and society’s hosting AGMs during the State of Emergency, click here. 

WEBINAR: Governance Workshop with Grant MacDonald

This webinar is intended to help trail organizations around the Province who rely on volunteer boards. It is led by Grant MacDonald, a well known advisor to non-profit boards. To watch the webinar, click here.

Additional Governance Resources:

VIDEO – Ellen Kehr: The Story of Albert Lea

This video is a special presentation by Ellen Kehr, Organizational Lead of the Blue Zones Project in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The Blue Zones project transformed the overall wellbeing of the community and resulted in improvements in tourism, local economy, population, health indicators, and quality of life. This presentation was given at the Pictou County Wellness Centre on October 24th through a partnership between Active Pictou County and the Province of Nova Scotia.

NS Trails Documents

NS Trails Annual Report

NS Trails Promotional Material

Accessibility 

  • VIDEO: Presentation by Gerry Post, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate on the Accessibility Act and what it means for volunteer trail builders and managers.

 

  • The following two resources were provided to NS Trails by Lashauna Smith, Senior Policy Analyst, Accessibility Directorate, Department of Justice (902-424-8541, lashauna.smith@novascotia.ca) as a recommendation for trails groups looking to learn more about trails accessibility:
    • AODA Pathways to Recreation – This document was developed based on public spaces standards developed in Ontario under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Page 11-15 contains information on recreation trails.
    • Chapter 1 has an overview of outdoor spaces persons with a variety of disabilities.
    • Chapter 3.5 has some good information on Recreational Pathways and Hiking Trails
    • Section 6.5 – some technical considerations for a variety of recreational facilities including recreational pathways and hiking trails.

Ontario’s Cycling Strategy

Vélo Québec

Engaging Youth in Trails

Trail Market Readiness Assessment Tool

Destination Trail Economic Impact Study

Best Practices in Achieving Economic Benefits from Trail Development

Trail Event Organizer Manual

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