Socio-Economic Benefits of Trail Development in Conception Bay South

Abstract

More and more communities are discovering that quality of place is an important factor in where people choose to live, work, and invest. Furthermore, access to interesting and scenic trails is a key component in the quality of place equation. Trails contribute to personal interaction, neighbourhood socialization, and community unity. The railroad played an important role in the rich heritage of Conception Bay South. Preserving 18 kilometers of railway within the boundaries of Conception Bay South as a public trail (dubbed the T’Railway) will offer future generations the opportunity to experience the history of the Province and provide a means to incorporate the Town’s local character and regional influence. This paper will qualify the socio-economic benefits that can be realized with strategic, well-planned trail development specifically pertaining to the T’Railway in Conception Bay South. An overview of the Town of Conception Bay South, its vision for development, and the history of the T’Railway will be provided. It will be followed by a review of case studies and reports detailing the tourism potential and high-level economic and social benefits of trail development. Keywords: trail development, economic benefits, socio-economic benefits, trail programming, railway redevelopment