Ode-ourous

 From Explore Magazine

Ah yes, there lies a gift to the trail. A soft, warm offering encased in emerald, purple or indigo.

A Hershey’s kiss dropped artistically on a path winding into the wilderness, to be shared by hikers and their furry friends.

An ornament of imprudence, swinging gently on the limb of an unsuspecting tree.

A capricious souvenir tucked into the armpit of a branch, stuffed into a chipmunk hole or tossed into a hollow log.

The legacy of a well-fed canine who looked on in bewilderment, amusement perhaps, as their human stooped to scoop, parcel and then proceeded to endow the trail. Interesting ritual, the dog muses. But who am I, licker of bottoms, to judge?

2021 Financial Summary

 

Waiting

As you may know, CHPTA has requested that Lands and Forestry make the Shearwater Flyer a non-motorized trail.
While awaiting the decision of the Minister, here is some background information on our commitment to the idea of the park, the peaceful use of trails and community participation. The data on hours devoted by trail stewards is from the fascinating monthly reports.

SUM of Hours	Year
Trail	2017	2018	2019	2020	Grand Total
Bissett	152	80	81.75	139	452.75
Forest Hills	39.2511	28.25	30	64.5	162.0011
Heritage Park	450	436.25	363.25	362.75	1612.25
Other Nova Scotia Trails	378	391.25	605.5	536.25	1911
Salt Marsh	643.25	589.25	861	1109	3202.5
Shearwater Flyer	279.751	366	458.25	762	1866.001
Grand Total	1942.2521	1891	2399.75	2973.5	9206.5021

Over 4 years, Stewards spent 9200 hours on trails, a demonstration of community commitment.
Over 4 years, Stewards spent 1866 hours on the Flyer. They picked up litter. They picked up dog poop. They chatted with visitors. They gave directions. They repaired ATV damage.
Over 4 years, ATV riders made noisy forays onto the trial. They disturbed wildlife. They ran over and killed native plants. They cut trees and built lean-tos. They made unauthorized entrances.

Cole Harbour Park is an extremely popular destination for biking, nature study and walking. It is beloved by dog walkers, serenity seekers, and the health conscious. Young and old, city dweller and country folk, newcomers and lifelong Bluenosers, the park welcomes all. Last year the counter on the Salt Marsh Trail alone registered 142,430 visits from walkers and bikers.

In 2020, volunteers spent countless hours building and maintaining trails and infrastructure. It is hard to imagine another civic activity that inspires such loyalty and interest. Our goals are preservation, accessibility, history and service.

Covering most aspects of planning, fundraising, administration, marketing and public accountability, we are proud of the opportunity to be involved in our community.

Photo Contest

 We have a winner in our $50 photo contest:

This is one of the signature views of the park, looking eastward across the saltmarsh from atop the drumlin.  Apart from the modern clothes, this picture could have been taken 400 years ago.  It evokes the gentle wildness of our province, the closeness of the sea - it's just lovely!

Congratulations to Ms. Watson, whose work will be feature on our new brochures. 

Engaged

It could even be a movie set......

A public engagement has been launched for the park planning for the former Halifax County Rehabilitation Centre property (Rehab lands) on Bissett Road. It includes an online survey that will run until mid-January 2021 and an Ideas Board where you can post and share your ideas for what the new park should feature. 

This is the first in a three-phase engagement which will inform a staff report to Regional Council in late 2021. Different options for the new park, including whether this site is suitable for a dog off-leash area, are being investigated. 

To take the survey or post ideas for the park, please visit https://shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/rehab-lands"