Conception Bay South cuts the ribbon on new accessibility trail at Topsail Beach
By Mark Squibb / August 11, 2023
It’s a little trail that will make a big difference.
The Town of Conception Bay South held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday night to celebrate the successful construction of 150 metres worth of trail that will allow easier access to Topsail Beach.
The provincial government pitched in $50,000 for the project.
“It’s great to work with the council on such a great project,” said Minister of Social Development Paul Pike. “What I’ve seen over the last five years, and I’ve spent a lot of time here, is a great council that cares a lot about their community.”
The trail starts at the parking lot and loops down towards the beach. Along the way are benches and accessible picnic tables. The trail also connects to the playground and picnic area.
“The support from the provincial government has enabled us to do this project and make the beach facility here at Topsail more inclusive and more useful to more of our residents,” said Mayor Darrin Bent. “In 2022, the Town of Conception Bay South received a $50,000 grant from the provincial government, from the Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development’s Capacity Grant program, and it didn’t take us long as a council to figure out what we wanted to do with that $50,000. We focused in on one of the most attractive places in all of Newfoundland and Labrador and made it more accessible for all our residents and visitors we have throughout the year. Tens of thousands of people come here to enjoy the scenery, to enjoy the beach, and the fire pits, and the stunning sunsets that Topsail Beach offers. And to be able to make this area, this special place on the Northeast Avalon, and in the province more accessible to more of our residents, and to more of our visitors, is something that we’re very proud we’re able to do.”
Following the opening of the trail, the Town, in partnership with the Association for New Canadians, hosted a welcome event for newcomers to the community on the beach.