A biker takes in the views along the Rum Runners Trail which is set to receive seven art installations. Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia
The Municipality of Chester will have some new additions in the form of artwork on its Rum Runners Trail in the near future.
The MOC was awarded $21,250 from the Department of Municipal Affair’s Beautification and Streetscaping Program to help fund the project.
“The project will enrich the overall trail experience for visitors and residents alike,” says Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development and Recreations Services for MOC. He goes on to say this project will have a “positive impact on attracting more resident and visitor users” and “benefit tourism-related services throughout the Municipality”.
Plans are now underway to set up a submission process and guidelines for artists to follow with their submissions. One of the most important guidelines will pertain to the weather preparedness of the artwork as the plan is to leave the art installed on the trail year-round.
They also hope to receive diverse submissions according to Haughn, “We’d like to see diversity from the artists as well as the art, we hope that the artwork will all be unique and warrant taking a hike out to see each piece.”
The plan as of now is to install seven pieces of art along the Rum Runners Trail which is 46 kilometers long.
Partners in the project include the Chester Art Centre, Friends of Nature Conservation Society, and the Rum Runners Trail Committee. Installations are expected to be complete by June 1, 2021.
The MOC also received $12,500 towards improvements for Parade Square which are scheduled to wrap up by June 2021 as well.
