November 18, 2025
Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
Government of Nova Scotia
PO Box 698
Halifax, NS
B3J 2T9
Re: Letter of Authority 2004-036, B.L.T. Rails to Trails
To whom it may concern,
On behalf of the B.L.T. Rails to Trails Association, I am writing to advise the Province of Nova Scotia that on November 18, 2025, our membership voted in favour of returning Letter of Authority 2004-036.
This decision follows significant reflection. For more than twenty years, the community has come together to transform an abandoned rail corridor into one of the busiest and most vibrant trails in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The trail has connected neighbourhoods, supported active transportation, welcomed visitors, and strengthened the sense of community that defines the B.L.T. area. It stands as a testament to what volunteers, local partners, and residents can accomplish together.
Despite this success, the Association has determined that the current community development model, the funding structure, and the limited number of volunteers mean that we can no longer maintain the trail to the expected standard. The last several years have shown the growing impact of natural disasters in our region, each requiring considerable repair work and immediate, sustained attention. These challenges have made it clear that the trail system now requires full time operational capacity that a volunteer organization is no longer able to provide.
We remain proud of what has been accomplished. After reviewing our history and looking ahead, we believe that with the support of the Province of Nova Scotia, the trail can remain sustainable for years to come. We also believe that the long term stewardship of this important asset is best suited to the Province or another partner with the resources and infrastructure needed to manage its future maintenance.
We respectfully request that the Province accept the return of the Letter of Authority effective March 31, 2026. The Association is committed to working closely with the Department throughout this transition to ensure a smooth and responsible handover.
Thank you for your consideration. If additional information is required, we would be pleased to provide it.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
B.L.T. Rails to Trails Association
Frequently Asked Questions
B.L.T. Rails to Trails Letter of Authority Return
1. Why is the B.L.T. Rails to Trails Association returning the Letter of Authority?
The Association voted on November 18, 2025 to return Letter of Authority 2004-036 to the Province of Nova Scotia. The community based volunteer model introduced in 2004 is no longer sustainable in 2025. After careful consideration, we determined that the current development model, the funding structure, and the shortage of volunteers no longer allow us to maintain the trail to the standard expected by the Province or the public.
2. When will the Letter of Authority be returned?
The requested return date is March 31, 2026. Until then, the Association will continue to support a responsible transition process.
3. What led to this decision?
Several factors contributed to the decision, including:
• A steady reduction in available volunteers
• Significant maintenance needs resulting from repeated natural disasters
• A funding model that no longer meets the demands of long term trail stewardship
• The growing complexity of managing one of the busiest trail systems in HRM
4. Has the community been involved in the trail for a long time?
Yes. For more than twenty years, community members, volunteers, and local partners transformed an abandoned rail corridor into a well loved and heavily used trail. The trail has supported recreation, active living, and strong connections within the B.L.T. community and beyond.
5. Why is volunteer capacity such a challenge now?
The Association has relied on volunteers for maintenance, project oversight, governance, and day to day operations. As volunteer numbers have decreased and maintenance demands have increased, the workload has grown beyond what a volunteer based model can sustain.
6. How have natural disasters affected the trail?
The trail has experienced severe damage from storms and flooding in recent years. Washouts, erosion, and major structural impacts have required extensive repairs, often costing more than one hundred thousand dollars per event. Each repair effort has also required hundreds of volunteer hours. The repeated scale of damage has made it clear that ongoing stewardship requires full time attention and long term resources.
7. Who will take over the maintenance of the trail?
The Association is recommending that the Province of Nova Scotia or another partner assume responsibility for maintenance moving forward. A long term managing body will be better positioned to address infrastructure needs and sustain the trail into the future.
8. Will the trail remain open to the public?
The trail will remain accessible to the public as abandoned Crown land.
9. What future infrastructure needs should the next managing partner be aware of?
Since the flash floods, more than three hundred and thirty thousand dollars in repairs have been completed. While the Association has received support through the Disaster Relief Fund, the future availability of this fund is unknown. The next managing partner will also need to consider major infrastructure issues. These include the replacement of the Five Islands Bridge in Hubley and repairs to the Trinity Church Bridge in Timberlea. In addition, the managing body will assume responsibility for maintaining the trail bed, vegetation, structures, bridges, garbage removal, and all trail entry points.