Richmond Recreation February 2024 Challenge

Let's get active and have fun this winter with Richmond Recreation! This challenge is all about making the most of the darker and typically colder months of the year. By completing tasks on this card you are not only having fun and trying something new, but all submissions from each age category will be entered into a draw for a gift card of choice from a local business here in Richmond County!

Ready, set, try to fulfill a full card of activities, check off the tasks you have completed and submit your form to on or before March 4, 2024.

Bonus points will be awarded if photos are accompanied with your submission.

List of activities include:

• Activity of your choice
• Lace up your skates and glide across the ice at the Richmond Arena for a free public skate
• Strap on some snowshoes and hike through the snow
• Bundle up! Go for a walk
• Read a book
• Art Day! Paint, draw or make a collage. Be creative!
• Have a game night, or build a puzzle!
• Random act of kindness
• Shop local! Support a local business in Richmond County
• Volunteer or participate in a 2024 Winter Festival event this year
• Sing up for a 2024 winter program through Richmond Recreation
• Visit one of our Eastern County Libraries.  Sign up for a library card or join an acitivty
• If you can, donate to a local food bank
• Is it snowing yet? Build a snowman or snow family
• Go sledding
• Prepare a warm meal
• Visit and play outside at one of the 3 outdoor Playbins (River Bourgeois, Little Anse, and Louisdale)
• Shovel snow
• Make snow angels
• Go for an evening walk.  Let the snow light your way
• Explore a trail in Richmond County
• Free space

Categories (please select one): Child (0-12), Youth (13-18), Adult (19-54), Older Adult (55+)

 

  pdf View the February Challenge Poster(262 KB)

 

Accessibility Community Champion Award

IDEA Committee Accessibility Community Champion Award

Help Us Celebrate Accessibility Champions in Our County!
The Municipality of the County of Richmond and the Village of St. Peter’s joint IDEA (Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible) Committee are now accepting nominations for the Accessibility Community Champion Award.

This award recognizes individuals in our communities who go above and beyond to remove barriers, enrich the lives of people with accessibility challenges, and advocate for more inclusive, equitable spaces.

Nominations must be submitted by May 9^th, 2025. 

To complete an application complete the document Nomination Form(86 KB)  and submit by May 9th, 2025.

 

 

IDEA (Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible) Committee

Councillor Amanda Mombourquette
Shannon Mury
Danielle Martell
Meghan Hayter
Jessica MacDougall
Allison Martell
Esther MacDonnell
Ashley Lavandier
Shelley Dorey
Chantal Boudreau
Donna Dittrick
Dorothy Booher

Interested in joining our committee?

Email Shannon Mury, Director of Community Development and Recreation at  to learn more.
 

Richmond County Accessibility Plan

On April 25, 2022, the Richmond County Accessibility Plan was officially approved by Council. To view the plan, visit Plans, Reports and Reviews.

 

Join Our Committee

The Municipality of the County of Richmond and the Village of St. Peter's is currently seeking individuals to join the IDEA Advisory Committee (AAC).  If you have a disability or represent an organization that represents people with disabilities, consider joining our committee. 

The IDEA Advisory Committee provides advice to Municipal Council on identifying, preventing and eliminating barriers to people with disabilities in municipal programs, services, initiatives and facilities.

Interested individuals are requested to submit applications in writing, indicating their experiences that would best suit the needs of the committee. 

Please address applications or inquiries to:

Municipality of Richmond County
Attention: IDEA Advisory Committee
2357 Hwy 206, Arichat, NS B0E 1A0
By Email:   
Subject line: IDEA Advisory Committee Volunteer

Call Out For Program Leaders

• Fitness Instructors
• Afterschool Program Leaders
• Arts/crafts Instructors
• Dance Teachers
• Walking/hiking Leaders
• Sports Instructors
• Hiking Leaders

Share Your Passions And Experiences With Our Residents

If you are interested in casual employment opportunities as a leader/instructor with Richmond Recreation we would love to hear from you. Phone 902 226-0664 or email Sharla or complete our contact form.

Please complete all required fields!

Join Our Team Contact Form 

First Name(*)

Invalid Input

Last Name(*)

Invalid Input

Phone

Invalid Input

Email(*)

Invalid Input

Comments / Questions / Concerns(*)

Invalid Input

Department

Recreation Department Inquiry Invalid Input

Security check(*)

Invalid Input

Submit

The Richmond County Trails Strategy was approved by council on Monday, November 28, 2022. The strategy can be viewed at  pdf Richmond County Trails Strategy(13.03 MB) .

 

Public Works Officially Announces it's Newest Batch of Road Trails Across Nova Scotia.

You may have noticed new Road Trail signs being installed in various areas of the province over the past few weeks. The Department of Public Works has now officially released the next group of approved Road Trail sites, which are already in effect. These roadways provide OHV riders with more options for trail connectivity and accessing services and amenities. The new sites are as follows:

1. Bloomfield Cross Road (Digby County): 1km on Bloomfield Cross Rd and 100m on Ridge Rd to connect the rail trail (trail #101) to amenities at Haines Lake.

2. Broad River_ Beech Hill Road (two road trails), (Queens Municipality): Two road trails comprised of 3.8km on Beech Hill Rd, 1.5km on Hwy #3 and 1.1km on River Head Rd. to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to Liverpool and the rail trail (trail #102) to Jordan River.

3. Churchover (Shelburne County): 1.9km on Shore Rd, 150m on Goulden Rd and 350m on Old Shore Rd to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to lodging at Boulder Cove Rd.

4. Cranton Crossing Road (Inverness County): 640m on Cranton Cross Rd and 1.6km on West Big Interval Rd to connect trail #105 to Highland Rd and trail #105 to Cheticamp and also to connect to amenities in the area.

5. Lennox Passage 2 (Richmond County): 500m on Rogers Rd, 150m on Hwy 206 and 7.7km on Hwy 320 to connect trails on Isle Madame to the rail trail (trail #2) into River Tillard.

6. Port Clyde (Shelburne County): 600m on Hwy #309, 1.65km on Greenwood Rd and 1.9km on Shore Rd to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to Gunning Cove to the rail trail (trail #102) to Yarmouth.

7. Pubnico Access 2 (Yarmouth County): 450m on Hwy #3 to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to amenities.

8. Spa Road 2 (Shelburne): 320m on Spa Rd to connect the Town of Shelburne road trails to the rail trail (trail #102) to Jordan River.

These newly approved Road Trails bring the total to 26-provincially approved and four municipal sites. Additional proposed sites continue to be assessed by the province and ATVANS will share any updates when they become available.

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below.

Approved Road Trails

Road Trails Act

 

Recreation Trails Grant Program

pdf Multi-Use Pathway Creation(578 KB) , Rehabilitation and Improvement application
pdf Shared-Use Pathway Creation(577 KB) , Rehabilitation and Improvement application

Please note that although the deadline has passed, we are still accepting applications for the 204-2025 season.

For more information contact:
Danielle Martell
Community Development & Special Projects Coordinator
 
(902) 226-2400
Maximum of one application per organization.

  

Community Trails Leadership Fund

Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

Description: The grant supports the trail development community in Nova Scotia through the provision of funds for leadership, organizational development, and capacity building. The fund will help organizations offer training and educational opportunities for volunteers and the trail professionals who support them. It also helps the organizations acquire the expertise needed for specific aspects of trail projects. Applicants are expected to contribute at least fifty percent (50%) of the overall cost of the initiative, inclusive of contributions obtained from other sources (financial and in-kind). Applicants unable to contribute the expected amount (50% of overall cost) are encouraged to discuss their proposed initiative and financial situation with their local Regional Manager and/or CCTH Trails Consultant

Deadline: Ongoing applications from April 1st, until fully allocated.

Contact:  

Website: Community Trails Leadership Fund

 

Trail Engineering Assistance Grant Program

Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

Description: The grant is designed to provide trail builders and managers with a source of funding to help them hire engineering expertise when it is required. For hiring engineers when building, maintaining, and supporting multi-use trails and non-motorized single-use to help ensure Nova Scotia’s trails are both safe for trail users and environmentally sound. Applicants are encouraged to contribute to the overall cost of the initiative. The contribution level required depends on the need and the ability of the applicant to contribute.

Example(s): Inspection and assessment of existing trail structures. Components of planning requiring an engineer (i.e. site plan for a bridge). Design of trail components which must be engineered to a specific standard. Rehabilitation plans. Other occasions when it is appropriate to seek the advice of a professional engineer.

Deadline: Ongoing applications from April 1st, until fully allocated.

Contact:  or your regional CCTH manager. 

Website: Engineering Assistance Grant Program

 

    ATVANS Interactive Map

The ATVANS interactive mapping application page is available free of charge.  This map will provide all the trails and services close to the trails indentified on the map.

 

 

 

 

TRAIL ETIQUETTE PRINCIPLES:

1 - Expect Others, Respect Others

The number of people out on trails is rising fast! Depending on the trail you might come across hikers, runners, bikers, ATVers, snowmobilers, dirt bikers, skiers, horseback riders, folks with mobility aids or furry friends. Everybody will have a different level of ability and experience - and that's okay! The golden rule is to treat each other with respect and kindness.

2 - Pass with Class

When you meet someone on the trail, slow down and communicate. Give a signal that you're there, and then pass at a safe speed. A smile and a wave go a long way! There are standard guidelines for how to safely pass others listed below. Know before you go!

3 - Leave No Trace

Whether we realize it or not, the way we behave in the outdoors has a direct impact on the environment. There are simple things we can do to keep our impact small. Never leave trash or food waste behind on a trail - if you can carry it in, you can carry it out. Stay on marked, open trails. Always respect wildlife, plants and animals.

4 - Value The Volunteers

Trails don't pop out of nowhere. The majority of trails in Nova Scotia are built and maintained by volunteers. These folks are passionate about creating safe outdoor experiences for everyone in the community.  A great way to show appreciation for volunteers is to take care of the trail and encourage others to do the same!

 

TRAIL ETIQUETTE RULES:

• Trail safety is the responsibility of all users
• Wheels yield to heels - ATVers. motorcyclists and snowmobilers yield to all other trail users. Bicyclists yield to hikers and walkers who in turn yield to horseback riders.
• Know and obey posted trail rules
• Stay on the trail and stay to the right
• Travel at a reasonable speed at all times, slow down at corners
• Give a clear warning signal when passing others
• Respect and be considerate of landowners along the trail
• Do not walk or ride under conditions where you might damage the trail
• Do not litter, always clean up after yourself and your pets
• Use provided toilet facilities. If you are unable to find a facility, dig a hole 6 inches deep at least 200 feet from any open water
• Respect wildlife - do not disturb plants or animals
• Obey trail curfews (usually 11pm to 5am)

 

People hiking, walking or snowshoeing

• Step aside to let others pass whenever possible
• Those going downhill yield to those going up
• Avoid using trails that are groomed specifically for cross county skiing in winter

People on bikes

• Obey speed limits
• Use your bell or your voice to let people know you are approaching
• Always yield the trail to hikers, walkers, and less mobile trail users
• Slow down when passing or approaching corners
• Know your ability, your equipment, and the area
• Do not ride under conditions where you might damage the trail

People on ATVs or motorcycles

• Obey speed limits
• Announce your presence (i.e. Honk) when approaching a trail user from behind
• To pass someone. Follow at a safe distance until you reach a safe place to pass. Then pass slowly
• Slow down when entering quiet zones or residential neighbourhoods
• Stay on the trail Do not ride on areas that are wet. Have loose soil, steep slopes, meadows or swamps
• Avoid late-night riding near populated areas
• When camping, ride directly to and from your campsite or turn off your vehicle and push it
• Minimize noise through proper care and operation of your off-highway vehicle
• Stay off groomed snowmobile trails during the winter months

People on snowmobiles

• Obey speed limits
• Stay on the trail
• Do not ride on tracks made for skiers
• Avoid late-night riding near populated areas or lodges
• Yield to cross country skiers who are going downhill

People on horseback

• Obey speed limits
• Practice minimum impact techniques
• Always clean up after your horse
• Keep horses in campsites only long enough to un-pack or pack them
• Never tie your horse within 200 feet of a lake, stream or spring

People on cross country skis

• Ski on the right side of the trail
• Yield to snowmobiles when you are going uphill
• Yield to anyone coming downhill or anyone faster
• To step out of the track, lift your skis so the track won't be disturbed
• When breaking trail, keep skis wider than normal

People with pets

• Clean up after your animal - do not throw poop bags in the woods
• Keep pets on a leash or lead, unless otherwise indicated
• If your pet is in an off-leash area, be sure it remains under your control
• Keep your pet on the trail
• Do not let your animal disturb wildlife

 

For more information about NS Trails visit https://nstrails.com/