POINT MICHAUD — A Richmond County tourism strategy wants water lovers to explore its coastal crooks and crannies.
The municipality recently announced a $6.7-million tourism plan that is all about water and water sports.
And if there’s anyone who knows about Richmond County’s coastal potential, it’s Michelle Richards.
An avid surfer, Richards has been teaching people to ride the curl at Point Michaud beach for the last 12 summers.
“I’d say it’s the most accessible, safest, easiest place to learn how to surf, and excellent conditions for beginners.”
Richards, a member of the St. Peter’s Economic Development Organization, said she’s spent most of her life exploring the coasts of Cape Breton. She said she believes the number of people interested water sports in Cape Breton is growing.
“We’re very busy,” said Richards.
“And we keep track of where people come from and (we have) a lot of locals but a lot of tourists too.”
Richmond County is hoping to create blueways, a term used to describe water trails on the coast.
Blueways are typically developed with launch areas, camping locations and points of interest for boaters, canoeists, scuba divers, surfers, paddle boarders and kayakers.
Tourism supporters say there are 10 to 15 sites throughout Richmond County that could comprise such a network.
Officials with the Trans Canada Trail are joining the trend by incorporating water trails into its recreational network across the country.
“One of those trails is going to be in St. Peter’s, and it will cut along the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, which will also tie in with the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere,” said Richards.
“It would be a mapped trail so people would know where to launch from and where to stop.”
The municipality has put forward $2,233,769 for the tourism plan. That is to be matched by the federal government, with the province promising to meet the amount in the future.
Jeff Stanley, director of economic development and tourism for Richmond County, said new signage and infrastructure will be created to direct visitors to water adventures across the municipality.
Other sea-related experiences will be touted, including beachcombing, fishing and eating local seafood.
But for explorers, it will be Richmond County’s unique coves and inlets that will be a highlight.
“The geography here really lends itself to water sports and water adventures,” said Stanley.
“When you look at the coastlines of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, for the most part they’re linear with not a lot of coves and indentations.”
Stanley said most of the construction on waterway improvements will begin next spring.
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