Following the CN rail line abandonment in 1989, the City of Charlottetown and the Province of PEI recognized the opportunity that lay before them. CADC purchased all the abandoned rail corridors within the city and began planning a pedestrian/ cycling trial network. Along with CADC’s work within the city, a number of rails to trails advocacy groups in the province were hard at work concerning the trail network province wide. CN was responsible for removing the entire rail track system and left behind a level, well-draining base covered in the traditional railway crushed rock ballast. After adding smaller quarter inch gravel to the base, a smooth surface suitable for walking/ running, biking, and horse-back riding was created.
Today the whole routes for nature and health / rails to trail network is over 470 km in length. This was a project that has lasting benefits for all who use it.