The Cheticamp River Salmon Association (CRSA) is happy to announce that Petit Lac in Grand Etang is the location of one of Nova Scotia’s newest barrier free fishing sites. Developing a site where anyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy recreational fishing has long been a vision of the CRSA. And finally, after years of careful planning, securing funds, and developing the site, this vision has become a reality.
Entrance signage and view of the CRSA’s new barrier-free fishing platform at Petit Lac in Grand Etang.
To achieve the goal of creating a safe and accessible site, the CRSA installed lowered railings to make casting easier from a seated position and put in a graveled entryway and parking lot that have been leveled for comfortable access by wheelchairs and mobility vehicles. Designated parking is also available to those using vehicles with mobility ramps and lifts.
CRSA Vice President Gilles Hache working on installing the railings at the fishing platform.
Jamie Dunn of Marion Bridge was one of the visiting anglers to try out the fishing platform earlier this spring.
All anglers are welcome to use the site at Petit Lac, however users are reminded that priority access should be given to those with accessibility issues as this is the intended purpose of the fishing platform. The CRSA will also be monitoring and maintaining the site and asks that anglers respect that the fishing platform is a volunteer run project and do their part to help keep the site a clean and well-maintained environment for locals and visitors alike.
CRSA student crew installing parking lines at the site.
While the CRSA had the vision, developing the barrier free fishing platform at Petit Lac would not have been possible without the generous support of the project’s funders. Specifically, the CRSA would like to acknowledge and thank Cabela's Outdoor Fund (contribution of $5000), the Municipality of the County of Inverness (also a $5000 contribution), the Nova Scotia Community Access-ability Program (contribution of $7500), and the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for granting permission to use the site. Thanks also to Gilles Hache, CRSA Vice President, for leading the work on the platform, and to adjacent landowners Johnny Power, Marcel and Annette Lelievre, and Aurel and Pauline Lelievre for their help and support throughout the project.
For locations of other barrier free fishing sites across the province, visit Nova Scotia Fisheries & Aquaculture’s online map of accessible locations at https://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing/site-mapping-tool/.