The primary goal of this study is to use one destination trail in Atlantic Canada as a basis for implementing a methodologically sound economic impact study. The economic impact survey and analysis is then expected to benefit the Atlantic provinces and the regional network of recreational trails in three key ways. First, the study identifies the impacts of a destination trail and this will serve as a model with insights for others pursuing a similar development path. Second, the study design and implementation is fully transferable to trails in other provinces. Some of the findings (e.g. spending profiles) are regionally applicable and may be used to develop benchmark economic impact indicators.Third, all survey materials and particularly the spreadsheet tool produced from this study are available to facilitate future collection of data that can be now dropped into the spreadsheet to automatically calculate a wide range of trail-related statistics.In-person surveying is conducted with a Sample of 910.

This study updates the previous Economic Impact Assessment conducted by Gardner Pinfold in 2005. The update includes estimates of spending by snowmobile clubs in Nova Scotia, trail use, economic impact of snowmobiling and snowmobile tourism, and spin-off Effects. Methodology includes conducting a literature review for current studies that can include information on spending coefficients that are relevant to the industry in Nova Scotia. A Final Feport is prepared which summarizes findings.

This study develops a Nova Scotia Culture Index over the course of one year. It includes a phased approach that involves extensive consultation within Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage, as well as with key stakeholders in other government departments.

This study produces an asset map of food producing and the processing industry in Atlantic Canada. This will help define the nature and magnitude of industry, current circumstances, and gain insights into its future. This project includes three components: 1) an examination of sector assets (business environment, raw material supply, financial assets, labour, research and development), 2) economic impact analysis by food and beverage sector sub-groups and provinces, and 3) a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis based on a survey of Atlantic Canada food and beverage businesses. The key food sub-goups are seafood, vegetable and fruit processing, dairy, and bakeries, while the beverage sub-groups are soft-drink and juice manufacturers, breweries, wineries, and distilleries. 1,300 surveys distributed in Atlantic Canada - online and telephone.

This study identifies the most effective practical methods to successfully transfer research findings and new/best practices to potato, grains and oilseeds farmers in PEI, and thus encourages eventual full-scale successful farm level implementation. The key components are combined in this project to identify best practice technology transfer models and extension practices used in other leading potato producing areas; improve understanding of enabling conditions and challenges for optimal technology transfer in PEI (this objective has been completed); and provide recommendations to improve technology transfer in PEI potato and grains and oilseeds sectors (whether by private and/or government resources).Full interviews are administered by phone.

This projects prepares an analysis of the Canadian Certified Seed industry that tracks activity along the seed sector value chain.The analysis identifies the needs and understanding of certified seed along the entire seed value chain. This provides a benchmark measure of the needs and understanding amongst the stakeholders along the value chain with regard to the seed sector, its capabilities and the benefits and value of certified seed to their operations.