Northeastern New Brunswick will benefit from investments to help improve tourism experiences and bring people back to public spaces safely

June 28, 2022 · Petit-Rocher, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Community public spaces promote social interaction, physical activity and are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Unique and authentic tourism experiences also benefit our communities, as they provide jobs to residents and bring new economic opportunities by attracting visitors. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and the local tourism sector.

Today, Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst, announced total investments of $1,392,288 for 14 projects in northeastern New Brunswick. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The funding is being provided through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF).

Projects supported by the funding include the development of several of the region's key tourism attractions:

·       Murraywood Campground

A contribution of $49,867 from the TRF to rejuvenate and renovate the existing infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience with modern facilities, improving the viability of the business.

·       Clearwater Resort & Adventures

A contribution of $90,425 from the TRF towards the rejuvenation and renovation of existing infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience with modern facilities, improving the viability of the business.

·       Bathurst Marina Inc.

A contribution of $125,000 from the CCRF to replace wharves and old equipment to encourage visitors and residents to explore the marina safely.

·       Town of Petit-Rocher

A contribution of $250,000 from the CCRF to improve the infrastructure of the Petit-Rocher arena to encourage people to re-engage and explore their community.

As well, a $100,000 contribution from the TRF will help create a tourism anchor by adding pedestrian and bicycle paths, parks, swings and benches, infrastructure development (water/sewer, power/charging station, washrooms) and the installation of containers to accommodate future tourism operators.

·       Nepisiguit Sport Lodge Inc.

A contribution of $60,000 from the CCRF towards the addition of community infrastructure through the expansion and improvement of the Nepisiguit Sport Lodge to encourage people to re-engage and explore their communities and region.

·       Nepisiguit Migmaq Trail Inc.

A contribution of $100,000 from the TRF towards the construction of trail infrastructure and the development of a revenue model to accommodate increased traffic and sustainable future growth.

·       Village of Belledune

A contribution of $85,928 from the CCRF towards outdoor recreational infrastructure for children and families, including the construction of a water playground.

·       Village of Nigadoo

A contribution of $37,128 from the CCRF for the expansion and improvement of the Old Mill Park to encourage people to re-engage and explore their community and region.

As well, a contribution of $159,347 from the TRF will help renovate the Vieux Moulin building into a tourist stop and develop a bicycle path along the Bay's shoreline linking the stop, the beach and tourists to the village's many businesses and tourist products.

·       Village of Pointe-Verte

A contribution of $23,605 from the CCRF to help renovate and revitalize the Village of Pointe-Verte's beach park by installing two accessible gazebos, two accessible picnic tables and benches, installing a staircase to provide safe access to the beach, upgrading an existing breakwater, improvements to the existing parking lot, and improvements to the access roads.
As well, a contribution of $13,249 from the TRF will help the installation of a dumping station for recreational vehicles.

·       City of Bathurst

A contribution of $150,000 from the CCRF to build new community infrastructure by adding a new play structure in Coronation Park, renewing the downtown water fountain, and installing kayak storage units along the waterfront.

·       Town of Beresford

A contribution of $147,739 from the CCRF to improve Beresford's recreational infrastructure to encourage residents to re-engage and explore their community with the addition of a water park, skating rink and support infrastructure.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This in turn will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Launched in July 2021, the Tourism Relief Fund was created to help organizations and businesses in the tourism sector adapt their operations to meet public health requirements, offer innovative products and services to visitors and prepare to welcome back travellers. The Tourism Relief Fund is administered by Canada’s RDAs and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).