The Acadian Peninsula will benefit from investments to help improve tourism experiences and welcome people back to public spaces safely

June 29, 2022 · Inkerman, 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 $1,491,750 for 16 projects on the Acadian Peninsula. 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), the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) and the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).

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

·       Amis du Village historique acadien Inc.

A contribution of $185,000 from the TRF towards a learning and experimentation centre for youth in the historic Lobster House building at the Village historique acadien.

·       Anciennes, anciens, amies et amis de l’Université de Moncton, campus de Shippagan

A contribution of $75,000 from the ICF to establish an astronomical observatory for the general public.

·       Centre culturel de Caraquet Inc.

A contribution of $100,000 from the TRF for the installation of an 18-hole mini-golf course at Carrefour de la Mer, where more than 10,000 people pass through each summer.

·       Club de curling Tracadie-Sheila Inc.

A contribution of $240,000 from the CCRF to renovate the curling club to improve accessibility and energy efficiency.

·       Club sportif de Pont-Lafrance Inc.

A contribution of $74,912 from the TRF to construct a community walking trail to support the tourism experience.

·       Coopérative carrefour santé communautaire Inkerman Ltd.

A contribution of $75,000 contribution from the CCRF towards the renovation of an existing building to create accessible community space.

·       Distillerie Fils du Roy Inc.

A contribution of $32,000 from the TRF to improve the tourism experience by creating a more welcoming environment, including an expanded parking lot, modifications to the tasting room and the purchase of a silent compressor.

·       Musée des cultures fondatrices de Grande-Anse

A contribution of $51,424 from CCRF to renovate the museum to provide better accessibility and allow the organization to reduce its carbon footprint.

·       Université de Moncton – Campus de Shippagan

A contribution of $100,000 from the TRF to develop an arboretum including a forest and an Indigenous medicinal garden.

·       Village de Bas-Caraquet

A contribution of $150,000 from the TRF to renovate the public facilities at the Bas-Caraquet municipal beach.

·       Village de Paquetville

A contribution of $75,000 from the CCRF towards the renovation of outdoor community infrastructure in the village centre, including the repair of a tennis court and the construction of a pickleball court.

·       Village de Ste-Marie-St-Raphaël

A contribution of $48,500 from the TRF towards improvements to the municipal campground, including the installation of an electric gate, repairs to the access road and the addition of two small cabins for rental to tourists.

·       Ville de Caraquet

A contribution of $72,572 from the TRF for the construction of a rest stop adjacent to the Acadian Peninsula Bikeway, providing direct access to the bike path. The rest area will include water points, accessible public utility rooms, adequate and safe parking, a dozen outdoor shelters with tables and benches, an information booth, signage and landscaping.

·       Ville de Lamèque

A contribution of $21,667 from the CCRF for renovations to improve accessibility and reduce energy consumption in a scout hall, to be used as a community facility that will encourage inclusion of all community members.

As well as a contribution of $70,000 from the TRF to develop a bike trail route to add a point of interest for users of the Acadian Peninsula Bikeway.

·       Ville de Shippagan

A contribution of $120,675 from the TRF to upgrade key services at the municipal campground, including upgrading a walkway along the beach, washrooms, electricity to 50 sites, two laundry buildings and the installation of a gate to ensure safety and quiet.

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).