April 25, 2005 St. Stephen, New Brunswick The St. Stephen Development Board will begin waterfront improvements along the St. Croix River to further facilitate the development of the eco-tourism sector in St. Stephen thanks to support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The entire project promises to enhance the tourism experience and includes construction that will repair and extend the wharf making the St. Croix River more accessible; the addition of an interpretive facility which includes two kiosks and interpretive panels; the installation of electrical lighting, water and safety fences; and landscaping. It is expected that three seasonal jobs will result from this new development. "This project is an essential component of the St. Stephen tourism development initiative designed to significantly enhance the attraction of downtown St. Stephen," said the Honourable Andy Scott, MP for Fredericton, and Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister for ACOA. "The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is pleased to invest in improvements to the St. Stephen waterfront which promises to further economic opportunities for this rural area." Total costs are shared between ACOA, through the Agency's Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF), the Town of St. Stephen and the St. Stephen Business Improvement Area (BIA) with ACOA investing $223,000, the Town investing $47,500 and the BIA investing $10,000. "The St. Croix River, recognized as a Canadian Heritage River, has been the centre of life since it was first settled in 1604," said Allan Gillmor, President, St. Stephen Development Board. "We are very pleased to join with government and business partners to announce and celebrate this project, which promises to help the community continue to maximize the benefits of this region's historic river." ACOA's investments in St. Stephen's waterfront development will provide visitors and residents both visual and physical access to the St. Croix River which will contribute to numerous positive impacts on the community, including increased tourism traffic; enhanced quality of life and community. Special highlights of the work will be the construction of kiosks and the creation of river interpretation panels along walkways contributing to retaining visitors in the St. Stephen downtown core area. The development of the St. Stephen waterfront is a priority of many partners who include: The Town of St. Stephen, the St. Stephen Business Improvement Area, the Town's Tourism Action Committee, and the Ganong Nature Park. The partnership was formed to enhance efforts for joint development of tourism along the St.Croix River. - 30 - For more information on ACOA's programs, visit our web site at:www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca . Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire (613) 941-7241 Ann Kenney Senior Communications Officer ACOA (506) 452-3687 Allan Gillmor St. Stephen Development Board (506) 466-7737
