July 6, 2006
Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick
The St. John River Society, together with the towns of
Hampton and Grand Bay-Westfield, today unveiled plans for
three projects that will further develop the River Trails
Network along the lower St. John River. The Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is investing a total of
$2,201,943 in the projects through the Innovative
Communities Fund. Rob Moore, Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, made the
announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Peter
MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for
ACOA. "Our Government supports communities working together
to develop a strong, vibrant tourism industry in this
region," said Mr. Moore. "This tourism initiative will
allow more people to experience the beauty of the St. John
River and will benefit the local economy by attracting more
visitors to the region. "I am pleased with the support of ACOA which will allow the
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield to proceed with our Brundage
Point River Centre as part of the River Trails Network
initiative," said Grace Losier, Mayor of Grand Bay-
Westfield. "I believe the River Trails Network will provide
world leadership in the field of ecological stewardship and
eco-tourism and our municipality is proud to be a part of
this exciting Network. I am also pleased that the River
Centre will become the signature feature of the Town's
Waterfront Plan.""The Town of Hampton is very pleased to partner with the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the St. John River
Society to develop our Lighthouse Park River Centre," said
Jim Hovey, Mayor of Hampton. "Lighthouse Park will provide
public access to the river system and the Hampton Marsh and
will allow many types of boating and outdoor activity,
environmental and wetland education, and be arts and
culture venue. Council believes this site will become a
focal point for our community as it was in the past during
commerce along the River.""As managing partner of The River Trails Network
initiative, The St. John River Society is excited for this
announcement," said Muriel Mackenzie, chair of the River
Trails Network Steering Committee. "Along with our
community partners, The Society is working to offer diverse
tourism experiences and multi-season infrastructure in many
riverside communities. With the majestic St. John River as
a backdrop, and engaging authentic experiences along the
way, we are certain that tourism will become a mainstay for
the communities involved in this initiative and will
provide an amazing experience for all visitors whether by
land or water."
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Peta Fussell
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA, New Brunswick
(506) 451-2677
Molly Demma
Executive Director
St. John River Society
(506) 450-8709, cell: 451-3488
Grace Losier
Mayor
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield
(506) 738-6400
Brenda Collings
Town Manager
Town of Hampton
(506) 832-6400
BACKGROUND: The River Trails Network initiative is a multi-community
partnership focused on increasing tourism in communities
along the lower St. John River. Through the development of
river trails, multi-use river centres, boat landings and
interpretive signage, the initiative is designed to attract
visitors to experience the lower St. John River and
surrounding region's diverse riverscapes, wildlife,
history, communities and culture. ACOA's investment will support the River Trails Network
coordination and marketing efforts of The St. John River
Society ($368,269), along with the development of river
centres at Grand Bay-Westfield ($1,178,823) and Hampton
($654,851). Related projects to develop a river centre at
Oromocto and a boat landing in Young's Cove and
Waterborough, announced in April 2005, have also commenced
with support from ACOA. ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) focuses on
investments that lead to long-term employment and economic
capacity building in rural communities. For more
information on ACOA's programs, visit our website at:
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca
