8 July 2010
Bathurst, New Brunswick
Bathurst citizens and visiting tourists took part in activities today to celebrate the grand opening of " La Promenade Waterfront," Bathurst's picturesque boardwalk lined with quaint boutiques, an international cuisine restaurant, gallery, outdoor pavilion and tourist information centre.
The City of Bathurst developed its waterfront with financial assistance totaling more than $1.5 million from federal and provincial governments. The project, based on the City's Waterfront Development Plan, is designed to attract tourists to the City by adding new activities along the waterfront.
"The Grand Opening of the Bathurst Waterfront is a great example of how this government supports projects that enhance tourism potential and expand economic opportunities for communities," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
"It is great to see the public enjoying these new facilities, making a positive impact for Bathurst and the Chaleur region," said Brian Kenny, Minister of Tourism for the Province of New Brunswick. "Tourism is an important economic generator for northern New Brunswick and improving the visitor experience by investing in tourist infrastructure like the Bathurst waterfront development project is one of the objectives set out in the Action Plan for Self-Sufficiency in Northern New Brunswick."
In addition to the development of the boardwalk, multi- functional pavilion, central plaza, and buildings for seasonal vendors, other amenities include a heritage museum, boat ramps, public washrooms and on-site parking.
"The City is very thankful to have ACOA and the Province of New Brunswick on board with us with this project. Although there is more to come, the focal point of this project is definitely La Promenade Waterfront, and we couldn't have made this happen without our partners' support," said Scott Ferguson, City Councillor and chair of the Bathurst waterfront advisory committee.
The Government of Canada invested $718,098 in this project through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. The Province of New Brunswick invested a total of $825,000 while the City of Bathurst provided $164,106 toward the project.
FOR BROADCAST USE
Bathurst citizens and visiting tourists took part in celebration activities today that officially opened the downtown Bathurst Waterfront Development called "La Promenade Waterfront". Federal and provincial funding for the project totaled more than $1.5 million. The new development includes a boardwalk, multi-functional pavilion, tourism information centre and central plaza, as well as parts of the Heritage museum. The project, based on the City's Waterfront Development Plan, is designed to attract tourists to the City by adding new activities along the waterfront.
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INFORMATION:
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA NB
506-452-3687
Bruce MacFarlane
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4606
Meredith Cassie
City of Bathurst - Tourism
506-549-3201
