April 15, 2015 – Campbellton, N.B. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The new Restigouche River Experience Centre in Campbellton will soon be a reality thanks to investments by the governments of Canada and New Brunswick.
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and MP for Madawaska‑Restigouche, the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), the Honourable Donald Arseneault, Minister of Energy and Mines, Minister responsible for Official Languages and MLA for Campbellton-Dalhousie, and the Honourable Bill Fraser, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Minister responsible for Northern and Miramichi Funds and MLA for Miramichi, joined representatives of the City of Campbellton to make the announcement today.
The project includes the construction of a tourist experience and interpretation centre showcasing the cultural heritage and ecosystem of the Restigouche River. The main building of the Restigouche River Experience Centre will be a replica of a large salmon fishing lodge and will host exclusive exhibits and tourist experience activities that highlight the natural, historical and cultural value of the Restigouche River and the region.
Funding in the amount of $1,444,388 by the Government of Canada for this project comes from the Innovative Communities Fund of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The Province of New Brunswick is contributing $1,371,000, and the City of Campbellton is investing $1,292,777.
Quick facts
- The Restigouche River flows across the northwestern part of New Brunswick and the southeastern part of Quebec. Once a major transportation route for the Micmacs, today the River is world-renowned for its salmon fishing and is popular among canoe enthusiasts.
- Both beautiful and historically significant, the Restigouche provides exceptional recreational opportunities.
- The Restigouche River Experience Centre has the potential to provide a place to celebrate the heritage, historical and cultural value of the Restigouche River, while providing a new tourism opportunity for the region.
- The new Restigouche Review Experience Centre will be built on the river, next to the J.C. Van Horne interprovincial bridge, one of the main gateways to New Brunswick.
- The new centre will be located in the heart of Campbellton (pop. 7,300), the largest city and commercial centre in Restigouche County. Branded as the salmon capital, the City of Campbellton’s motto is “the city of two coasts.”
Quotes
“Our government is proud to help the City of Campbellton carry out this collective project and to make the tourism sector a sustainable industry that has the potential to build strong, healthy communities. With the new Restigouche River Experience Centre, the region will increase its tourism offerings and generate new local opportunities for economic growth.
- The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and MP for Madawaska-Restigouche
“Our government recognizes the importance of relevant infrastructure for our communities. This investment is in keeping with the objective of our government to equip our communities with the facilities they need while contributing to economic growth, the resilience of our economy, job creation and a better quality of life for Canadians.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Our investment in this important infrastructure project demonstrates that all three levels of government can work together in major projects such as the Restigouche River Experience Centre.”
- The Honourable Donald Arseneault, Minister of Energy and Mines, Minister responsible for Official Languages and MLA for Campbellton-Dalhousie
“Tourism continues to play a vital role in the local and regional economy. Investing in the Restigouche River Experience Centre will create opportunities for growth in Campbellton and Restigouche County.”
- The Honourable Bill Fraser, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Minister responsible for Northern and Miramichi Funds and MLA for Miramichi
“The Restigouche River Experience Centre project has been a subject of discussion for many years in the region. A private group of business people, who held a wealth of knowledge about the river, along with the Listuguj First Nation, have been longing to create an iconic facility for the Restigouche River. We are very pleased that with the financial support of the federal and provincial governments and the City of Campbellton, this amazing tourism project will be in operation in 2016, along with our RV Resort.”
- Bruce MacIntosh, Mayor of Campbellton
Associated links
Contacts
Kelsie Corey
Communications Director
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613‑941‑7241
Bruce MacIntosh
Mayor
City of Campbellton
506‑789‑2727
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506‑260-2193
Bruce MacFarlane
Communications
Province of New Brunswick
506-444-4583
