Important upgrades and improvements will promote more opportunities for tourism activity and economic growth
July 28, 2015 – St. Andrews, N.B. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Town of St. Andrews wharf will soon undergo important improvements and upgrades, thanks to support from both the federal and provincial governments.
John Williamson, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and John Ames, MLA, Charlotte-Campobello, joined Town of St. Andrews officials to make the announcement today.
The upgrades and improvements to the wharf include the installation of protection anodes over existing piers to help eliminate corrosion, the installation of floating decks, upgrades to the old section of the wharf’s deck, repairs to the wharf’s understructure and a new breakwater.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, is contributing $515,000 to the project, while the Province of New Brunswick is providing $375,000 and the Town of St. Andrews is providing $400,000.
Quick Facts:
- The renovations and upgrades to the wharf and pier will allow the town to support an increase in opportunities related to tourism, particularly the growing cruise industry.
- The upgrades will also support other important commercial activity at the wharf such as the aquaculture industry
- In Atlantic Canada, the cruise industry is a major contributor to the region’s economy, especially the tourism sector, with an estimated total economic impact of $91 million in 2012.
- The Town of St. Andrews has been successful in attracting small cruise ships over the past five years and has six visits planned for the summer of 2015.
Quotes:
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper, our Government’s top priority remains job creation and economic growth. Federal support for these important improvements and upgrades will build on the current tourism infrastructure in St. Andrews, enhancing this popular destination and contributing to an increase in economic growth and prosperity for this entire region.”
- John Williamson, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Our government supports investing in strategic infrastructure to create jobs and move our province forward. These wharf improvements will provide a boost to both the tourism sector and the commercial fishery to help create growth and economic activity in Charlotte County.”
- John Ames, MLA, Charlotte-Campobello, on behalf of Victor Boudreau, minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.
“The Town of Saint Andrews has committed over 10% of the total town budget to the economic and tourism resources of the wharf. Our funding partnerships with the Federal and Provincial Governments ensures a strong future for the wharf infrastructure and a consolidation of an important aspect of our economic sustainability.”
- Stan Choptiany, Mayor, Town of St. Andrews
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Paul CJ LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3310
Bruce MacFarlane
Communications
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4583
Stan Choptiany
Mayor
Town of St. Andrews
506-529-5120
