Fredericton residents to benefit from Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge refurbishment

News Release

Fredericton, New Brunswick, October 27, 2017—Investing in recreational infrastructure helps communities come together and stay active. The governments of Canada and New Brunswick recognize that strategic investments in recreational infrastructure—including funding for recreational trails projects—play a key role in supporting dynamic communities while creating good jobs that help grow the middle class.

Today, Matt DeCourcey, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Stephen Horsman, New Brunswick Minister of Families and Children, and His Worship Mike O’Brien, Mayor of Fredericton, announced funding to refurbish the iconic Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. The governments of Canada and New Brunswick are each contributing over $1.3 million to this project through the New Building Canada Plan’s Small Communities Fund, with the City providing the remainder of the funding.

The modernization project involves replacing the existing deck, railings, and one of the piers to ensure the safety and viability of the bridge. Once completed, residents of all ages will continue to enjoy a first class trail network that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle. Additionally, the restoration project ensures this Fredericton landmark will continue to drive local economic activity by attracting tourists for decades to come.

 

Quotes

“The trails network is used year-round by New Brunswickers. We are listening to New Brunswickers and investing in what is important to them. Timely repairs and upgrades are important to maintain our reputation as a four-season recreation destination. I encourage all New Brunswickers to explore our trails network. It is a great way to connect with others and stay active and healthy.”

The Honourable Stephen Horsman, New Brunswick Minister of Families and Children

“Our government is proud to invest in the refurbishment of the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. It is vital that we preserve this landmark of active living in Fredericton. The upgraded bridge will undoubtedly attract new visitors to the area, which will further grow our local businesses. It is thanks to projects like this that Canadian communities will remain among the best places in the world to live, work and raise a family.”

Matt DeCourcey, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“The Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge is a Fredericton icon and an important piece of Provincial infrastructure that is used daily by our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Mike O’Brien.  “It offers some of the best views of our city and serves as a key active transportation link, connecting the north and south sides of our community.  We are pleased to partner with the province and federal government to invest in the bridge’s refurbishment.”

His Worship Mike O’Brien, Mayor of Fredericton

Quick Facts

  • The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

  • $21.9 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.

  • These investments complement the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a 2-year federal-provincial action plan aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region through five priority areas:

    o   Skilled workforce/Immigration;
    o   Innovation;
    o   Clean growth and climate change;
    o   Trade and investment;
    o   Infrastructure.

Associated Links

Contacts

Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
Brook.Simpson@canada.ca

Jean Bertin
Communications
Department of Energy and Resource Development
506-444-5298
jean.bertin@gnb.ca

Wayne Knorr
Communications Manager
City of Fredericton
506-474-3389
wayne.knorr@fredericton.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

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