Government of Canada Invests in Fundy National Park -  Federal infrastructure funding for new and innovative visitor experiences 

May 19, 2018                                                      Alma, New Brunswick                                             Parks Canada Agency

The Government is committed to protecting our national parks, while providing opportunities for Canadians to discover and connect with nature.

The Government of Canada is investing approximately $2 million in federal infrastructure funding for several key projects in Fundy National Park. The announcement was made today by Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, as Parks Canada kicks off its 2018 visitor season of bringing people and nature together.

As part of this investment, Fundy National Park is proud to showcase the new Chignecto Recreation Area that has been upgraded with a new and unique system of hiking and cycling trails, where mountain biking is permitted, along with a new ‘pump track’, which provides for a whole new cycling experience. This project has been completed in time for the 2018 visitor season.

This federal funding will also support infrastructure work that is directly linked to conservation within Fundy National Park. Work currently underway to the Point Wolfe stormwater system will help protect critical habitat of the Atlantic Salmon and reduce significant erosion caused by water overflow. In addition, the replacement of the Bennett Brook Culvert along Highway 114 will improve fish passageways, while ensuring a safe and reliable travel through the park for visitors and community members.  

Similar investment work has been completed on a number of other infrastructure projects. This summer, visitors can enjoy a multitude of new experiences including: a new pavilion in the revitalized Chignecto Recreation Area; renovations and upgrades at Point Wolfe Campground; a new Bay of Fundy Saltwater pool and splash pad; and, a brand new boardwalk with viewing platforms, which was built as part of the shoreline protection project at the park’s southeast entrance.

Following the largest consultation ever on Parks Canada, through the Minister’s Round Table, Minister McKenna has put forward her priorities for Parks Canada. Fundy National Park is an excellent example of Parks Canada’s efforts to protect and restore our natural spaces and enable Canadians to discover and connect with nature. Fundy also helps sustain the local economy and tourism sector. Investments in infrastructure directly respond to the feedback of Canadians related preserving ecosystem health, while improving the state of built infrastructure in national parks and historic sites.

Millions of Canadians celebrated Canada 150 with free admission to Parks Canada’s places in 2017 and more Canadians than ever before had amazing experiences. Fundy experienced an increase in visitation of 20%, with more than 350,000 additional visitors. In 2018 and beyond, Parks Canada will make discovering nature and connecting with our history easier and more affordable for families with free admission for youth aged 17 and under and new Canadians.