Fundy National Park Wolfe Lake Visitor Reception Centre Project Completion
Backgrounder
Fundy National Park Wolfe Lake Visitor Reception Centre Project Completion
Federal Infrastructure Investment Program
Fundy National Park
Located in New Brunswick on Canada’s Atlantic Coast, Fundy National Park encompasses 20 kilometres of dramatic shoreline along the Bay of Fundy and is famous for having the world’s highest tides. Twice a day, up to 12 metres of water or more rush in and out, roughly equivalent to the height of a four story building. For visitors, this means exceptional sightseeing and unforgettable kayaking, not to mention a unique chance to explore the sea floor at low tide. More than 100 kilometres of hiking and biking trails ribbon through 206 square kilometres of Acadian forest, leading to thundering waterfalls, freshwater lakes, and scenic river valleys.
Federal Infrastructure Project Completion
Project name: Fundy National Park Entrance Upgrades
Project description: The original Wolfe Lake Visitor Centre was demolished in 2012 as the wood framed building structure was deteriorating and became unsafe. Announced in 2015, the construction to build the new Visitor Reception Centre began in August 2017 with much of the work being completed in time for visitors to enjoy its many benefits for the 2018 operational season.
The design of the new centre incorporates many Green building design features such as building orientation and use of natural sunlight and ventilation, energy efficient lighting systems, heating systems, building envelope, water efficient supply, and waste fixtures.
During the redesigning stage, the Parks Canada’s team planned for the projected impact of the opening of the Fundy Trail Parkway by 2021 and, specifically, the Shepody Connector Road which links the trail to the western entrance of Fundy National Park. As a result, the new visitor centre was built to accommodate and handle motor coach traffic as visitation is expected to increase in the Wolfe Lake area. The total investment for this project was approximately $1.4M.
Wolfe Lake is located in the western area of Fundy National Park. Offering access to the beautiful Wolfe Lake, the new Visitor Reception Centre enhances the sense of arrival at the park’s West Gate and shows the distinct essence of Fundy National Park and New Brunswick’s Fundy Coast region by showcasing some of the park’s most compelling features. These major upgrades will contribute to visitor satisfaction and will play a huge role in connecting them with Canada’s incredible nature and history.
Previously Completed Federal Infrastructure Projects
Project Name: Chignecto South Upgrades
Project description: This project consisted of decommissioning of 6 existing deteriorated service buildings and replacing them with the new Chignecto Pavilion, purposed as a visitor activity building. Additionally, campsite loops and campground roads that were no longer in service in Chignecto South area were redeveloped to create a biking and hiking trail hub. This project enhances positive visitor experience and helps Canadians to connect with nature.
Project Name: Upgrading of Kitchen Shelters and Service Buildings at Point Wolfe Campground
Project description: As part of this project, four campground service buildings, four campground kitchen shelters, and the laundry building were upgraded in the Point Wolfe Campground.
Project name: Replacement of the Bay of Fundy Saltwater Pool
Project description: This all-natural gem, originally built in 1949, which uses water pumped in from the Bay of Fundy, was beyond its useful life and was therefore in need of replacement. The new pool area now provides for a wonderful ‘Bay of Fundy Saltwater Experience’ and this popular visitor experience has been expanded with the addition of a splash pad for younger children to enjoy and barrier-free access for persons with physical challenges.
Project name: Shoreline Protection Project and Boardwalk
Project description: Announced in the fall of 2017, this project added armoured stone and rip rap along the shoreline adjacent to Highway 114 at the southeast entrance to Fundy National Park. These materials were put in place as a safety measure and to prevent erosion due to frequent storm events caused by climate change. This portion of the highway links the Village of Alma to Fundy National Park and is an important access point for visitors in the region. Additionally, as part of this project, visitors can now walk along the new, longer boardwalk looking over the Bay of Fundy and watching the rise and fall of the spectacular tides, all while watching the fishing boats going in and out of the Alma wharf.
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