Nearly nine years after a fire destroyed the Inkerman recreational trail bridge in New Brunswick, a step is being taken toward restoring the link between communities in the Acadian Peninsula after an investment of $11m from the Government of Canada and $1m from the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission.
Also, cyclists and pedestrians in Grand Falls and the surrounding communities will benefit from improved regional connectivity with a new active transportation route following an investment of more than $5.2m from the federal government.
The Inkerman announcement was made by Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie–Bathurst, and His Worship Georges R. Savoie, Chair of the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission and Mayor of Neguac. The Grand Falls investment was announced by Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska–Restigouche, and His Worship Bertrand Beaulieu, Mayor of Grand Falls Regional Municipality.
The proposed Acadian Peninsula project includes the construction of a new bridge nearly 500m long that will restore an essential link in the Acadian Peninsula cycling route and reconnect the northern and southern parts of the peninsula. The loss of the bridge in the September 2017 fire created a gap in the regional trail network. Rebuilding it will restore a link that connected these communities for many years.
Once completed, the new bridge will be reserved for active transportation, particularly cyclists and pedestrians, during the summer season. It will allow these users, who currently have to use a road bridge to cross the Pokemouche River, to use a safer crossing while restoring continuity to the existing trail. During the winter season, the bridge will also be used by other trail users.
Beyond restoring an important connection for the various trail users, this project has significant potential to support tourism and economic development throughout the Acadian Peninsula. A more complete and attractive route will help draw more visitors, encourage them to stay longer in the region, and generate economic benefits for local businesses, restaurants, accommodations and tourist attractions in these communities.
“Since the 2017 fire, we have lost much more than a bridge: we lost an important link that connected our communities. Today, with a commitment of up to $11m from the Government of Canada, we are taking a major step toward restoring that connection. Our federal commitment is firm. Our goal is to bring back a bridge that can benefit all users. This is a project that brings people together, will benefit those who live here, attract more visitors, and contribute to the tourism and economic development of the Acadian Peninsula, the riding of Acadie–Bathurst, and all of northern New Brunswick,” Cormier said.
In Grand Falls, funding will support the development of a nearly 35-kilometre paved multi-use trail along a former railway corridor, connecting Grand Falls with the neighbouring municipalities of the Village of Southern Victoria and Vallée-des-Rivières. The project will be completed in two phases and includes the construction of new trail sections, the installation of signage, LED lighting in select areas, landscaping, and rest areas with benches.
The new active transportation route will provide a safe, dedicated corridor for cyclists and pedestrians, improving connectivity between communities while encouraging sustainable transportation, active lifestyles, and cycling tourism.
“This major investment is, above all, an investment in the future of our community. It will allow us to create a safe and accessible cycling network where families, youth, seniors, and visitors can stay active, come together, and experience the beauty of our region. More than just a cycling trail, this project will leave a legacy by enhancing our quality of life and further establishing Grand Falls as a premier destination for outdoor recreation,” Beaulieu said.
