Representatives from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Province of New Brunswick joined today with officials from Grand Bay-Westfield and the Lower River Passage network to officially open the Brundage Point River Centre. Designed as a year-round visitor information and interpretive facility, the centre will connect with other multi-use facilities and trails and promote sustainable tourism activities along the St. John River Valley.

“Canada’s New Government is working with its partners to get things done for the people of New Brunswick,” said the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Regional Minister for New Brunswick, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA. “This ACOA investment of more than $1 million will widen the scope of tourism opportunities for this community and all along the Lower St. John River Valley.”

“As a proud partner, the Province of New Brunswick welcomes the opening of the Brundage Point River Centre project,” said Hon. Jack Keir, Minister of Energy. “Our government's investment in this community project will help us work toward our goal of self-sufficiency.”

“Our community is very excited by the development of this wonderful facility we have watched it grow and transform our waterfront and we are grateful for all the assistance we received to make this project possible,” said Grace Losier, Mayor of the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield.

The Brundage Point River Centre project involves a new visitor centre, interpretive displays, wharf renovations, parking and signage. The facility will serve as a starting and ending point for boat tours and sustainable tourism and community activities. The facility is one of five trailheads of the Lower River Passage, formerly known as the River Trails Network. The network is a strategic inter- community and intra-community partnership designed to meet growing visitor needs for river-related sustainable tourism infrastructure, services and products in the Lower St. John River Valley.

ACOA, through its Innovative Communities Fund invested more than $1.17 million in the project; while the Province of New Brunswick, through the Regional Development Corporation, is providing $190,000 towards the project.

Sharon Stanford-Rutter	 
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA NB
(506) 451-2677	

Bruce MacFarlane
Corporate Secretary
Regional Development Corporation
506-44-4606

Grace Losier
Mayor
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield
506-738-6420

Molly Demma
Executive Director
St. John River Society
506-450-8709