Discussions surrounding the future of the Petiticodiac River were held this week.
Riverkeeper Ronald Babin says around 200 people gathered to help create a vision for the waterway, “We have seen how just opening the gates has felt. You can imagine now with the bridge coming up in 2021, that will be very helpful and the health of the river will increase. With the investments made in Trans Aqua, the dirty water s will be much, much cleaner.”
Babin says the process is just beginning, but if we can all work together an improved waterway will mean opportunities for Southeast New Brunswick..
“We have a great tidal bore, we have the Rocks, and great parks. We have great beaches and trail systems that are attractive. The idea is that how do we develop these opportunities?” Babin says.
“The surfers have attracted attention, and have proven that there is a recreational potential on the river,” Babin says.
He adds there are also challenges with regards to climate change and rising water levels, so they have to take that into consideration as well.
“The idea is to get people to be in sync towards these issues. The best way to maximize opportunities and the way to maximize preparedness is to work together and have a common vision,” Babin says.
He adds there are many possibilities, and with the restoration process now underway, it is important to push along the process of sharing ideas and visions.
