The City of Fredericton has launched a new initiative that will encourage more residents and visitors to paddle through the region’s waterways.
Starting this summer, the River Access Initiative will see the development of up to 12 new or improved non-motorized watercraft launch sites along the Wolastoq (St. John River), the Nashwaak River and the Nashwaaksis Stream. These sites include the Marysville Heritage Centre, City View Avenue, Mitch Clark and the old Penniac Bridge. Additional sites will be established next year.
“The Fredericton Capital region boasts some of the most awe-inspiring paddling rivers and streams in all of Atlantic Canada,” said Councillor Eric Megarity, Chair of the City’s Livable Community Committee. “We’re thrilled to be leading a pioneering, stewardship model to safeguard and celebrate our magnificent rivers. The City’s new initiative will grant free and easy access to these spectacular waterways, that for years were difficult for many folks to access. Adventure awaits this summer!"
The City’s River Access Initiative is part of a larger, multi-year project from Fredericton Capital Region Tourism to establish the area as a paddling destination. They’re creating a capital region paddling network with established routes and launch sites called Blue Trails, which connect a growing market of paddlers to tourism operators, accommodations and restaurants through marketing programs and a new paddling focused website.
“We see a huge potential to attract visitors to Fredericton and the Capital Region for paddling vacations. The City’s River Access Initiative is the first critical step in establishing the region as one of Eastern Canada’s top recreational paddling destinations,” said David Seabrook, Director of Recreation, Tourism & Culture at the City of Fredericton.
To ensure waterways are preserved and maintained, the City has hired river keepers to monitor launch sites and waterways, while looking for garbage, graffiti and signs of invasive species, like Zebra mussels. This summer, the City is also launching a pilot project to store canoes, kayaks and paddleboards for a low-cost at the Fredericton River Centre, formerly known as the Small Craft Aquatic Centre.
The River Access Initiative will also establish new public docks and wheelchair accessible docks. Through funding from the Fredericton Rotary Club, the accessible docks will be installed at Morell Park and Killarney Lake this summer. Additional accessible docks will be installed at the Fredericton River Centre.
Work will begin on the River Access Initiative this summer and is expected to be completed by 2027.