News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is launching a consultation process to seek public input on the creation of a provincial park within the Restigouche River watershed.

“This river system is one of the most valuable natural landscapes in the province,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Robert Gauvin. “The creation of the Restigouche Wilderness Waterway Provincial Park would promote and enhance exceptional eco-tourism and recreation opportunities on the river, while ensuring the protection of the Atlantic salmon and its habitat and contributing to the conservation of our natural heritage.”

The consultation process will provide an opportunity for the public to obtain more information on what is being proposed and to discuss the project through open houses and an online survey.

“Steps are being taken by our government to more than double the amount of conserved land and freshwater in New Brunswick to 10 per cent,” said Natural Resources and Energy Development Minister Mike Holland. “Through various engagement methods with rightsholders and stakeholders from all parts of the province, we are confident the target can be achieved.”

Open houses will be held from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14 to gather feedback and comments from the public and stakeholder groups.

“I look forward to hearing input and comments from New Brunswickers on what the Restigouche Wilderness Waterway park project could look like,” said Gauvin.

The schedule of public open houses is as follows:

• Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.at Auberge Évasion de Rêves,11 Canada St., Saint-Quentin.

• Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Robinsonville Community Fire Hall.

• Thursday, Nov. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sugarloaf Provincial Park, Atholville.

New Brunswickers are also invited to submit comments at one of the open houses or in writing to [email protected] or to the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, PO Box 6000, Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5H1, on or before Friday, Dec. 6.