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Our Vision
Since the Spring of 1999, our organisation
has been working to build a vision for this river system that
will make this region proud. This vision is about recognising
that our river needs our attention, accepting that mistakes have
been made in the past, identifying concrete options and solutions
to overcome these issues, fostering economic and social development
opportunities, building consensus and moving forward.
Our vision is also about recognising
the principle that we all share the responsibility of solving
the Petitcodiac River's problems, and that previous decisions
and measures taken by our political forefathers only delayed the
day that a decision would be taken to restore this river system.
The responsibility falls on our generation, and not the one that
will follow us, to correct the mistakes done on the Petitcodiac
River.
Full Tidal Flow
As detailed in our "Discussion
Paper" released in March 2000, the Petitcodiac Riverkeeper
favours restoring full tidal flow to this river by replacing a
portion of the causeway with a bridge span. We consider this as
a reasonable, cost-effective and environmentally sound, long-term
solution for the good of this entire river system and for the
good of all residents of this watershed.
Tidal Bore Restoration
The Petitcodiac Riverkeeper believes
that tremendous community pride, economic development opportunities
and international goodwill can be generated with the restoration
of the Petitcodiac River Tidal Bore phenomenon. We are committed
to working with local businesses, the communities and government
to promote the development and the restoration of this unique
natural phenomenon certain to become another jewel in New Brunswick's
already outstanding offer of tourism and recreational experiences
in the Bay of Fundy region.
Estuary Restoration
Restoring full tidal flow to the Petitcodiac
River will set in motion one of Canada's largest estuary restoration
projects to date: opening up 21 km of a 54 km long tidal river,
and restoring normal river system functions to approximately 50%
of its 3000 km2 watershed area. These measures would go a long
way to restoring ecological integrity to this watershed, generating
international goodwill and we believe as well, tremendous community
pride.
Fisheries Recovery
The Petitcodiac Riverkeeper is
committed to working with commercial and recreational fisheries
representatives, communities and government in the efforts to
protect and restore fishing activities in the Petitcodiac River
system and Shepody Bay estuary. Sound measures can be developed
not only to protect existing fishery interests, but also to foster
a strong and durable recreational and commercial fisheries' industry
for this region. |
