Federal investments to boost tourism in rural New Brunswick

News release

October 25, 2024 · Salisbury, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Tourism plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada, driving local economies, creating jobs and strengthening communities. Tourism also helps preserve, promote and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural heritage - building awareness and understanding of the many people who call this place home. The Government of Canada is investing to help four organizations and two municipalities in rural New Brunswick seize opportunities to boost tourism and ensure the industry is well positioned for long-term, sustainable growth.

Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, was in Salisbury to announce a total investment of $782,907 for six projects to support the advancement of tourism in the region.

The funding will support the Town of Salisbury, Fundy – St. Martins, the Maritime Motorsport Hall of Fame, Firefly Forest Ltd., Poley Mountain Resorts Ltd., and Stoke Resort with projects to help expand and upgrade tourism infrastructure.

For more information on the projects, please see the backgrounder.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector and grow the region’s potential as a world-class destination of choice.

Quotes

“With its stunning natural attractions and authentic tourism experiences, rural New Brunswick offers unique opportunities for you to explore all year long. Today’s investment will help tourism operators in the region around Salisbury reach their full potential and bring in even more visitors to this great part of the province.”

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“From naturalists and birders visiting our community to residents getting outdoors, this trail investment will be a 365-day amenity for residents and visitors alike. The Town of Salisbury is thrilled to be completing this trail extension and appreciates the essential support of funders such as ACOA to make the project come to fruition.”

Robert Campbell, Mayor, Town of Salisbury

Quick facts

  • Over 7,500 businesses are part of the tourism sector in Atlantic Canada, working in food and beverage, accommodations, recreation, transportation, and travel services.  Together, these companies employ over 111,000 full and part-time workers. 

  • Tourism is a major employer for Atlantic Canadians living outside major cities, representing 9.5% of all local jobs in rural communities. 

  • The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, the Tourism Growth Program and the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
ann.kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Austin Henderson
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Salisbury
Austinhenderson@salisburynb.ca

Jim Bedford
Mayor of Fundy – St. Martins
JamesBedford@FundyStMartins.ca

James Hare
General Manager
Poley Mountain Resorts Ltd.
Jamie@poleymountain.com

Marcel Leblanc
Vice President
Stoke Resorts (Ten Thirty-Four Holdings & Investments Ltd.)
Marcel.leblanc.cfp@gmail.com

Angela Nicholson
President
Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame
maritimemotorsports@gmail.com

Bruce Fowler
Secretary
Firefly Forest Ltd.
fireflyforestrecreation@hotmail.com

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