What happened?
In September 2022, Hurricane Fiona hit southeastern New Brunswick with full force. During its destructive and ferocious passage, Aboiteau Beach and its infrastructure suffered significant damage. Most of the damage was related to the walkways and ramps to the beach.
Impacts on the different services
- The Restaurant À la dune suffered damages inside the dining room during the hurricane. However, we expect the repair work to be completed before it opens in May 2023. In the unlikely event that the repairs are not completed in time for its opening, the restaurant will still be able to operate on a take-out basis, without a dining room.
- The CAVOK Microbrewery did not suffer any damage and will open on time as planned.
- The showers and bathrooms were not damaged and will open to the public as scheduled on Friday, June 2, 2023.
Our response to the situation
The Regional Town of Cap-Acadie is currently working with its insurance company and the Province of New Brunswick’s Environment Department to find sustainable solutions that will be more responsive to climate change.
While waiting for the reconstruction of the walkways, we will review the entrance operation to the Aboiteau Park site.
For the 2023 summer season:
- A portion of the Park's driveway, between the admission kiosk and parking lot B, will become a one-way street with the assistance of traffic lights. This will be done to create a safe pedestrian zone for people who park in parking lot A and must walk towards the beach.
While we understand that this is not an ideal solution, it is one of the only options available due to our proximity to Provincially Significant Wetlands.
What is a Provincially Significant Wetland?
Wetlands are considered one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world because they support a wide variety of plant and animal species. They also help reduce soil erosion, retain sediment, absorb nutrients, store water to reduce the impact of floods and droughts, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Province of New Brunswick classifies different wetlands according to their level of importance for protection. Those found at the Aboiteau Park are classified as "Provincially Significant Wetlands" which is the most intensive and restrictive level of protection in the province.
Why might the process take longer than a simple reconstruction?
Because Aboiteau Park is surrounded by Provincially Significant Wetlands, the regulations surrounding the reconstruction of the footbridges are very complex and restrictive, which could slow down the reconstruction process.
According to the new requirements established by the province, it would be forbidden for us to rebuild our footbridges as they were originally built. If they are rebuilt, they will have to be at least one (1) meter higher than the wetland. Due to these same restrictions, it is also strictly forbidden to add a sidewalk or a shoulder on Allée du Parc.
We thank you for your cooperation as we deal with this complex situation and hope to be able to build back better than ever.
Questions ?
Justin LeBlanc
Manager of Recreational Facilities
Regional Town of Cap-Acadie
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