People from all walks of life recently gathered here as part of a walk and cycle event on the Confederation Trail to officially open the new Mount Stewart causeway.
The Mount Stewart causeway crosses the Hillsborough River, a designated Canadian Heritage River, through the village of Mount Stewart. The old structure, dating back to CNR days, had experienced many strains in recent years from aging as it neared the end of its life cycle. In 2000, community residents and local groups, led by the Hillsborough River Association, approached the Province to examine the possible impacts the aging structure could have on the community.
Following an extensive community consultation process and an independent study to review existing water quality and determine possible options and impacts, it was determined that a replacement structure be built utilizing the existing tidal exchange in order to address environmental and community concerns. The study also identified water quality issues upstream as not being adversely effected by the project.
"This community driven solution will preserve economic benefits through increased tourism and an enhanced local shellfish industry. It will also have environmental benefits through improved water quality as well as improved safety along the Confederation Trail," said Tracadie-Fort Augustus MLA Mildred Dover, who officially opened the new causeway on behalf of Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea.
"Our organization has been working to strengthen the Hillsborough River for many years and, through projects like this, there will be a lasting positive impact on its future which will benefit everyone who lives along the river," said Don MacNeill, on behalf of the Hillsborough River Association.
The new causeway is part of the Confederation Trail and provides a scenic viewing point along the Hillsborough River. "This restoration of the causeway will improve safety for people using the trail and will hopefully encourage even more Islanders to discover some of the hidden treasures along it," said Island Trails President Ruth Sturz.
The Mount Stewart causeway restoration project was constructed by Maritime Dredging with the Department of Transportation and Public Works providing engineering and environmental services. The cost of the project was approximately $400,000.