News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is investing $525,000 in Mount Carleton Provincial Park as part of an increased focus on the tourism sector.

The investment will go toward construction of a discovery centre, which will feature interpretive and educational components and serve as a gathering place for social and entertainment events. In addition, with the park’s designation as a Dark-Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, the centre will also be a permanent site for the park’s telescope.

“As identified in the New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan, tourism is a major component of the government’s economic vision,” said Carleton-Victoria MLA Andrew Harvey. “Mount Carleton plays an important role in attracting visitors to our province.”

Harvey attended for Economic Development Minister Francine Landry.

As part of the government’s commitment to growing the tourism sector, investments in capital maintenance for provincial parks and attractions are doubling to $2 million for the 2017-18 fiscal year compared to the $1 million made available in 2016-17. The discovery centre will be built near the Armstrong Brook Campground, where most park visitors stay overnight.

“We will continue to promote New Brunswick as a world-class travel destination because we recognize how important tourism is to our economy and our communities,” said Restigouche West MLA Gilles LePage.

LePage attended for Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames.

Located in the northern reach of the Appalachian mountain range, Mount Carleton is the highest peak in the Maritimes. The park covers over 17,000 hectares of wilderness, making it the largest park in New Brunswick. It is a popular attraction for people who enjoy hiking, camping and fishing.

The tourism sector employs more than 42,000 New Brunswickers and plays an important role in the economy. Provincial parks are a major draw for visitors and produce a return of nearly $4 in visitor spending for every dollar spent by the government.