JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2024
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OUR PEOPLE, OUR COMMUNITIES, OUR STORIES
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Q&A: Annick Butland
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Home cooking never goes out of style
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Winter is not going anywhere
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A living museum with the power to Inspire “W
e have a responsibility to preserve these buildings, and our artefacts. They are a vital part of our heritage, and we are their stewards.” When Janet Clouston, Managing Director of the Albert County Museum and R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre, and Dawne McLean, President of the Albert County Historical Society, talk about the built heritage and firsthand experience of history on display at
in the world today (and two of which are in Canada). The 10.5 cm Kanone 14 gun was won by the people of Albert County in a Victory Loans competition in 1919. The county more than tripled its fundraising goal of $110,000, raising $347,000, to win the gun as a “war trophy.” Today, the K14 is positioned at the entrance to the museum grounds, along with a 7.7 cm Feldkanone war trophy, also awarded to Albert County.
You cannot feel prouder than to know that a young person has been inspired by what we are doing.” the museum, their passion is unmistakeable. “We are extraordinarily proud of the work we are doing, to preserve the buildings and the history, but also of welcoming people here. We want everyone who comes here, whether for the history but including too those who may come for a concert or a wedding, to feel very involved and very included,” says Clouston. The museum and society are governed by a dedicated volunteer board of directors. The museum consists of six historic buildings, a seventh built in the 1980s to store and display artefacts, and two captured World War One German field guns, one gun being extremely rare, with only seven of its type existing
The heritage buildings are: the Silver Jubilee Library, dating from 1935 and funded by a donation from Prime Minister R.B. Bennett, himself a native of Hopewell Cape; the 1845 tax office; the county records office, dating from Hopewell Cape’s days as the shire town of what was then the new municipality of Albert County, also dating from 1845; a community hall that dates from circa 1870; the 1845 “gaol” (reflecting the Victorian-era spelling of jail); and the 1904 courthouse that replaced the original 1845 courthouse, which burned down in 1903. When the museum opened in 1962 it had 200 artefacts. That collection has grown to more than ten thousand today, notes Clouston. An average Continued on page 3
The 1904 courthouse, designed by Watson Elkinah Reid, is a centrepiece of the Albert County Museum and R.B. Bennett Centre.
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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2024
THE RIVER VIEW
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
PUBLISHER: Eric Lawson
DESIGNER:
Rachel Sheldrake
Published the first Thursday of every second month by A View of the Tides Communications Distributed free in public buildings, retirement residences, convenience stores, and retail and service waiting rooms from Alma to Salisbury.
Welcome WINTER IS HERE W
inter is not going anywhere; we may as well enjoy the season.
In this issue we look at the many ways to make the most of this time of year and continue to enjoy our great outdoors. We also explore the Albert County Museum and R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre in Hopewell Cape, discover the 250th anniversary of permanent settlement in Salisbury, hear from both the Albert County and the Greater Moncton Chambers of Commerce about their visions for the future, hear from the founder about the history of Riverview landmark the Homestead Restaurant, and savour another maple recipe from Evelyn’s Kitchen. We welcome story ideas and readers’ photographs, which we will publish as we are able. Your feedback on our stories is also welcome. You can reach me at viewofthetides@gmail.com or at 506 863 7324.
For advertising information, please contact Eric Lawson at 506 863 7324 or via viewofthetides@gmail.com
OUR PEOPLE
And you can now read The River View online at Issuu The River View. Enjoy! Thank you.
Eric Lawson Publisher
OUR STORIES 2024 PUBLISHING DATES MARCH 7, 2024
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
MAY 2, 2024
NOVEMBER 7, 2024
JULY 4, 2024
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Continued from page 1
museum will have ten percent of its collection on display; the Albert County Museum has almost half of its collection on its floors. If the museum has a “jewel in the crown” it is the 1904 courthouse which, along with the majestic oak shading its portico, overlooks the entire site. The original courthouse was the centre of the community from its inception, hosting meetings of the Albert County Council and several celebrated trials, including that of Tom Collins, the only person ever hanged in Albert County. The 1904 courthouse was designed by Watson Elkinah Reid of the Reid architectural dynasty that began in Harvey. Watson’s elder brothers left the family homestead to study in the United States and Europe before founding the Reid and Reid architectural and engineering firm in Evansville, Indiana. From there they would create some of the most iconic buildings of the American Midwest and west, including the fabled Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. Watson collaborated with his brothers at the Hotel del Coronado but returned home to marry. Says McLean, “he came back from San Diego to marry his childhood sweetheart.
The Gaol (a Victorian spelling of Jail) dates from 1845.
They left the next morning to go back to San Diego, but San Deigo was not for her, so back they came to Albert County.” Watson would move to Vancouver after his wife’s death but not before creating some of Albert County’s most distinctive buildings, including Riverside Consolidated School, St. Alban’s Anglican Church, and Victoria Manor, the retirement home of Watson’s brother-in-law and employer, Senator (and
former Lt. Governor of New Brunswick) Abner McClelan. The new courthouse remained the seat of government until Albert County ceased to exist as a separate municipality in 1966. McLean herself attended the last sitting of the county council there as a student with her school class. Watson Reid created the open design of the 1904 Continued on page 4
Taste the Flavours of Parkland Meet Dianne Kendall, Parkland Riverview Red Seal Certified Head Chef who leads the culinary team by designing seasonally inspired meals. Each week, Parkland’s culinary team creates inspired meals using local products whenever possible. Residents can sit where they like and dine with confidence knowing our team delivers choice, selection, flavour and service with pride.
Book a tour today! Contact Alison at 506-387-7770 experienceparkland.com/riverview | 822 Coverdale Rd, Riverview
The Courthouse interior, showing the open design that allowed for trials to be seen and heard clearly by all.
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THE RIVER VIEW
Continued from page 3
courthouse’s interior to ensure visibility, and hence accountability, during trials. “Watson intended that everyone should be able to see the witness, the jury, and the prisoner,” notes McLean. “The acoustics are incredible,” adds Clouston. “As Dawne says, even if a witness was shy and whispering, you could still hear them pretty much everywhere inside.” Reid brought his experience in San Diego to his design of the courthouse as well; it stands as one of the most outstanding pieces of architecture in the region, one that remains vibrant today as an event venue, including concerts, theatrical performances, and weddings. The society and museum are in the midst of a $150,000 fundraising project, the Courthouse Conservation Campaign, to pay for needed repairs to the structure. The museum also serves as the R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre. Bennett, prime minister from 1930 to 1935, at the peak of the Depression, is Albert County’s most famous native son. The society and museum’s pride in being the keepers of Bennett’s legacy shines through. “He held Canada together. He applied that Maritime stick-to-it-iveness to this great crisis of the Depression and in no uncertain terms he saved
Canada,” says Clouston. “ Bennett’s legislative legacy includes the establishment of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the Bank of Canada. “He changed Canada for the better.” Clouston and McLean embrace the concept of the living museum. Says Clouston, “there are some pieces that are behind glass, but there are many pieces you can pick up and feel. The field guns at the entrance, you can touch those. You can put your hands on history.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary named “authentic” as its word of the year for 2023, noting that the search for authenticity is becoming ever more fraught and urgent with the rise of deep fakes and misinformation. Merriam-Webster’s editors could have included a visit to the Albert County Museum as part of their research; the museum stands as a byword for authenticity. Says McLean, “I was reading a study out of British Columbia that nine out of ten Canadians believe that museums are important, and they trust museums.” As trust has eroded in traditional sources of information, Canadians “have faith and belief and trust in the museums. I thought that was pretty powerful, that what they can experience at museums they
Albert County Museum and R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre Managing Director Janet Clouston and Albert County Historical Society President Dawne McLean display a letter received from Queen Elizabeth II for the Platinum Jubilee Celebration held on June 4th, 2022, at the Court House.
consider to be true, to be authentic.” A retired educator, McLean shares with Clouston a belief in the power of museums to inspire young generations to understand their history. They share a story about one young visitor who attended a play, held at the museum’s Community Centre building, which portrayed the friendship between Bennett and Max Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook. The play had been carefully researched and presented by a professional heritage theatre troupe, Character Matters.
The young man authored an article for the Albert County Historical Society and Museum’s September newsletter which read, in part, “the stories (the play told), taken directly from the lives of the figures that they were portraying, had me listening in complete and awed silence. In conclusion, this show gave another great reason to visit the best place in Albert County, that being the fabulous Albert County Museum.” Says Clouston, “you cannot feel prouder than to know that a young person has been inspired by what we are doing.”
“A Glimpse of Past Days” was published in 2022 by the Albert County Historical Society with support of the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors program. It can be purchased at the museum gift shop and online.
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THE RIVER VIEW
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RECIPES Prep time: 15 minutes.
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Cook time: 20-25 minutes.
Instructions: 1.
Total time: 35-40 min 2.
In a large bowl whisk the oil and maple syrup together, Add the eggs and beat well. Mix in the pumpkin puree and milk followed by the baking soda, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
3.
Add the flour and most of the oats (save a tablespoon of the oats out to sprinkle
Ingredients:
EVELYN’S
KITCHEN This month’s recipe is for
Maple Pumpkin Muffins
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
(makes 12 muffins)
These healthy, easy one bowl muffins are made with whole wheat flour, oats, spices and sweetened with pure maple syrup.
1/3 cup cooking oil (coconut, extra virgin olive, or canola oil) 1/2 cup pure maple syrup 2 eggs 1 cup pumpkin puree 1/4 cup milk of choice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 and 3/4 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup oats (1/3 cup to mix in to the muffin batter. Keep the remaining oats (approximately 1 tablespoon) to sprinkle on top)
Use muffin liners or a non-stick muffin tin or use a little melted butter or oil to lightly coat the muffin cups.
on the top of the muffins once the batter is in the tin). 4.
Divide the muffin batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups. Sprinkle the remaining oats on the tops. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes at 350 degrees F (until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean).
5.
Place the muffin tin on a cooling rack. Once the muffins have cooled remove from the tin. Enjoy
For more great tasting recipes visit www.briggsmaples.com
Optional ingredients: •
1/2 cup slivered almonds, walnut pieces or pumpkin seeds
Even in winter, hope springs eternal ... the bicycle and the wagon will have their moment again in spring. Photo courtesy of Linda G. Manship.
Alma Harbour pictured from Fundy National Park.
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ANNICK BUTLAND Annick Butland is the owner of AB Connect Travel and president of the Albert County Chamber of Commerce. She spoke with The River View about challenges and opportunities in the region.
The River View: Where do you see the opportunities? Annick Butland: The big opportunity is growth. Albert County is rich in small and medium-sized businesses that we want to promote and support. We have had growth in membership and outreach, and we want to support our members. Albert County is known for its tourism industry. Where do you see the opportunities to grow in that area, where there is already a solid base? Winter tourism is absolutely a big opportunity for us, although it needs to be approached carefully. Travelling in the winter is not always easy, so we want to ensure that people can visit safely and that things will be open. There are also issues of liability and insurance. But the opportunity is there if we work together. That trend is national, especially with parks, where the message is to say, “get off the beaten path,” get out of the cities, go explore the smaller communities, which is fantastic for us because that is exactly what we represent. It means you do not have to come just in June and July, now you can visit in the winter, visit in the fall. The attitude toward Canada and New Brunswick as destinations is changing. In what ways? That we are accessible. It used to be that people thought, “the Maritimes are buried under snow, see you in May!” Now we are seeing so many people travelling successfully in winter, and having a great time, so that is changing – we are now seen as accessible and open. It is important for businesses to be open and answer the phone and email in the winter, so that we are seen as being open all year round.
Albert County does not have a large institutional or industrial employer that employs hundred or thousands of people – the economy is dominated by small, often familyowned businesses. How does that affect tourism, but also the economy generally? Tourists, and local residents alike, want to travel and to live responsibly. They want to support the smaller local businesses, they want to meet the people, they want to go home with a locally made item. This used to be a niche market, people who wanted ecotourism, who wanted to have a small footprint. This has shifted to becoming mainstream, almost mandatory. This provides an opportunity for the small mom-and-pop shops to rise to that desire, to offer excellent local products and a firsthand experience. Is this area attracting immigrant entrepreneurs? If so, what brings them here? For many there is an attraction to move to a smaller, more rural area because they want the quality of life, more affordable housing on more land, to have that local experience, to belong to a community. Okay, we have talked about the many opportunities. What do you see as the challenges? We have had a crisis in the labour shortage. Speaking to our members, this has been a huge hindrance to their businesses. In tourism for example, they are taking fewer bookings because they are doing work they could not find staff to do, they are working behind the scenes just to get the day-today work done. We have worked hard to find partners who can provide resources to members, including on the human resources front. There is also connectivity. Sometimes internet and cell service are not what it could be. For business today that is a mandatory check box and if it is not there businesses will
not look at small communities. Public transportation is another challenge. And business owners have families who will also be looking for work. It is a complex wheel. Housing, including for seasonal businesses, is a factor too. There are sectors regionally, like the hotel industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, which are building their own temporary housing for workers. That is reflected locally too – for example, the number of Airbnbs in Alma has doubled in the past year. As soon as there is lodging available, there is such a huge need that everything is snapped up quickly. So, opportunity and challenge – providing accommodation is a growing sector.
Annick Butland of the Albert County Chamber of Commerce
What other sectors have opportunity? I think food. People will go a long way to a small restaurant with a compelling reputation. We have had some nice businesses develop around giftware and shopping for local products as well. There are a lot of foodies – it is a big market! There is also demand for local crafts, another growing sector. What other things are you and the board focused on for the next three to five years? Training and professional development are becoming increasingly important. We have formed partnerships to help with training, to help with web design as well. But training and professional development has frankly not been a strength, so we want to prioritize that area. As we are with human resources, we are working with collaborative opportunities, with Hampton, Sussex and others, including with the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce where our members have access to training offered by them. We want to collaborate with members to ensure that what we offer matches their needs.
Along the Dobson Trail in winter. Photo courtesy of Mary Brachaniec. Photo courtesy of Mary Brachaniec.
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THE RIVER VIEW
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Home cooking never goes out of style I
n 1991 John Godfrey and his parents, Jim and Jane, were looking for a business opportunity in Riverview. “I was in the ad agency business in Halifax … and that business was changing. We started looking for a little mom and pop business that we could run. I was living in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, at the time and one Sunday morning my father called me,” recalls Godfrey. “There was little restaurant in Riverview called The Sandwich Hut.” The owner wished to retire and, says Godfrey, “I just knew that that was what we were looking for.”
greeted people at the door. We didn’t have any preconceived notions, we just started preparing food that we liked and charging accordingly.” The original building was next door to the current Homestead location in the centre of Riverview. They moved into the current building thirty-one years ago. Jim and Jane were long-time Riverview residents by the time the business opened, with deep community connections. Godfrey credits his parents’ deep roots in Riverview with helping to get the fledgling restaurant off on the right foot. “A lot of credit in the early
We had a little bit of good luck in that we hit a seam in the market; the timing was with us.” Part of Godfrey’s Halifax advertising agency work focused on restaurant research and marketing. “There was a very definite trend towards ‘meat and potatoes,’ and back to basics, and fresh vegetables … that clicked with me. I told my dad ‘I’ll see you in a couple of hours’ and I got in the car and drove to Moncton that afternoon.” They met with the Sandwich Hut owner that evening, then with a lawyer Monday morning to draft an offer and presented the offer to the owner on Thursday. “She accepted. By Thursday we owned it.” That left the Godfreys as the proverbial dog that caught the car; “now what do we do? So, we just started.” The new business became the Riverview landmark known today as the Homestead Restaurant. Family members soon developed their specialties within the business. “My mom developed what we call the line items, the soups and hot items, and I started as the grill cook.” After thirty-three years, Godfrey still spends part of his time working in the kitchen. That commitment to being a true family business has driven the Godfrey family ever since. John’s wife Linda is today also an integral part of the business. And, notes Godfrey, “my dad
days goes to my dad and the job that he did at the front door. We started like the name says, like we were welcoming people to our home more than to a place of business. We had the owner at the door. There was a family member in charge of every department in this building.” Commitment to that ethic of consistency and what Godfrey calls genuineness has carried the family-owned business through another trend that may have worked against the Homestead but has not - the movement toward consolidation and corporate ownership. “We weren’t absentee and to this day aren’t absentee owners. “And, we had a little bit of good luck in that we hit a seam in the market; the timing was with us.” Godfrey says with pride that he and his family and staff have succeeded partly by bucking changing food styles rather than following them. “We have gone 180 degrees in the opposite direction. And it has worked for us. It was genuine. It wasn’t a cookie cutter. Instead, it was your great-grandmother’s kitchen.” Godfrey points to another development that has helped the Homestead, one that may not seem obvious but that has had a huge, and beneficial, impact on the business.
“Among the most fundamental changes in our time were the infrastructure changes that have happened in Greater Moncton. Riverview became more a part of mainstream Greater Moncton, and it became just as easy to come from the north end of Moncton to Riverview as it is to go across town. “The new bridge was certainly a factor for us. We noticed a fundamental change in our customer base when that happened. We saw many more people from Dieppe and the upper Mountain Road area of Moncton, as it became so much easier to come to Riverview.” No business can survive without responding to change, however much it is committed to providing customers with a familiar experience, and the Homestead is no exception. Godfrey acknowledges that adjusting to the growth in takeout was initially a challenge for the Homestead. “Frankly, we wanted ‘off the grill, on a plate, on your table now” as the dining experience. “We didn’t want your food packaged in a container … but we have had to adapt and change with the times. Take-out has become an important part of our business and is still growing.” The greatest challenge? “We are on a constant fifteen to twenty minute deadline (from an order being placed to a diner being served). And there are
a thousand different things that can affect those fifteen to twenty minutes. That’s a demanding way to run a business.” Godfrey believes that the next generation will continue to
come to traditional restaurants like the Homestead, particularly on the east coast. “We are here in Atlantic Canada, one of the last bastions of small-town and rural
life in the nation … I wouldn’t say we are behind the times, but I do think we enjoy our lifestyle and don’t want to change it. There is a future for comfort food.”
Linda and John Godfrey take pride in the family’s ownership and continuing involvement in the Homestead.
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THE RIVER VIEW
JOHN WISHART
John Wishart is Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce, of which many Riverview and area businesses are members. As he prepares to retire in 2024, John shared his thoughts on Riverview’s business opportunities.
The River View: One of the topics that seems to come up a lot with Riverview is its transition from a bedroom community to having more of its own business base. How does the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce deal with that? John Wishart: Riverview’s motto is “A Great Place to Grow.” I think for a lot of people that was understood in a residential way, not in a commercial way. But the town is changing significantly in population growth, in immigration, there has been discussion of setting up a French language school in Riverview. The current administration is keen to push more business development to offset residential tax rates. The town now has two commercial hubs, the traditional one on Coverdale Road and now as well at the top of Findlay Boulevard. The opportunity is there for people to invest. Another subject that comes up is that infrastructure changes, particularly the new Gunningsville Bridge and what used to be the causeway and is now a bridge, has brought a lot more traffic to Riverview – it is easier to get here now from Moncton and Dieppe. How do you see that playing out? The fact that there are now two modern bridges over the Petitcodiac is a net benefit to Riverview. In one way, if you live in Riverview, it is now perhaps easier to get to work in Moncton. But it is also easier now to discover Riverview. Riverview has done an excellent job with its riverfront, and the causeway improvements have improved the river’s flow, so that the river is a more attractive feature. I think both Riverview and Moncton, after years of turning their backs on the river, are now turning to face it. There is a lot of opportunity for Riverview along the riverfront, both residential and commercial. (A recent study) shows that the catchment area for Riverview businesses now includes a large swath of west end Moncton, and that is directly attributable to
those two bridges. Business development now reflects retail and service businesses, but not so much industry like manufacturing. Where do you see the future on that front? Riverview is hampered a bit by Moncton and Dieppe being closer to the highway and other transportation links, including air and rail. But Riverview can certainly develop light manufacturing. Riverview has a lot of land and may be able to offer competitive prices for that land. But Riverview will be selective in what it chases. There has been discussion over the years about whether Riverview should have its own industrial park, but I am not sure that is the top priority. Riverview has great opportunities in the retail and service sectors, in hospitality and fitness and outdoor activities, and local entrepreneurship. These are the opportunities for Riverview to say, “this is what we can do better than Moncton and Dieppe.”
Riverview’s case for more business By John Wishart
A
s the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton, one of my roles is to encourage growth in the Town of Riverview. Unfortunately, the town sometimes feels and is seen as the poorer cousin to Moncton and Dieppe when it comes to business development. It doesn’t have to be that way, and a new commercial market threshold report prepared for the town by David Campbell of Jupia Consultants gives Riverview a roadmap to stake its own claim as a business hotspot. Campbell presented his findings, based partially on a survey of 1,500 residents, at the recent Riverview Business
Forum, a top-notch event organized by the town. The research showed the top reasons Riverview residents choose to shop in Riverview were because a business is closer to home or to support local. Campbell took a deeper dive into the four areas of highest opportunity – clothing and shoes, restaurants, health services, and personal care. Clothing, shoes, and restaurants represent a more than $100 million business opportunity, according to the research. For instance, only four percent of respondents said they shopped for clothing or shoes in Riverview. Only 10 per cent of residents said they sought out an establish-
ment to enjoy a glass of wine, and higher-end and ethnic restaurant options were found wanting. Oh, and if you have always wanted to own an A&W franchise, Riverview is a golden opportunity. The long-time burger and root beer chain was by far the top mentioned restaurant locals wish was in town. What does all this mean? Riverview, like the rest of
John Wishart is Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton. The Chamber represents several businesses in Riverview and Albert County.
Greater Moncton, is growing and changing. The town is welcoming more newcomers, come-from-aways, and younger families. Our business mix must reflect that change. To flip a well-worn movie line on its head, in Riverview, they have come, so build it.
What things do your Riverview members bring to your attention? One thing is connection to the rest of Albert County, especially now with the completion of the Fundy Trail Parkway. Riverview is at one end of that experience. So, there are things that are important to businesses throughout that area, like better transportation, including Route 114, that is consistently cited as something that needs to be improved if the entire area is going to prosper as a tourism destination. And, in the more rural areas, better internet access is important. Where do you see the future for Riverview? I think Riverview’s family atmosphere and green spaces are trump cards. Some people want to live in a high rise, but a lot of people still want to live where there is a park five minutes away.
The view from the lookout over the reservoir in Mill Creek Nature Park in the winter sun and snow.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2024
THE RIVER VIEW
If cats ever take up board games, Ozzy’s vote will be for Scrabble.
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All those lights for Light Up Riverview don’t climb trees by themselves. Work crews prepare a tree for the big event, and then the magic happens. Photo courtesy of Mary Brachaniec.
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THE RIVER VIEW
Residents will guide
Salisbury’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations A
s Salisbury celebrates 250 years of permanent settlement in 2024, a key focus will be on ensuring that the community’s full story is told. The town’s Chief Administrative Officer Austin Henderson, along with Katy Doucette, Coordinator of Events and Strategic Projects, note that while some aspects of the year-long celebrations are still in development, public input is being sought throughout the planning process to ensure the celebration is inclusive. To give one example: a key-
Doucette. “We have put out a public nomination form for people to send in their ideas of who, or where, or what, in the town that it would be important for residents to learn about and honour on these banners. We are trying to get as much public input as we can.” That process will remain open until mid-January, to give residents ample time to contribute their ideas. Permanent settlement began in 1774 with arrival of settlers from Yorkshire in England, who came to accept land grants being offered by
My goal is not only to celebrate that history and heritage, but also to educate the residents on our history, whether that be within those 250 years or those elements that came before. stone project will be development of an historic walking tour. The tour will be guided by banners depicting important people and key developments in local history, based in part on the town’s banners celebrating local veterans that are on display in the weeks surrounding Remembrance Day each year. The town has reached out to the public for input on what to feature on those banners and has also sought public comment on what to include in all aspects of the 250th celebration. Doucette says that public input has already started to flow in. “We want to make sure that we don’t miss anybody,” says
the government of the day. Says Henderson, “some of those family names are still found in Salisbury today.” Henderson and Doucette acknowledge that detailed information about earlier Indigenous and Acadian settlers is more difficult to come by but want to ensure that pre1774 settlement history is also acknowledged. “We are also going to take the opportunity to celebrate the heritage that came before the 250 years. Many people do not know that there were Acadian settlements, and also Indigenous settlements, tied in particular to the way the (Petitcodiac) river runs through the community. Continued on page 11
The Welcome to Salisbury gate presided over the entrance to the town for many years.
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Continued from page 10
The tides were often used for portaging routes, and the flood plains were used by Acadian settlements for agriculture … which is still important here. “This gives us an opportunity to celebrate those as well,” along with surrounding areas that became part of the town following municipal reform in early 2023, says Henderson. “This is an opportunity to celebrate that we do have shared heritage, that we have shared families, that we share historical events.” Doucette notes that outreach efforts are being made to include a Powwow and to recognize Acadian Day on August 15th. Celebrations will be organized into monthly themes and attendant events, beginning with the silver fox fur industry in January and transportation in February. The calendar will be filled out with months devoted to organizations and businesses, agriculture, families, sports and education, the Petitcodiac River, early settlers, local government, churches and cemeteries, veterans, and what the town looks like today (and may look like in future). January’s event will be a school presentation on the history of the silver fox fur industry, entitled When Silver was Gold, given by local resident and one-time fox farmer herself Connie Colpitts. A school transportation expo is being considered for February, with different grades being assigned research into one method of transportation. Classes will develop models of their assigned type of transportation that, Doucette says, “will show off these diverse types of
CONNIE COLPITTS WILL PRESENT ON THE HISTORY OF SILVER FOX FARMING
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Each month of 2024 will explore a different aspect of Salisbury’s history.
transportation and create a history lesson at the same time. “Our goal is to have one central event in each of these months, each one tying back to that month’s overall theme. “My goal is not only to celebrate that history and heritage, but also to educate the residents on our history, whether that be within those 250 years or those elements that came before. For me, it is a year of celebration and education for the town.” Adds Henderson, “the real intent is to get people engaged in our shared history as a community.” Signature aspects of the celebrations include an update to a local history book, first published as part of New Brunswick’s Bicentennial in 1984 and updated in 2000 – although this time the update will take the form of a video, and performances highlighting local performers, artists, and artisans, and online trivia and sharing of “then and now” photographs, among others. Explains Henderson, “while it will not perhaps be a true
Grey Cup champion, an Air Marshal and Commander of Canada’s Air Division for Canada’s Air Force, a British Lord, or a ship builder. There are also the fox farmers, Indigenous, Acadian, and British settlers, senators, professors, war heroes, medalists at the World Invictus Games, the CEO of Air Canada, and so many business professionals, volunteers, and community leaders who stayed and thrived locally to grow Salisbury to what it is today. We are a small community whose people have done important things and created
in the world. Colpitts notes that fox farming was a key driver of the area’s success, and that the benefits were far-reaching and not always obvious – for example, fox farmers could afford to provide their children with an education, which in turn opened up career opportunities. “Without a couple of pairs of foxes in the back yard, our parents would never have been able to send us to university. It was always said that the Maritimes’ greatest export
was education, and foxes did that for us. “Prior to foxes, everyone was pretty much subsistence farming …but if you had a few foxes, you were able to diversify … the greatest and must underappreciated benefit was the ability to afford education.” Colpitts will give a presentation on the history of fox farming in the area entitled “When Silver was Gold.” An exact date is to be determined and will be published on the town’s website.
The History of Salisbury will be updated in video format in 2024.
documentary, it will be a video production wherein we will talk, for example, to experts from the province’s department of tourism, heritage, and culture who can speak to some of those historic events within the region, like the importance of the Petitcodiac River, for example. “Our intent is to take the video on a road show, to take it to care homes, along with a public showing, and certainly we will share it online as well.”
A message from the Mayor It is our people who make up our story, a fascinating history of the Indigenous peoples and the Acadian and British settlers who helped build this place into what we now call home. Salisbury residents have a great history of going out into the world and being leaders, whether it be hitting the winning home run at the World Championship of Softball, being the captain of Team Canada’s Women’s Hockey Team and winning the World Championship, winning a Juno, raising over $1,000,000 for cancer research , being a
hen Salisbury hears a presentation this January on the silver fox fur farming industry, it will be hearing from an expert. Connie Colpitts and her cousin Pearl Colpitts operated the Little River Ranch fox farm together beginning in 1976, continuing a long family tradition in the industry. As part of Salisbury’s celebrations throughout 2024 of 250 years of permanent settlement, each month during the year will explore a theme related to the town’s history. January’s theme will be the silver fox fur farming industry, which was vital to the town’s economy and development. Silver fox farms in Salisbury and area were once among the leading producers
a region where people believe they can accomplish anything. I am very proud to call Salisbury home and look forward to a year of celebrating our heritage. This was a dream of mine several years ago and to see it taking place is so special. This is such an amazing community with such a long history, and I look forward to ensuring that the stories are told, recorded and preserved for future generations through the celebrations, banners, and events that will occur throughout the year. — Mayor Robert Campbell
The Town of Salisbury is celebrating 250 years of heritage in 2024! Sign up for the newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out on the celebration:
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THE RIVER VIEW
Riverview’s winter activities include skating. Photo courtesy of Nigel Fearon Photography.
WINTER IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE WE MAY AS WELL EMBRACE IT
E
ven in those years when we are graced with a mild winter, snow and colder temperatures are a part of life in southeastern New Brunswick in the early months of the calendar. We can either hibernate – or enjoy what the season has to offer. In Salisbury, the town will celebrate winter carnival on the weekend of family day, including a series of events the afternoon of February 19 at Highland Park. Says Katy Doucette, Coordinator of Events and Strategic Projects for the town, “weather depending, we will have winter activities like sledding, snowman building, a bonfire, we usually include making maple candy on the snow, and of course beaver tails. “So, it is just a big afternoon for family fun.” A highlight is a Swedish Lantern Walk, also at Highland Park, scheduled for the evening of Sunday, February 18th. A Swedish Lantern is made from a length of log, cross-sectioned and set alight to provide an open flame that can last several hours. The walk takes place along Highland Park’s wetlands trail. Doucette recommends being
there early, as the walk is popular and is at its peak early. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The town will also provide snowshoes and cross country skis for rent through its recreation department. And, in a unique twist, the town also turns a basketball court into an outdoor skating rink, which is used extensively throughout the winter. “We do encourage people to get out and about, and we try to make it as accessible as possible with the equipment you can rent for a few days at a time,” adds Doucette. Salisbury was named Canada’s Most Active Community by the federal program Participaction in 2023. While that honour was based on activities that took place as part of the official program in the spring, the town’s active lifestyle is in evidence year-round. Says Doucette, “people here do love to get out and about. We have the trails and the parks that allow you to do that, and people appreciate that around here … we have these resources that allow people to get out.” Riverview will host its annual winter carnival this year from February 2nd to 11th. Ashly Barron, Communica-
tions Manager for the Town of Riverview, notes, “that is really the genesis of the Riverview winter carnival, to get out and embrace the winter season and not have it be an excuse to hibernate. “It is about embracing winter wellness. It is something to look forward to in the dead of winter.” Events are varied; as an example, one of the most popular is the Cookout at the Lookout, hosted by the Scouts at what may be the most visited site in the Mill Creek Nature Park, the lookout over the reservoir. “It is a fun one for people to go out and enjoy the day, to get a chance to maybe learn how to make a new treat over a campfire.” Other events include a snowshoe series, featuring a different trail each evening, and an accompanying sunrise snowshoe in Mill Creek Nature Park. Says Barron, “that one’s bright and early, for those early birds out there.” And speaking of early birds, snowshoers on the sunrise event last year were treated to an encounter with an owl – a literal early bird. “People were talking about that for weeks afterward. You never know what you are going to encoun-
Maple candy made on the snow is always a feature of Salisbury’s winter celebrations.
ter on a new adventure during winter carnival.” Barron echoes other municipalities and facilities by stressing that for those who may have mobility issues, or who are simply not ready to fully embrace the outdoors in the colder weather, many events are also scheduled that can be enjoyed indoors. “There are lots of events happening to get you out of the house but still indoors. There are Valentine’s Day themed socials, and dances, and card parties and cribbage tournaments. There are pancake breakfasts on both weekends. “It is not just about getting outside. Not everyone is up for that. It is also about socialization and the opportunity to con-
Winter Ignite kicks off Riverview’s winter festival each year. Photo courtesy of Nigel Fearon Photography.
nect at a time of the year when the weather can be challenging, and the days are short.” It is a theme echoed by Riverview mayor Andrew LeBlanc. “Winter Carnival festivities remind us that there are many great reasons to get out during the heart of winter in Riverview. From the official opening fireworks and snowshoeing series to indoor events like the Frozen Open Skateboard Contest - there is truly something for everyone! Even if you’re not quite ready to embrace the
snow and ice, the workshops, dances, and card playing tournaments are perfect for connecting with neighbours and friends without braving the elements.” A popular event is the snow sculpture challenge, wherein residents create snow sculpture on their properties, or in one of the town’s parks. Photos are submitted and displayed on the town’s website. The Frozen Open is the Continued on page 13
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2024
THE RIVER VIEW Continued from page 12
premier winter skateboarding event in Atlantic Canada, held at the Riverview Skate Park and Youth Centre. That is scheduled for February 3rd this year. A full schedule of events, including the kick-off event Winter Ignite (a winter display of fireworks), will be published on the town’s website. Fundy National Park in Alma remains active throughout the winter, offering an array of activities that spans tobogganing, cross-country skiing, hiking, a selection of winter camping options, snowshoeing and fat biking. The winter camping options include but are not limited to tenting, and include the park’s oTENTic, yurts, rustic cabins, and a shelter at Pointe Wolfe. These latter two options may be for the more adventurous, as they require a substantial hike or snowshoe trek in winter (particularly the shelter at Pointe Wolfe) and do not include amenities like indoor toilets or kitchens. But, says Interpretation Supervisor Daniel Sinclair, win-
Winter camping and snowshoeing are among the many activities on offer at Fundy National Park in the winter months.
ter campers are often seeking that more adventurous experience. Sinclair points to what he calls “storm chasers,” winter campers who arrive at the park expressly to experience a storm in a natural environment. If you are prepared for the type of camping experience, and the elements, camping in the various structures can even be cozy (the structures contain a heat source and are insulated). And, says Sinclair, “we have a safety team that is always available.” During one particularly cold weekend in February last year, he says, “the storm chasers came and had quite a pleasant time.” If a family day is more in your line, “a day trip to come sliding” on the park’s fabled “bowl,” the hill near the park entrance, “is what a lot of people look for.” Sinclair describes the decision to stay open in the winter as “a natural fit” for Fundy, even before accommodations like the oTENTic and the yurt were available. He says, “once we started to offer diversified accommodations, (being
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open year-round) seemed to be where we were going. Now, there is a whole world beyond Thanksgiving. There was an interest and an appetite” among the park’s user for a four-season experience. The nature of a national park is such that much of the activity takes place outdoors (although there is a pavilion and other indoor amenities). However, says, Sinclair, “we are always looking at accessibility. We are always looking at our pathways and even our buildings, and asking, ‘how accessible are they?’ and looking at ways to improve. The Fundy experience in winter typically involves snow. “There is something about seeing your favourite trail in a different time of year. You are seeing it without leaves, you are seeing it with snow, in an area where you typically see a bog, instead you see a snow plateau.” But even in a year when there is little or no snow, notes Sinclair, “it is still amazing to get out and explore. There is still birdwatching, there is great hiking. You can still make a great experience out of it.”
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THE RIVER VIEW
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2024
Linda Manship captured these winter scenes near Salisbury.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2024
GAMES
THE RIVER VIEW
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