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Prix de la rivière Petitcodiac 2022

Moncton, 24 mai 2022 – Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper décerne le prix de la rivière Petitcodiac 2022 à une autrice de la région de Dieppe, Cindy Roy. 

Chaque année, Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper décerne cette distinction honorifique dans le but de reconnaître les personnes, les entreprises et les groupes qui ont fait une contribution remarquable à la protection, à la promotion et à la restauration de l’écosystème de la rivière Petitcodiac. 

Cette année, le prix 2022 de la rivière Petitcodiac a été décerné à Cindy Roy, pour son livre dans la série Féeli Tout ; À la rescousse de la rivière. Ce livre incite les gens à prendre soin des cours d’eau en racontant l’aventure d’une grande corvée de nettoyage pour le rivage de la rivière Petitcodiac. 

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2022 Petitcodiac River Award

Moncton, May 24, 2022 – Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper presents the 2022 Petitcodiac River Award to Dieppe area author, Cindy Roy. 

Each year, Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper presents this award to recognize individuals, businesses and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the protection, promotion and restoration of the Petitcodiac River system. 

This year, the 2022 Petitcodiac River Award was presented to Cindy Roy, for her book in the Féeli Tout series; À la rescousse de la rivière. This book encourages people to take care of the river by telling the story of a clean-up operation for the Petitcodiac River shoreline. 

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Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Conservation

Moncton, Thursday, March 24, 2022 – It is with great pleasure that SPR accepts the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation in New Brunswick. The organization is honored to receive this recognition as SPR, its members, stakeholders and communities work together towards the conservation of our cultural and natural heritage. This award would not have been possible without the support of everyone involved.

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Welcoming our new Rural Environmental Coordinator

We are excited to welcome Kelcey to the team as our Rural Environmental Coordinator! Kelcey has experience with community engagement, environmental fieldwork, and data analysis. She has a strong passion for the environment and loves to hike, canoe, and play sports during her free time. She looks forward to sharing her experience and determination towards the restoration of the Memramcook River and removal of the Memramcook causeway. Help us welcome Kelcey to the team!

To learn more about the Memramcook River and Causeway project here.

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Fort Folly First Nation -Letter of Support for Pont Petigotiag Bridge

To Whom It May Concern:


Fort Folly First Nation fully supports the initiative to make “Pont Petigotiag Bridge” the name of the new bridge that is being built to replace the Petitcodiac Causeway between Moncton and Riverview. The Petitcodiac River lies at the heart of Fort Folly’s traditional territory. The name Petitcodiac comes from “Petigotiag”, the Mi’kmaq name for the river, which means “river that bends like a bow”. Our community has been here for over 7,000 years, with a summer settlement now known as Beaumont, near Folly Point, located at the tip of the narrow ridge of land separating the Memramcook and Petitcodiac Rivers where the two meet in Shepody Bay. Construction of the Petitcodiac Causeway in 1968 closed off the Petitcodiac River, excluding traditionally important species such as salmon and shad that the river was once known for, and contributing to their collapse regionally.


Our history is the root of Fort Folly First Nation’s long-standing interest in the Petitcodiac River, and what has motivated us to take an active role in shaping its future through the Fort Folly Habitat Recovery Program (FFHR), which has been active in the monitoring and recovery of species at risk since 1998. Fort Folly has led the way in the stewardship and restoration of aquatic habitat on the Petitcodiac focused on the recovery of the endangered inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Parks Canada Fundy National Park, and Provincial partners as well as private industry and the wider community. Since the permanent opening of the Petitcodiac Causeway gates in April of 2010, and the return of free tidal flow, FFHR has worked with the Province to monitor the return of fish species to the river, with a focus on salmon, and interest in other traditionally significant species, such as eels and striped bass.

In 2021, we will see the christening of the new bridge along with the opening of the river channel flowing beneath it. This will mark the start of a new chapter in the history of the Petitcodiac River. Pont Petigotiag Bridge is a name fit for that future, as it respects tradition and geography, and works well in the languages of each of the three cultures that together, have formed a community along the river’s banks.

Sincerely,

Chief Rebecca Knockwood
Fort Folly First Nation

To sign the declaration of support click here.

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Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper launches – Celebrating the Petitcodiac 2021 – A Summer Showcase of Events and Activities Inviting Residents to Reflect on the Petitcodiac River

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

MONCTON – JULY 20, 2021 – Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper (SPR) is proud to launch Celebrating the Petitcodiac 2021 – a summer and fall showcase of events and activities which celebrate the Petitcodiac River and educate about the history, cultural importance, and potential of the river.

2021 marks a tremendous year for the Petitcodiac River. The opening of the new bridge, planned for the fall of 2021, as well as upgrades and modernization of Greater Moncton’s advanced secondary and biological wastewater treatment, which are nearly complete, means that we are witnessing the largest river restoration project in Canada at the beginning of the 21st century. Once considered one of the most endangered rivers in Canada, the Petitcodiac River is now one of the most successful river restoration projects in the country.

“This year presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the restoration of the river. We invite and encourage municipalities, towns, villages, businesses, institutions, and organizations in the region to incorporate the theme of the river into their programming to help us get as many people in the community as possible taking a moment to reflect on and appreciate our beloved Petitcodiac River”, says SPR Chair Ronald Babin. 

Celebrating the Petitcodiac 2021 officially kicks off this week (July 19th) with several events people can take part in, including many self-directed activities suggested by SPR, such as stargazing, birdwatching, bike riding and picnics, that can easily be accomplished individually or with a few close friends and/or family members while outside enjoying and taking in views of the river. Some of the events proposed by SPR can even be done virtually, such as taking a moment to learn about and support the campaign currently led by the organization to designate the new bridge as “Pont Petigotiag Bridge” as a meaningful gesture in recognition of the history of the Petitcodiac River and the contributions of its tricultural communities – Acadian, Mi’kmaq and Anglophone –towards its restoration efforts. The public is currently encouraged to vote on and choose a logo for this campaign and sign a declaration of support or send emails/letters of support.

Among the events offered by SPR’s partner organizations, the Town of Riverview is holding a series of Walking Tours called the “Hidden Secrets of the Riverfront” throughout July and August, the Moncton Library is hosting an outdoor reading adventure in Riverfront Park throughout August, and Resurgo Place is offering Tidal Bore presentations throughout the summer in Bore Park.

Events will continue to be offered weekly well into the fall months, with many being added weekly as more and more event organizers join in on the fun. The public is encouraged to view the full calendar of events and check in often at http://petitcodiac.org/celebrating-the-petitcodiac-2021/

“We’ll be heavily promoting all the events showcased on our Celebrating the Petitcodiac 2021 calendar via social media to create a buzz and excitement in the community as we get closer to the grand opening of the new bridge,” adds Babin. “We want this summer to be one of reflection and celebration related to the monumental changes the Petitcodiac River has gone through, all the while looking towards the future and getting people to learn new ways of engaging with the river in a responsible and sustainable way that can lead to community growth and economic development.”

Event organizers that wish to add their events and activities to the Celebrating the Petitcodiac 2021 calendar listings, or get in touch regarding opportunities to collaborate, can contact SPR at  info@petitcodiac.org.  

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Welcoming our New Summer Student

We are excited to welcome Xochilt (So-chee) to our team, she will be working as an event coordinator, promoting our celebrations of the Petitcodiac river and removal of the causeway during the summer season. She is a high school student that moved to New-Brunswick 13 years ago and is currently fluent in English, French, and Spanish. She is eager to bring the community together in the efforts to protect our Petitcodiac watershed.

This summer Xochilt will be organizing our summer events, kicking it off with our photo contest #ILOVETHEPETITCODIAC.

We received over 80 entries in the contest! Our jury has picked 10 finalists based on the creativity of each photo and accompanying testimonial. Today is your last day to vote! Here’s the link to help choose our top 5 official winners!

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Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper Reveals Historically and Culturally Significant Name It Would Like for New Bridge on Petitcodiac River

Public Can Show their Support at Petitcodiac.Org

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

MONCTON – APRIL 22, 2021 – On this beautiful Earth Day, communities along the Petitcodiac River can rejoice in the momentous occasion that will soon be upon us. With construction work taking place on a new bridge between Moncton and Riverview and removing the causeway, the Petitcodiac River will finally be able to flow freely once again. There is a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the Petitcodiac River’s history and cultural legacy through the naming of this new bridge. Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper (SPR) is pleased to announce that it has submitted a name for consideration to the New Brunswick Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure – for which it is now seeking public support.

“Place names are an important part of our culture and geographic environment,” says SPR Executive Director Krysta Cowling. “They play a vital role in people’s sense of well-being and connection to home and community. Through many conversations between SPR, Fort Folly First Nation, and key stakeholders from communities along the river, the name Pont Petigotiag Bridge has been developed and put forth by our organization.”

As stated by Michelle Knockwood, Indigenous Land Conservation Project Coordinator, Fort Folly First Nation, Petigotiag (pronounced Peti-ko-tiak, similar to Petitcodiac) means “river that bends like a bow” in the Mi’kmaq language. “In this spelling, used by Mi’kmaq communities in New Brunswick, the g’s are pronounced as k’s. The Petitcodiac River lies at the heart of Fort Folly First Nation’s traditional territory. Our community has been here for over 7,000 years, with a summer settlement now known as Beaumont, near Folly Point, located at the tip of the narrow ridge of land separating the Memramcook River and Petitcodiac River, where the two meet in Shepody Bay.”

“We believe the name Pont Petigotiag Bridge recognizes the contributions of Mi’kmaq, Acadian, and Anglophone communities in reversing what was once the most endangered river in Canada to what is now the largest, and most successful, river restoration in the country,” adds SPR President Ronald Babin. “Reconciliation and preservation of the ecological integrity of this shared land, and unceded Mi’kmaq territory, is a process that is increasingly and justifiably acknowledged in the public domain. We must truly act accordingly.”

SPR was created in 1999 by Acadian, Mi’kmaq and Anglophone communities to provide a unified voice and to work together towards the restoration of the Petitcodiac River – whose natural flow was choked by the construction of a causeway in 1967. This had dramatically altered the natural ecosystem functions in the river’s ecosystem.

SPR’s long-fought environmental battle led to the permanent opening of the causeway gates in April 2010, which started the river’s revitalization process with the return of freer tidal flow. Fish species that had almost disappeared from the river began to repopulate. The tidal bore, which has been reduced to a mere trickle, slowly regained some of its strength. Many efforts were made to restore aquatic habitat and aid the recovery of fish species, primarily through the Fort Folly Habitat Recovery Program.

The upcoming removal of the causeway and new bridge opening and upgrades and modernization of Greater Moncton’s advanced secondary and biological wastewater treatment, which are nearly complete, means that we are witnessing the largest river restoration project in Canada at the beginning of the 21st century. It is quite an accomplishment considering that Earthwild International and Wildcanada.net once identified the Petitcodiac River as the most endangered river in Canada.

Naming the new bridge Pont Petigotiag Bridge would be a meaningful and symbolic gesture in recognition of the history and contributions of our tricultural communities. SPR encourages the public to share their support for this name by submitting emails or letters to the New Brunswick Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure / signing a declaration of support towards this name available on the organization’s website – petitcodiac.org.

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Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper is a not-for-profit organization. Our main objective is to restore the ecological health of the Petitcodiac and Memramcook River watersheds, including the Shepody Bay Estuary, located in southeastern New Brunswick. Learn more at petitcodiac.org.

Media contacts:

Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper
Ronald Babin, President (506-870-0816) ronald.babin@umoncton.ca
Krysta Cowling, Executive Director (506-233-6607) krystacowling@gmail.com

Fort Folly First Nation
Michelle Knockwood, Indigenous Land Conservation Project Coordinator, (506-871-8923) michelleknockwood@ffhr.ca

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MEDIA INVITATION – Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper Reveals Historically and Culturally Significant Name It Would Like for New Bridge on Petitcodiac River

News Conference to Take Place on Earth Day (April 22)

MEDIA INVITATION

MONCTON – APRIL 20, 2021 – This Earth Day (April 22), Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper (SPR) will be revealing a name for consideration for the new bridge being built between Moncton and Riverview – a name it believes appropriately recognizes the contributions of the Acadian, Mi’kmaq and Anglophone communities towards the restoration of the Petitcodiac River.

SPR believes there is a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the success of the Petitcodiac River’s restoration and its history and cultural legacy through the naming of the new bridge. Through many conversations between SPR, Fort Folly First Nation, and key stakeholders from communities along the river, a name was developed and officially submitted for consideration to the New Brunswick Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

As we get nearer the complete removal of the causeway and the grand opening of the new bridge, SPR believes it is time to solicit as much public support as possible towards this name in the hopes that the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will grant the organization’s request. 

The name reveal will take place during a short news conference on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 10 a.m. at the Moncton Press Club. Media are invited to attend. Note that physical distancing and mask-wearing guidelines under the current COVID-19 yellow alert level will be followed.  

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Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper is a not-for-profit organization. Our main objective is to restore the ecological health of the Petitcodiac and Memramcook River watersheds, including the Shepody Bay Estuary, located in southeastern New Brunswick. Learn more at petitcodiac.org.

Media contacts:

Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper
Ronald Babin, President (506-870-0816) ronald.babin@umoncton.ca
Krysta Cowling, Executive Director (506-233-6607) krystacowling@gmail.com

Fort Folly First Nation
Michelle Knockwood, Indigenous Land Conservation Project Coordinator, (506-871-8923) michelleknockwood@ffhr.ca

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#ILOVETHEPETICODIAC CONTEST!

Click on the image to enlarge.

2021 will indeed be a historic year for our region! The closure of the Petitcodiac River’s causeway this week marks the countdown towards the grand opening of the new bridge over the river planned for this summer. Once the causeway structure is entirely removed, our beloved Petitcodiac River will finally flow freely again and be on the path to complete restoration. 

It’s time to start celebrating this monumental environmental victory!

Let’s all share our love and appreciation of the Petitcodiac River! 

To share the contest or participate via our social media accounts: 

https://www.facebook.com/SentinellesPetitcodiacRiverkeepers

https://www.instagram.com/sentinelles_p_riverkeeper/

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