The Town officially launched its plans for the Gateway Wetland Nature Trails and Conservation Centre on Friday, 12 June 2015 with an announcement that was held on site at the proposed location of the new adventure trail head at Gateway Drive.
The Town of Oromocto initially conceptualized this development back in 2005 for the purpose of constructing a wetland trail and visitor information centre. The project was delayed for a number of years as other infrastructure activities took priority. In 2014 this project was resurrected with two major partners, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Oromocto River Watershed Association.
Council’s vision is to transform this 17 hectare site into an area where residents and visitors to the area can experience the natural phenomenon of the wetlands, as well as an education centre that will promote responsible environmental conservation and enhancement. The project will be phased in over three years with the first two years focusing on the trail development and enhancement while the final year will see the construction of the Conservation Centre. The estimated value of the total project is 2.2 million dollars.
“This is a very easy project to support as it will benefit not only our citizens and students, but will also benefit our business community as we bring more visitors to the area!” Mayor Bob Powell
The Town, in partnership with the Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Oromocto River Watershed Association, plan to create a remarkable urban wetland conservation centre. The proposed facility will have a heritage component that will showcase its diverse culture, will house a visitor information center, provide exhibition and educational space, and offer a viewing terrace of the wetlands. Ducks Unlimited has already been working closely with the Town to improve the natural habitat of the wetland to enhance the visitor’s experience to the area.
The public nature trails will create a vital link in the Town’s Active Transportation Plan for walkers and cyclists. It will include boardwalks, a covered bridge, gazebos, wooden benches and covered picnic shelters. The Center will also serve to connect people to the vast regional adventure trail network that has been created by the Oromocto River Watershed Association.
Mayor Powell says he is proud of the work that all the partners have done to make the launch possible. He noted the Gateway area is one of the places where there is a great deal of development going on commercially and the creation of this urban wetland will be an added benefit to the area.
Become a Partner
The Town of Oromocto is pleased to share with you its feature from the
"Insights with Terry Bradshaw" television program.
