INKERMAN, NB, Aug. 12, 2026 (CNW Group via COMTEX) --
Nearly nine years after a fire destroyed the Inkerman recreational trail bridge, a major step is being taken toward restoring this important link between communities in the Acadian Peninsula after an investment of $11 million from the Government of Canada and $1 million from the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission.
The announcement was made by Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadieâ??Bathurst, and His Worship Georges R. Savoie, Chair of the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission and Mayor of Neguac.
The proposed project includes the construction of a new bridge nearly 500 metres long that will restore an essential link in the Acadian Peninsula cycling route and reconnect the northern and southern parts of the Peninsula. The loss of the bridge in the September 2017 fire has created a significant gap in the regional trail network. Rebuilding it will restore a link that connected these communities for many years.
Once completed, the new bridge will be reserved for active transportation, particularly cyclists and pedestrians, during the summer season. It will allow these users, who currently have to use a road bridge to cross the Pokemouche River, to use a safer crossing while restoring continuity to the existing trail. During the winter season, the bridge will also be used by other trail users.
Beyond restoring an important connection for the various trail users, this project has significant potential to support tourism and economic development throughout the Acadian Peninsula. A more complete and attractive route will help draw more visitors, encourage them to stay longer in the region, and generate economic benefits for local businesses, restaurants, accommodations and tourist attractions in these communities.
Quotes
"Since the 2017 fire, we have lost much more than a bridge: we lost an important link that connected our communities. Today, with a commitment of up to $11 million from the Government of Canada, we are taking a major step toward restoring that connection. Our federal commitment is firm. Our goal is to bring back a bridge that can benefit all users. This is a project that brings people together, will benefit those who live here, attract more visitors, and contribute to the tourism and economic development of the Acadian Peninsula, the riding of Acadieâ??Bathurst, and all of northern New Brunswick."
Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadieâ??Bathurst
"The announcement of this funding represents a critical step towards the reconstruction of the Inkerman recreational trail bridge. With a contribution of $1 million from the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission, we are proud to participate in the realization of this project, which has been anticipated for several years. The Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne is much more than just a trail: it is a symbol of regional pride, a lever for sustainable development and a driver of economic development for northern New Brunswick."
His Worship Georges R. Savoie, Chair of the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission and Mayor of Neguac
Quick Facts
Associated Links
Active Transportation Fund https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/trans/index-eng.htmlÂ
National Active Transportation Strategy https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/trans/active-strat-actif-eng.htmlÂ
Strengthened Climate Plan https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.htmlÂ
Housing and Infrastructure Project Map https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.htmlÂ
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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
SOURCE: Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Arianna Durgerian, Press
Secretary, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure,
Arianna.Durgerian@infc.gc.ca; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and
Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154,
Email:Amedia-medias@infc.gc.ca; JulieARobichaud, Director of Administrative
Services, Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission, 506-727-7979,
julierobichaud@csrpa.ca
COMTEX_490538890/2197/2026-08-12T10:15:00
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