The New Brunswick government released its provincial budget on Tuesday. The province increased overall tourism funding but plans to divest 10 provincially owned tourism and heritage sites.

According to a report from CBC News, the province budgeted $92.8 million for tourism this fiscal year. This is an increase from the $87.8 million spent last year. Tourism Industry Association president Ginette Doiron praised the budget and called it a clear recognition of the economic importance of tourism across all regions.

However, the province distributed a memo stating it will divest 10 underutilized sites that receive fewer than 5,000 annual visitors.

Sites Closing This Year

Five locations will not open their doors this season. These include Bonar Law Provincial Heritage Place in Rexton, Sheriff Andrews House in Saint Andrews, Doak House Provincial Heritage Place in Doaktown, the Antique Automobile Museum in Edmundston, and North Lake Provincial Park in Lakeland Ridges. MacDonald Farm near Miramichi also remains closed after failing to open last year.

Lakeland Ridges Mayor Leonard Foster expressed surprise at the decision to close North Lake. The park just opened in 2022. Foster noted the park provides a lovely beach and hosts programs for at risk youth.

Parks Open During Transition

Four provincial parks will remain open this season while the province holds transition discussions. These include Val Comeau in Tracadie, Anchorage on Grand Manan, Oak Bay near St. Stephen, and Cape Enrage between Alma and Riverside Albert.

Grand Manan Mayor Bonnie Morse said the Anchorage announcement caught her off guard. The park features the only accessible boardwalk on the island and is run by the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Manan. Morse said the community will use this summer to find ways to support the operator and keep the park public.

Association Heritage New Brunswick vice president Janet Clouston said her group will work with affected sites to find solutions. She emphasized that small communities rely heavily on tourism for economic development.

Health and Social Development See Major Boosts

The budget also delivered significant increases to health care and social services. Health care spending jumped from just over $4 billion to a budgeted $4.8 billion.

New Brunswick Nurses Union president Paula Doucet said the province needed this investment to catch up after years of underfunding. She noted the union is now focused on improving working conditions to remain competitive with other provinces.

The Department of Social Development budget increased from $1.8 billion to $2 billion. Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents Rights executive director Cecile Cassista said the long term funding approach provides some comfort to the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the province closing these tourism sites?

The provincial government stated the 10 sites are underutilized and receive fewer than 5,000 visitors annually.

Which parks will remain open this summer?

Val Comeau, Anchorage, Oak Bay, and Cape Enrage will stay open this season while the province discusses transition plans.

How much did the health care budget increase?

The health care budget increased to $4.8 billion from just over $4 billion spent last year.