A new waterfront attraction welcomes the public just outside Saint John. The Rothesay Float Walk stretches along the Kennebecasis River at East Riverside Kingshurst Park. This walkway gives you a fresh way to experience the local scenery.

The floating walkway repurposes equipment originally bought for emergency relief, according to CTV News Atlantic.

From Flood Relief to Riverfront Attraction

The town acquired these dock sections during the historic floods of 2018 and 2019. They provided access for residents in flooded areas when water levels peaked.

“We’ve had these dock sections for several years,” Rothesay Mayor Matt Alexander says. “During the unprecedented floods of 2018 and 2019 we purchased them for residents that are in areas of the town that would flood when the water level came up.”

Alexander notes the equipment sat unused until recently.

“Since then, they’ve just been in storage. We haven’t had any use for them because thankfully, we haven’t had the rivers rise that high again. So, staff came up with the idea that maybe we should repurpose these and develop this unique walkway.”

Walking the Waves

The new installation is already popular with residents. Patty Fullerton lives near the park and praises the new addition.

“It’s squishy, and it’s also the Cadillac of docks,” Fullerton says.

The dock design allows it to move up and down with the river waves. This creates a dynamic walking experience. Bill Donahue took his first stroll on the walkway and noted the movement.

“That was quite nice today,” Donahue says. “I don’t know if I’d want to have been out here the other day when it was windy. You could see the waves really rocking it, but it’s really nice.”

The town intends to install a gate to close the bridge during extreme weather. For now, you use the float walk at your own risk.

Rules and Future Plans

You need to follow a few rules when visiting the new attraction. The town prohibits jumping or swimming from the docks because the water is too shallow. Boaters cannot tie their vessels to the walkway.

You can fish from the dock if you hold the proper licensing. Alexander emphasizes that anglers must ensure they do not hook anyone and must allow pedestrians to move freely.

The town has no more spare docks in storage, but council members want to expand the project if the budget allows. Alexander says his ideal scenario involves extending the walkway a full kilometre down the river to the Renforth Wharf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Rothesay Float Walk located?

You will find the float walk at East Riverside Kingshurst Park along the Kennebecasis River in Rothesay.

Can I swim or dock my boat at the float walk?

No. The town strictly prohibits swimming and diving due to shallow water. Boaters cannot secure their vessels to the walkway.

Is fishing allowed on the new dock?

Yes. You can fish from the dock if you have a valid license. You must ensure you do not block the path or endanger people walking by.

Where did the town get the docks?

Rothesay purchased the dock sections to help residents during the severe floods of 2018 and 2019. Town staff recently repurposed them from storage to create this new public walkway.