Petitcodiac Renaissance unveils vision for causeway replacement

Parkland, a walkway, river access and a marina are among the features Renaissance Petitcodiac would like to see included in the design for a partial bridge to replace the existing causeway between Moncton and Riverview.

The community groups hopes for the estimated $55-million project were released Wednesday.

Spokesman Daniel LeBlancsaidthe removal of the causeway will change the course and the width of the river significantly.

"The channel of the river is going to change from the edge, where the gates are,to more the centre of the river," he said.

"And the channel will widen, so in the former head pond it will be practically close to 100 percent of the river width will be restored. In Moncton, perhaps 60 per centand in Dieppe and Memramcook."

With the change in the course of the river, some land near the causeway will be reclaimed. The group envisions the creation of an amphitheatre on reclaimed landnear the existing gates, and a spiral rock sculpture fashioned from boulders taken from the causeway.

RiverviewMayor Ann Seamanswasimpressed with the proposal.

"I'm very impressed with the walkways and all of the infrastructure that they have. I'm hoping that they can work with the province and the province will take this into account." she said.