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The St. John Rivers Society Heritage Wharves Project

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The St. John Rivers Society Heritage Wharves Project

In times past, public access to the Wolastoq | St. John River was guaranteed, with steamboats that served as public transportation along the lower 130 km portion of the river. Plied daily to communities big and small from the mid 1800’s to 1947, the steamboats picked up and dropped off both passengers and freight, connecting people and communities to this significant waterway. With the introduction of roads in the early 1920’s, the boats and cars lived comfortably side by side for a time, but in 1947, the steamboats had their last run and the river became a view, rather than a travel corridor.

The wharves continued to remain important to the communities in which they resided. Boaters used them often and systemically to sail around the great and majestic river. Swimming, fishing, duck hunting season, the wharves were central for the communities and their connection to the river. The wharves continued to be owned and maintained by the Federal government.

Wickham Wharf Refurbished. Photo: Elizabeth Ducey

In 1999, the government began a divestiture program of the 39 wharves along the lower section of the Wolastoq, and through this process, wharf ownership moved to the Province, municipalities and community groups.

The St. John River Society was one such group. Having held several public meetings and gaining feedback and support from wharf communities during the late 1990’s, by 2000, it was determined that it would be a good investment for The St. John River Society to take over ownership of 13 wharves and to maintain them in order to guarantee historic public access to the river in perpetuity. 

The St. John River Society believes firmly that we are river people and people need to have access to the river. For the lower portion of the river (generally, from the capital city of Fredericton to where the river enters the Bay of Fundy in spectacular style at Reversing Falls), over 90% of waterfront property is privately owned. Thus, the necessity to push and secure this public access becomes obvious.

These wharves are turn-of-the-century concrete behemoths, who stick out into the river and are at the front line of every onslaught the river will deliver—from ice breaking up in the spring, to a guaranteed annual flood or “freshet” as it is referred to locally, that sees a minimum rise of 6-7 metres in water levels. One can image the concrete groaning and cracking under the weather conditions. And so, annual repairs are a constant necessity and require funding.

Concrete side wall of wharf at Belyeas/Websters Wharf. Photo: Ed Coy

In December 2020, The St. John River Society received the wonderful news that its application for funding to the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) was successful. $976,530.00 of funding means an opportunity for a once in a generation fix to the wharves. The funding will allow significant upgrades to be undertaken; securing these wharves and the access they provide for visitors and residents alike for another generation.

The Society also has a strong partner, eager to see these wharves and their access safeguarded—the Trans Canada Trail. In fact, a good section of the river was designated as part of the Trans Canada Trail in 2008. This wonderful organizational partnership means that people, community and access win.

The Wharf Refurbishment Project is being overseen by the Board of Directors, community wharf stewards, and a committee of people with expertise and interest; all wanting to ensure that these wharves and the legacy and value they bring to this spectacular piece of Canada is maintained. When the access points along the river are clean and safe, sound and secure, then our communities and our environment are able to thrive! This is our small contribution to healthy and resilient freshwater in Canada, and it is a joy to be able to do it in peace and friendship along the Wolastoq.

Repairs at Belyeas/Websters Wharf. Photo: Ed Coy