Notes from 2nd Community Meeting on July 4th, 2024

On July 4, 2024, a second community event was co-hosted by CCRC and the Rural Upper Fundy Partnership to provide an update from the October 2023 meeting and continue the conversation about the future of tourism, business development, and employment in Riverside-Albert and the role the Old Bank property could play in that vision.

Both meetings were facilitated by Lisa Hrabluk, RUFP’s lead practitioner with notes transcribed by Micha Fardy, RUFP’s administrative lead and ED of the Friends of Fundy.

Participants: 29 people

Three Primary Points:

1.      The Old Bank building and Lighthouse are now the property of the CCRC. Engineering and land planning expertise was sought to ensure flood plain and structural integrity of the building were not issues. The Lighthouse needs so be moved and CCRC is moving forward with this endeavor with community consent. *

2.      The Opportunity for the Old Bank to be the temporary location for the Rural Credit Union. Significant action has taken place in the development of a Rural Credit Union. The Old Bank could be a temporary location while new infrastructure was built. This interim role would allow repairs and refurbishments to the Old Bank which would help transition to a Living Museum as an experience highlighting local stories and ‘The Evolution of Banking’. Additional business opportunities would be possible once the new Rural Credit Union moved into new infrastructure.

3.      A Community Economic Development approach for the corner is re-affirmed. The group was eager to capture ideas on the types of business opportunities reflecting outdoor adventure and local culture (food, heritage, arts/crafts) that capitalize on the natural assets and beauty of the area. Key focus was the role of the Lighthouse once it is moved.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Notes from 1st Community Meeting on October 3rd, 2023

On the evening of October 3rd, 2023, the CCRC and Friends of Fundy with the support of the Rural Upper Fundy Partnership (RUFP) co-hosted an open conversation about the future of the 114/915 crossroads corner in Riverside-Albert. From the region between Hillsborough and Alma, an interested and invested 30+ people attended, led by consultant Lisa Hrabluk as facilitator.  Stories, tales, trials and tribulations were shared about the Old Bank of New Brunswick and the surrounding corner. This engaged group not only reminisced but reflected on what the future of this area could be.

What we discovered can be condensed into 4 main points.  

The Old Bank of New Brunswick that resides at the corner, holds significant historic and personal value to the residents.  There was a lively discussion, with much laughter and smiles from residents who remember when the bank was a working bank. They told stories about the robbery, about their personal relationship to the bank and how they admired the passion and singular vision of Mary Majka to convert the bank into a museum and preserve it. Between the robbery, the cafe and the museum, everyone has a connection to this building and there is great interest in seeing it come to life again. Many Ideas were suggested for its transformation -  from coffee shops, to pubs, to adventure eco-tourism and UNESCO hubs and more. This building is the main visual connection to the crossroads and holds a great deal of sentimental value to the community. 

The Anderson Hollow Lighthouse should be moved back to its former resting space along the Crooked Creek, beside the Old Bank of New Brunswick. Currently at its more remote location, it has been subject to weather, vandalism and neglect. While this lighthouse has seen a few different locations, it needs a new permanent and safe residence.  A home where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the beauty, take photos and touch a piece of history.  By moving the lighthouse, it stays in our hearts and our sights. Coming soon, there will be a fundraising element to raise money to have this lighthouse professionally and properly lifted and moved to the crossroads for all to enjoy. 

Something that was unanimous, was that future development needs to be Community-First.  Understanding that yes, we thrive on tourism in this area, we still have many communities with families and small businesses here. Members of our community would like a place to order a coffee, have a meeting, or buy and promote local produce, goods and services. This could look like many different things as we are overflowing with talent and growth but it was clear that the development at the crossroads was an opportunity to be year-round and self-sustaining.  There are already community members stepping forward to offer grant and investment opportunities. 

Lastly, everyone agrees that the 114/915 crossroads corner needs to be the centre of Riverside-Albert. The corner is a beautiful place, which is why it should be developed in a way that honours and supports community values of sustainability, safety, beauty, and historic preservation. It is central geographically and it is the centre root of our community. 

We have the opportunity to have and provide for ourselves here.  We can have new businesses, new money inserted into our community and new interests piqued. It can be a place for others to check in, meet up, rest, rejuvenate, and enjoy the unique beauty of the area.  It can be a destination unto itself. 

Here is a quick list of many of the wonderful ideas that were brought up at the meeting: Boardwalk, ice cream shops, coffee, sandwiches, cafe, pub, bakery, craft village, small boutique hotel, souvenirs, jewelry, crafts, local artists, farmers markets, kayak and trail hub, shuttle services, outdoor adventure combined with local culture. 

The CCRC will be planning another community meeting to further this discussion. If you have anything that you would like us to know, please email at chipoudycrc@gmail.com. 

Stay tuned for further updates and plans regarding the 114/915 Crossroads Corner. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us and participated in what was a lively and informative evening.  We look forward to where this road takes us.

Audra and David Jacombs, Board members of CCRC

Micha Fardy, Executive Director of Friends of Fundy and Administrative lead of RUFP