The St. John River, also known as the Wolastoq, is set to benefit from a federal investment exceeding $2.3 million across 14 projects aimed at its restoration and protection. Wade Grant, parliamentary secretary to the minister of environment, climate change, and nature, disclosed this initiative in Fredericton on Saturday. Grant emphasized the river faces various threats to its water quality and ecological well-being, primarily due to urban development leading to increased pollutants. With over half of New Brunswick’s population residing within the watershed, approximately 20% rely on the river for drinking water. The Wolastoqey community has a profound cultural bond with the river, which they have safeguarded for generations.
Among the funded projects, the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council will receive $195,000 to train Wolastoqey members for water quality monitoring in the watershed, focusing on nutrient excess, harmful algae blooms, and pollutants. Nature NB is allocated $100,000 over three years for the Agricultural Edge Project, collaborating with local farmers to restore river stream banks. Vanessa Roy-McDougall, executive director of Nature NB, highlighted the significance of such efforts for freshwater protection and sustainable agriculture in New Brunswick. The Belleisle Watershed Coalition is also part of the funding allocation, focusing on chemical severity testing in the water.
Colin Forsythe, executive director of the Belleisle Watershed Coalition, explained the organization’s plan to assess the risk of chemical exposure on human health and the ecosystem. He emphasized the impact of climate change on water quality, which can elevate chemical levels. The financial support stems from the Canada Water Agency and forms a portion of the federal government’s $650 million commitment under the Freshwater Action Plan over a decade. Grant stressed the importance of water for sustaining life, both for people and nature, underscoring the need to safeguard this vital resource for the well-being of Canadians and the economy.