Riverview, New Brunswick
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Introduction
Riverview_town_hall.JPG
Riverview is a town in south-eastern New Brunswick, located on the south side of the Petitcodiac River, opposite the much larger city of Moncton. Riverview is located in Albert County. As of the 2000 census it had a population of 17,010. Although this population is sufficient for Riverview to petition the province to be reclassified as a city, the municipal government has opted to remain as a town. This is partly because New Brunswick requires that all "cities" be officially bilingual and since Riverview is 95% anglophone, there is resistence to this concept amongst the populace. Riverview is a principally residential community with a limited tax base from commercial development and virtually no industrial tax base. This also hampers any aspirations Riverview might have towards becoming a city. Riverview continues to grow however, and with the new four lane Gunningsville Bridge connecting directly to Moncton's downtown due to open in late 2005, Riverview should have no difficulty holding on to the distinction of being New Brunswick's "largest town". Riverview covers an area of 34.26 square kilometres.
River Crossings
Riverview is connected to the rest of Greater Moncton (which is made up of Riverview, Dieppe, and Moncton) by the three lane "Riverview Causeway" and by the narrow two-lane Gunningsville Bridge.
A new bridge, being built parallel to the current Gunningsville Bridge (and less than a quarter kilometer to the west) is currently under construction. This new bridge is expected to be completed in late 2005. Current plans will see the old bridge demolished upon completion of the much wider, and newer span.
The Causeway Controversy
The Riverview Causeway is, and has been, a subject of much controversy over the years. At one time, the Petitcodiac River, which is a tidal river located at the top end of the Bay of Fundy, enjoyed an impressive tidal bore. However, after the construction of the causeway, silt gradually began to fill in much of the river. The once large tidal bore that used to flow twice daily up the river is now barely a few inches in height, though it is still a somewhat popular tourist attraction.
The controversy revolves primarily around the future of Lake Petitcodiac. This body of water was formed above the causeway when it blocked the normal flow of the river. Some groups would prefer to see the causeway gates opened. It is thought that doing this would gradually return the river to the way it once was. Other groups dispute this claim, and want to see the gates remain closed, because opening the gates would drain the lake, destroying its recreational value and lowering the land value of current lakeside properties.
A landfill was also constructed on the Moncton side of the river, and there is some concern that dangerous substances could potentially leach into the river, especially if the gates were opened, and the silt flushed down river.
Landmarks
- Riverview Mall
- Byron Dobson Arena
- Riverview Town Hall and Library
- Moncton Golf and Country Club
- Gunningsville Bridge
- Dobson Trail
External links