New Brunswick inches closer to final phase of re-opening
With more than 88,000 visitors through its gates during last year’s record-setting season, the operators of the Fundy Trail Parkway are hoping this summer once again brings in strong numbers to the southern N.B. tourist attraction.
The Fundy Trail, which is located near St. Martins, offers more than 30 kilometres of parkway along the rugged coastline of the Bay of Fundy that can be seen by hiking, biking or driving.
“It’s an open park where people can get out, even if they still have concerns about COVID and restrictions,” says president of the Fundy Trail Development Authority James Donald.
“We’re hoping with the borders open we’ll have more traffic from outside, and still maintain the New Brunswick people that are visiting," says Donald.
New Brunswick is now allowing Canadians from outside of the Atlantic region with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to enter the province without needing to self-isolate.
A development that’s sparking hope for the recovery of the province’s tourism industry in the midst of the pandemic, however, Donald suspects there still some hesitation when it comes to booking.
“Most of it has been internal so far, it’s almost like people are waiting to see what’s happening with all of the openings – and hopefully it will be strong out of the gate when school is done and summer hits," he says.
Starting Monday, all New Brunswickers are eligible to get their second dose of vaccine – as long as 28 days have passed since they received their first.
As of Sunday, 76.3 per cent of the eligible population has received a first dose and 18.7 per cent are fully vaccinated – climbing a full percentage point over Saturday.
“Over the past seven days, 76,837 appointments have been booked for clinics being hosted by either Vitalité or Horizon. This number does not include appointments made with pharmacies,” a statement from GNB department of Health spokesperson Gail Harding reads. “The number of appointments booked on Saturday was 7,070.”
This as the province urges more New Brunswickers to book their second dose, either through a participating pharmacy or at a clinic offered by the Vitalité Health Network or Horizon Health Network.
“We are going in the right direction, even if the percentage for the first dose is not climbing very fast, I think it’s going the right way” says Liberal health critic JC D’Amours. "We are closer and closer to 80 per cent and I'm very pleased to see that."
New Brunswick’s third and final stage of reopening is scheduled for August 2, but only if 75-percent of New Brunswickers aged 12 and older have received their second dose and are fully vaccinated.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Niagara Region 'proactively' declares state of emergency ahead of total solar eclipse
Niagara Region says it has declared a state of emergency 'out of an abundance of caution' as it prepares for an influx of visitors for next month’s total solar eclipse.
This historical tavern in Toronto is closing after nearly 200 years
An historic downtown Toronto bar is closing its doors next week after nearly 200 years in business.
Social media can alter children's brains and impact mental health: neuroscientist
Neuroscientist Emma Duerden says social media can alter children's brains and have negative impacts on their mental health.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Edmonton broadcasting giant Bruce Hogle dead at 95
An Edmonton broadcasting pioneer has passed away.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.