CBC – Wharves Article

The St. John River Society is restoring 13 historic public wharfs along the St. John River, thanks to a $970,000 grant from the Canada Community-Building Fund. These wharfs, once vital lifelines for riverside communities, are now getting much-needed repairs to preserve them for future generations. Sharon Cunningham, the Society’s president, recalls fond memories of these wharfs, which were central to community life, serving as hubs for swimming, fishing, and social gatherings.

The restoration work is being carried out by contractor Jarvis Ducey, who has a long history of working on these wharfs. The repairs include patching cracks in the concrete and replacing wooden beams, some of which require challenging installations from floating rafts. The Society emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of these wharfs, noting that if they were lost, they could never be replaced.

Cunningham also highlights the need for greater public awareness about these wharfs, many of which remain unknown to New Brunswickers despite their rich history. The Society hopes that by preserving these structures, they can continue to serve as cherished community spaces for future generations.

For the full article, visit the CBC News website here.