Introduction
"'Riverview'" is a town located on the southern side of the Petitcodiac River which is opposite the city of Moncton. The town is located in Albert County in south-eastern New Brunswick. At the 2000 census it had a population of just over 17,000 people. Today, because of a rapid increase in housing developments, etc., its population has grown, but no numbers have yet been published. Riverview covers 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 a three lane causway, and by the two-lane Gunningsvill Bridge .
A new bridge, being constructed parralell to the current one (and less than a quarter kilometer to the west) is currently under construction. It is expected to be completed in 2007?. Current plans will see the old bridge demolished upon completion of the much wider, and newer span.
The Causeway Controversy
The 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 end of the Bay of Fundy, enjoyed an impressive tidal bore. However, after the construction of the causeway, silt gradualy began to fill in much of the river. The once large wave is now barely a few inches in height, though it is still a somewhat popular tourist attraction.
The controversy revolves primarily around Lake Petitcodiac . This body of water was formed by 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 gradualy return the river to the way it once was. Other groups dispute this claim, and want to see the gates remaine closed, because opening the gates would drain the lake. This would then likely lower the land value of current lakeside property.
A landfill was also constructed on the Moncton side of the river, and there is some concern that dangerous substances could potentialy leach into the river, especialy 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
- Gunningsvil Bridge
- Dobson Trail
External links
