Hon. Nancy J. Hartling: Honourable senators, today I rise to pay tribute to the town of Riverview, New Brunswick, celebrating 50 years.

On July 18, 1973, the three villages of Bridgedale, Gunningsville and Riverview Heights became one town. A resolution to name the new municipality of Riverview was passed and, voilà, a great town was born with the motto “A Great Place to Grow.”

I am very proud to be a long-time resident of over 50 years, though I’m not the first senator to hail from Riverview; I am following in the footsteps of the Honourable Brenda Robertson.

Let me tell you more about our town. It’s located on the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people, in the heart of Atlantic Canada. The Acadian forest is in our backyard, the city of Moncton across the river, and the Roméo LeBlanc International Airport just 15 minutes away.

There are many special attractions which are close, like the Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, the beautiful beaches in Shediac, and we are just 70 minutes to P.E.I. and 40 minutes to Nova Scotia.

We don’t know many couch potatoes living in our town with so many opportunities to be active, including the Mill Creek Nature Park, for walking, biking and skiing, and the Dobson Trail, which goes all the way to Fundy Park, which is just a 58‑kilometre hike.

There is also — along the beautiful Petitcodiac River, which connects us to Moncton — a nice trail. In fact, folks come from around the world to surf on the tidal bore that makes its way up the river twice a day.

The Petitcodiac River is part of a unique ecosystem that, for years, was the lifeblood of the surrounding area and home to many marine species. Recently, a new bridge was built — to replace the causeway — that now allows the tidal waters to flow naturally in order to restore the marine ecology. It’s the gateway to the Upper Bay of Fundy region — home of the Hopewell Rocks and the Fundy National Park.

Originally, the Mi’kmaq people lived along the Petitcodiac River, and then the Acadians and the Dutch settlers arrived later. Today, our population is about 22,000 with a mixture of young families and seniors, and an increase in multicultural families. We have all of the amenities: schools, libraries, parks, rinks, state-of-the-art fire stations, seniors’ facilities, shopping and restaurants.

Riverview has one of the lowest tax rates in the region which makes it very attractive. Recently, funding was secured for a long-awaited recreational complex located at Mill Creek Nature Park that will include two pools and an indoor field house for sports and community functions, along with a cafe and a restaurant.

Many celebrations are taking place to mark the fiftieth anniversary, including festivals, art shows, concerts and pancake breakfasts. Every weekend, our town offers a variety of activities. A special congratulations to our Mayor Andrew LeBlanc and the council for all of the great things that are happening in Riverview, and for providing us with a well-designed website with important up-to-date information.

Home is where you feel most comfortable and a part of something. I have enjoyed raising my family here. I am looking forward to going home this summer to join in the fiftieth anniversary celebrations. If any of you, dear colleagues, would like to visit New Brunswick and especially Riverview, I would be pleased to welcome you.

Thanks to all those who have worked hard to make Riverview great. Congratulations.