In 2013, the 400km portion of the St. John River in New Brunswick was designated a Canadian Heritage River. The St. John River Society was the leading organization seeking the designation and worked alongside the Provincial Department of Natural Resource to achieve the Canadian Heritage River designation.

The Canadian Heritage Rivers Secretariat, within Parks Canada is charged with nominating and designating rivers across Canada that fit the program’s criteria through physical, cultural or recreational values. There are two phases two designation: nomination and designation. Upon nomination in 2001, The Society began the process for eligibility as a designated Canadian Heritage River. 

In 2012, The Society sent the designation document to Ottawa for review. This document, entitled “The Road to Canada- A Heritage Strategy for the St. John River as a Canadian Heritage River” was developed over two years in partnership with organizations, communities, stakeholders and the public, and is the culmination of an 11 year effort on the part of The St. John River Society to have the St. John River designated as one of Canada’s most important rivers. In 2013, a public announcement by the Federal government marked the official designation of the St. John River as a Canadian Heritage River.

Please visit: www.chrs.ca for more information on the Canadian Heritage Rivers Program.