Sandra Moon introduced our guest speaker Mr. Paul Gaudet, Manager for Interpretive Services for Hopewell Rocks.
Mr. Gaudet places a particular emphasis on education at the Hopewell Rocks. At the Interpretive centre, they have self-directed multi-media exhibits, which is an informative and essential enhancement to any visit. Through life-sized sculptures, colourful displays, videos and dioramas, you will learn about the Bay of Fundy geology, tides and wildlife, as well as other fascinating facts about the Fundy coastal area.
Interpretive panels on each of the viewing decks throughout the park help our visitors to better understand the unique Fundy ecosystems and the cultural history of Albert County...
The park had 185,000 visitors in 2013. The top site of 100 hectares was opened in 1998, and the park and centre have never lost any money since 1998. The park runs a multi-dimensional experience, with each contributing substantially to the overall operation of the park. The following is a summary of a number of the services annually:
- $2M annual operation
- Expanding gift shop in 2014, contributing approximately $0.75M annually.
- Restaurant and Café contributing $0.50M annually
- General Admission approximately $0.70M annually.
- Shuttle service approximately $0.090M annually.
- The Province purchased lands from private interests in 1958.
Future large expenditures planned will be the replacement of the access stairways to the Bay floor.
Paul explains the gravitational phenomenon of the moon and its effects on tides as the moon tracks in either an apogee or perigee. Paul’s explanation of the gravitational forces contributing to the massive tidal fluctuations in the Bay of Fundy with many recorded more than 45 feet of the tide.
Paul reviewed some of the fascinating photographs and videos experienced at Hopewell Rocks.
Time animated tide sequence, sandpipers in August, as well as the Peregrine Falcons, photographed at the Rocks. Together with Cape Rage, Fundy National Park and the Fundy Trail Parkway, they have been jointly marketing in partnership to assist in helping keep people in the area longer experiencing some of the best New Brunswick has to offer.
Rotarian Wendy Osborne thanked Paul Gaudet for his interesting discussion on Hopewell Rocks.