Grand-Bouctouche experiences significant expansion following its 2023 amalgamation, which boosted the population from 2,500 to over 5,600 residents. Last year, a 24-hour McDonald’s opened at the Highway 11 off-ramp, marking key development. This year, the community installs its first traffic light at the intersection of Rue Industrielle and Irving Boulevard, signaling continued progress.
Addressing Traffic Challenges
Daytime traffic congestion prompts the need for the signal, particularly near the highway off-ramp, Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, and Bouctouche Chrysler Dodge dealership. Mayor Aldéo Saulnier notes, “During the day, sometimes there’s a lot of traffic because it’s too much there.”
Town council commissioned a traffic study to determine the optimal location. Saulnier explains, “It’s not going to fix the whole problem, but it’s going to help the circulation of the traffic.” The installation occurs this summer as part of a larger $2.3 million project in the growing industrial district, which includes water and sewer line additions and straightening Rue Industrielle this spring.
Resident Support for the Change
Longtime residents welcome the traffic light. Giselle Savoie emphasizes its necessity during peak tourist season: “It’s really needed, for summer at least, because there’s more tourists.” She adds that drivers currently “have to keep an eye open, honestly.”
Denise McFadden, a lifelong resident, recalls a smaller town from her youth: “There used to be maybe one restaurant, apartment buildings didn’t exist. Where the Pizza Delight is right now, our house was there.” She anticipates improved flow during busy summers and states, “Oh, my God, we’ve been hoping for that for a long time. It gets pretty busy, but we love it.”
Balanced Growth Initiatives
Saulnier highlights upcoming developments, including 130 new housing units under construction and projections of 200 to 250 additional doors by year’s end. The town also adds two electric vehicle charging stations at a local hotel. “There’s a lot of development that’s going to happen in the industrial park, it’s coming very soon,” he says. Investors show strong interest in the area.
Despite enthusiasm, Saulnier advocates measured expansion: “We don’t want to go too fast here, we don’t want to be too fast like some areas around us.” McFadden agrees, saying, “To me, it’s big enough right now. It’s the place to live. I wouldn’t move anywhere else.” Bouctouche remains an attractive year-round destination, offering respite from urban hustle.
