News Release

HOPEWELL HILL (GNB) – Broadleaf Guest Ranch, a year-round tourism operator in Hopewell Hill, is undergoing a major upgrade with support from the provincial and federal governments.

“Your government is focused on job creation and economic growth,” said Moncton East MLA Monique LeBlanc. “Broadleaf Guest Ranch has been a pillar for tourism in southeast New Brunswick for decades, and we are pleased to support the business’s exciting new growth and the new jobs that will come with it.”

LeBlanc attended for Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB.

Upgrades will include the addition of six “glamping” pods, offering visitors a popular new style of camping; new water and washroom facilities; new water adventure equipment; and improvements to road and water systems. These and other upgrades will allow the ranch to welcome more guests and create more jobs.

The provincial government, through Opportunities NB, is investing $45,324 in the improvements, which total $661,236. This investment will also support the creation of two new full-time jobs and generate an estimated $115,936 toward the province’s GDP annually.

The federal government is providing $166,750 for the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Business Development Program.

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry is fully prepared to take advantage of growth opportunities offered by emerging markets and new tourism products and experiences, positioning the region as a global leader in this competitive industry,” said federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also the minister responsible for ACOA. “Investment in the Broadleaf Guest Ranch reflects our government’s commitment to helping fuel economic growth in rural communities throughout Atlantic Canada.”

The ranch has roots dating back to 1953. Today, it is a 445-hectare (1,100-acre), family-owned and -operated adventure business, employing 32 people through full-time and seasonal jobs.

“Our family has worked very hard for over 50 years and three generations to build Broadleaf Guest Ranch into an authentic destination that meets the needs of our clients,” said ranch CEO Wendy Hudson. “We are convinced the time for growth is now, and we are committed to taking Broadleaf Guest Ranch to the next level. We are very appreciative of the partnership and support of federal and provincial governments through ACOA and Opportunities NB as we move our business forward. This funding will assist us in creating new and unique accommodations and experiences. These efforts, like those of other local businesses, will help to attract more visitors to the Fundy region for longer stays, year-round.”

This investment, in supporting a New Brunswick business in its growth, aligns with the provincial government’s new Tourism Growth Strategy.

“Product and experience innovation is a cornerstone of the New Brunswick Tourism Growth Strategy,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames. “Broadleaf Guest Ranch’s ability to bring this unique, competitive product to market is a perfect example of the entrepreneurial spirit that is driving tourism to new heights in our province. Broadleaf Guest Ranch is a pioneer tourism operator, and we are proud supporters of this initiative and look forward to the many ways in which glamping pods will add to the overall guest experience at Broadleaf and along the Fundy Coastal Drive.”

The New Brunswick Tourism Growth Strategy will invest $100 million in tourism over the next five years, with a goal of growing tourism-related GDP to $2 billion by 2025. Tourism has been identified as a key opportunity for growth in the New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan. Tourism visitor spending is estimated at $1.3 billion, making it the third-largest service sector in the province.

Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs. It provides support services for businesses across the province.