Rule changes for the use of Larry’s Gulch, N.B. fishing lodge

FREDERICTON – The New Brunswick government is changing the policy governing the use of Larry’s Gulch, the provincially owned fishing lodge.

Until now, government departments could reserve time at the lodge on the Restigouche River on a first-come, first-served basis for meetings and other functions.

Tourism Minister Bill Fraser says booking priority will now be given to private sector groups in order to maximize revenues.

Fraser also says applications for government use must show the trips to the lodge will lead to job creation, improve the economy or foster partnerships with other governments.

He says the government began working on the changes weeks before the departure of two editors of the Moncton Times and Transcript, one of whom was alleged to have visited the lodge and not tell the newspaper about it.

The newspaper’s ombudswoman alleged in a column Monday that both editors sought to have the guest list altered so that the name of the person who went there would be removed.

Fraser says management of the lodge will be transferred from his department to the Economic Development Department.