Imagine a winter wonderland where colorful, custom-built shacks dot the frozen landscape, creating a vibrant village that’s been a beloved tradition for decades. But what if this picturesque scene were suddenly erased? That’s exactly what’s happening in Rothesay, New Brunswick, where the town has decided to ban traditional ice-fishing shacks, leaving locals and enthusiasts divided. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the shacks—it’s about a clash between preserving tradition and addressing growing environmental concerns.
For years, the ice-fishing village on the Kennebecasis River has been a hub of activity, attracting anglers, tourists, and artists alike. Longtime fisherman Mike Donovan, who’s been part of this community for over 40 years, prefers the open-air approach, fishing from a lawn chair or pop-up tent. ‘It’s more social,’ he explains. ‘People come up and talk. You meet so many from all over—it’s amazing.’ Yet, even Donovan is disappointed by the town’s decision to install a gate, preventing vehicles from accessing the river and effectively ending the era of the iconic shacks.
But here’s where it gets controversial: The town’s move comes after years of battling abandoned shacks and piles of garbage left behind each spring. Deputy Mayor Matt Alexander laments, ‘We’ve tried working with ice fishers to keep the area clean, but it’s been an uphill battle.’ One shack last year became an impromptu garbage dump, filled with everything from trash to a hide-a-bed. ‘It’s unfortunate it had to come to this,’ Alexander adds.
Donovan acknowledges the problem but argues the town should collaborate with the fishing community and government agencies to find a middle ground. ‘Instead of punishing everyone for the actions of a few, why not hold the violators accountable?’ he suggests. Alexander agrees, hinting the town might reverse the ban if the fishing community takes an active role in maintaining the area. ‘We’re open to working with them,’ he says, ‘but there needs to be a shared responsibility.’
Meanwhile, businesses like Kennebecasis Ice Adventures are seeing a surge in pop-up tent rentals, but owner Jack Ross, an ice-fishing veteran, hopes for a resolution. ‘Hard shacks should still be part of the tradition,’ he says. Donovan fears the ban could lead to the decline of the winter village, as anglers might seek other locations rather than adapt to tents. ‘The shacks were a cultural icon,’ he reflects. ‘Tourists from Africa, Asia, and Europe loved them. It was like a living art gallery, with painters capturing their vibrant colors every year.’
Is this the end of an era, or a necessary step toward sustainability? The debate rages on, leaving us with a thought-provoking question: Can tradition and environmental stewardship coexist, or must one give way to the other? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take on this icy dilemma.
