The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield are making some much needed updates to its Municipal Plan, and are looking for public input.
Colin Simic, a community planner with the town, says the plan will guide everything from land development, residential and commercial uses, and uses related to protection of land itself.
“It’s really touching upon all aspects of the town,” he explained in an interview.
“Understanding that climate change is an issue, and as the Town evolves, so will some of the regulations and rules and guidance’s,” he said.
Grand Bay Westfield’s current plan hasn’t been updated since 2009, and while it has served the town well, it’s time for a review, explains the town in a release.
Provisions to New Brunswick’s Community Planning Act also prompted the review.
The updated plan will provide better direction and guidance for the town over the next ten years, especially when it comes to growth and development.
“The municipal plan bylaw provides guidance for how housing should be developed, in what areas of town commercial development should take place, what type of services should be implemented,” he said.
Simic says the priorities for the plan updates haven’t been solidified yet. They want the public to really guide this process, which will mean lots of public meetings and engagement.
“We’re looking to have the engagement throughout the summer and into the fall, and have a finalized document by the end of 2019 so that we can hopefully send it off to the public for final review and then finally the Minister for the early half of 2020,” he said.
They will be holding a public meeting on July 24th at the Brundage Point River Centre.
“We’re hoping to make the engagement session a little bit interactive so there will be some activities, and possibly a small mapping exercise to help inform the town staff of what areas of concern are really at the forefront for town residents,” he said.
There will be both an afternoon and an evening session, from 12 PM to 3 PM, and 5 PM to 8 PM.
A public engagement survey is also available online.
