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Council Strategic Plan
2023-2026
Prepared and facilitated by: Transitional Solutions Inc. (2021)
Updated by: Town of Grand Bay-Westfield (2023)
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Table of Contents
Message from the Mayor
3
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council
4
History
5
Vision/Mission/Mandate/Values
6
Strategic Priorities
7
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Message from the Mayor
On behalf of Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council, I am pleased to present the
2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
On January 1, 2023, as part of the provincial local governance reform process, the
new local government of Grand Bay-Westfield was formed. It includes the former
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield (Ward 1) and a portion of the former Local Service
District of Westfield West focused on areas along Brittan and Campbell Roads
(Ward 2).
This Plan was originally adopted by Council in 2021, and has been updated in 2023.
This update includes input from Town Council, including the new Ward 2 Councillor.
This Plan includes the following key aspects of Council:
Vision;
Mission;
Mandate;
Values; and
Strategic Priorities.
I would like extend appreciation to Town staff for their daily commitment and
dedication to delivering services and initiatives, which align with these key aspects of
Council.
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council remains committed to this Plan, as a roadmap
to a vibrant future as Neighbours by Nature.
Thank you, for taking the time to read our Strategic Plan.
Sincerely,
Mayor Brittany Merrifield
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Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council is composed of:
Mayor Brittany Merrifield
Deputy Mayor Erin M. Toole
Councillor Jim Balcomb
Councillor John Balemans
Councillor Keri Burpee
Councillor Beverley Day
Councillor Stephanie
McIntosh Lawrence
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History
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council
We respectfully acknowledge that Grand Bay-Westfield exists on the traditional
Wolastoqey (WOOL-US-TOOK-WAY) land. The lands of Wabanaki (WAH-BAH-NAH-
KEE) people are recognized in a series of Peace and Friendship Treaties to establish
an ongoing relationship of peace, friendship and mutual respect between equal
nations. The river that runs by our town is known as Wolastoq (WOOL-LUSS-TOOK),
along which live Wolastoqiyik (WOOL-US-TOO-GWEEG) - the people of the beautiful
and bountiful river. We, the staff and elected representatives, pay respect to the
elders, past and present, and descendants of this land.
Following Champlain's arrival in 1604, the area became part of the French colony of
Acadia but in 1758 conflict between French and English caused the entire area
eventually to fall to the English in 1759. In 1784, both Black and White Loyalists arrived
to settle the area and were given land grants. Many of the local families can trace their
roots back to the Loyalists. The town has a rich and interesting history.
On January 1, 2023, as part of the provincial local governance reform process, the
new local government of Grand Bay-Westfield was formed. It includes the former
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield (Ward 1) and a portion of the former Local Service District
of Westfield West focused on areas along Brittain and Campbell Roads
(Ward 2).
Grand Bay-Westfield is located in southwestern New Brunswick along the River Valley
Scenic Drive, one of the provincially designated scenic routes, and is home to a
community of approximately 5,900 residents. Many residents of Grand Bay-Westfield
find employment in Saint John; many are tradespeople who work at the Point Lepreau
Nuclear Generating Station, or the Colson Cove Generating Station, as well as various
J.D. Irving, Limited pulp and paper factories and the Moosehead Brewery - all located on
the west side of the city.
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Vision
A welcoming place for all to live, grow and thrive.
Mission
Facilitating growth, wellness, and prosperity through effective and forward-thinking
leadership.
Mandate
Facilitating balanced growth by:
Encouraging population growth;
Enhancing our organizational capacity;
Establishing proactive infrastructure sustainability processes;
Furthering climate change adaptation work, and
Prioritizing community vitality.
Values
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Strategic Priority: Smart Growth
Key Tasks
- Advocate for the Province to enhance educational facilities and to partner for multi-
purpose uses.
- Attract and retain families from across Canada and the world.
- Partner with relevant agencies to encourage international immigrants to relocate to
Grand Bay-Westfield.
- Attract developers to build a diversity of housing options.
- Work towards a more diverse tax base that supports the conveniences and amenities
needed by our residents.
Strategic Priority: Organizational Capacity
Key Tasks
- Ensure Council processes and decisions are communicated clearly and timely to
residents.
- Advocate with the Province about local governance reform.
- Provision of relevant and timely financial information to inform decision making.
Strategic Priority: Infrastructure and Climate Adaptation
Key Tasks
- Review the Asset Management Plan with emphasis on life cycle planning.
- Ensure the Town's ground water is sustainable.
- Determine a carbon neutral master plan in conjunction with the Town's Climate
Change Action Plan.
Strategic Priority: Community Vitality
Key Tasks
- Implement the comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
- Become a centre of wellness with a diversity of health professionals.