Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick
· adopted 2023-10-10
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Municipal Plan By-law No. PD-008
October 3, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................ 4
SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 5
2.1
PREFACE .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.2
HOW TO READ THE PLAN ............................................................................................. 5
2.3
ENGAGEMENT RESULTS ............................................................................................... 6
2.4
ENGAGEMENT RESULTS: MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY CHANGE ............................... 6
2.5
MUNICIPAL PLAN VISION ............................................................................................. 7
2.6
PLAN OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................................... 7
SECTION 3: LAND USE ............................................................................................. 8
FUTURE LAND USE ........................................................................................................ 8
INTENSIFICATION AREAS ............................................................................................. 9
3.2.3
Industrial Intensification Areas ................................................................................................10
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ..........................................................................................10
SECTION 4: HOUSING ............................................................................................ 16
4.2
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY ......................................................................................... 17
SECTION 5: COMMERCIAL & MIXED USE NODES ................................................ 18
SECTION 6: RURAL ................................................................................................ 19
SECTION 7: INDUSTRY ........................................................................................... 20
SECTION 9: PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE .................................................. 22
SECTION 12: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ............................................................ 27
SECTION 13: ARTS & CULTURE .............................................................................. 28
SECTION 14: IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................ 29
SECTION 15: CAPITAL BUDGET ............................................................................. 30
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
SECTION 1: ADMINISTRATION
This Municipal Plan has been prepared in accordance with the New Brunswick
Community Planning Act, SNB 2017, c. 19 (the "CPA"). The CPA requires
municipalities to prepare a Municipal Plan to guide decisions affecting land use.
Section 27 of the CPA explains that the adoption of a Municipal Plan does not
commit a municipality or the Province to undertake a proposal outlined in the plan
but prevents the undertaking of a development in any manner inconsistent with a
proposal or policy outlined or suggested in the Municipal Plan.
A Municipal Plan is a living document and may be amended from time to time as
determined to be appropriate by Town Council. The Municipal Plan is implemented
through actioning the policies that lie within and through the Zoning and
Subdivision Bylaws. Should a conflict exist between the Municipal Plan and the
Zoning or Subdivision Bylaw, the Municipal Plan prevails.
1.1
MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY CHANGE
The municipal boundary of the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield was expanded on
January 1, 2023, as a result of the Province of New Brunswick's Local Governance
Reform initiative. The Town's Municipal Plan was amended to provide for the
updated municipal boundary and to ensure appropriate consideration of the new
extents of the Town. Text amendments are noted throughout this document by the
following subscript: October, 2023
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SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION
2.1
PREFACE
The following document represents an extensive review and update of the Town of
Grand Bay-Westfield's (the Town) 2019 Municipal Plan. The Municipal Plan (the Plan)
that follows is the culmination of extensive public and stakeholder engagement,
best practice review, and conditions analysis. The results are a guiding policy
document which will enable Council to make sound and representative decisions
affecting development and growth in the Town over the next 10 years.
2.2 HOW TO READ THE PLAN
The Plan can be read in sequential order, from start to finish or readers can seek
out information by section. The Plan is presented in the following sections for ease
of reading:
Section 1: Administration
This section explains the legislative framework which requires the Town to have a
Municipal Plan and the sections under which the Plan is adopted.
Section 2: Introduction
This section provides an explanation of the Plan process including engagement
results. The Town's vision is articulated followed by the objectives by which the
Town Council intends to achieve the vision.
Section 3: Land Use
This section presents the Town's land use designations and explains the intent
behind each designation. Intensification areas are introduced in this section as an
additional implementation tool for Council to encourage the type of development
that will realize the community's vision.
Sections 4 - 13: General Policy Sections
These sections provide broad direction for key areas of interest to the Town.
Housing, commercial and industrial development, recreation, climate change
adaptation, land use in rural areas, and culture are among the topics addressed in
these sections.
Section 14: Implementation
This section provides the framework by which the Plan will be enforced. Direction
is provided to keep the Plan up to date and encourage adherence to the Plan over
time.
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Section 15: Capital Budget
A template is provided for integrating the Plan into Capital Budget development.
2.3 ENGAGEMENT RESULTS
Community engagement took place between June and December of 2019. The
Town used online surveys, social media, public open houses, and focus groups to
reach residents, business and property owners, and other stakeholders. An analysis
of the feedback received led to the identification of the following key interest points
which provide the foundation of this Plan.
1. The desire for more permissive residential land uses to allow for a diversity
of housing typologies to respond to changing demographics;
2. The desire to increase the provision of goods and services through
incentives and permissive commercial and mixed land use policies in the
areas serviced by Colonel Nase Boulevard;
3. The desire to be more permissive to land uses, such as home occupations,
agricultural, and forestry uses, that are appropriate for larger rural lots, in
unserviced residential areas;
4. The desire to increase the resiliency of the community to the effects of our
changing climate;
5. The desire to increase the provision of passive recreational uses, such as
parks, trails and open spaces;
6. To address street hierarchy and street development standards through the
Town; and
7. To allow recreational land uses in the unserviced areas of the Town,
particularly west of Highway 7, including un-serviced seasonal dwellings.
October, 2023
2.4 ENGAGEMENT RESULTS: MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY CHANGE
The Town undertook community engagement as part of the Municipal Plan
amendment that was initiated as part of the Municipal Boundary change resulting
from the Province's Local Governance Reform initiative. This round of community
engagement took place between February 3 and March 6, 2023 and included an
online survey and public open house. The community engagement activities sought
to understand and quantify any changes in the community's values or priorities. Key
interest points raised from this round of engagement included:
1. Housing affordability and accessibility;
2. Access to employment opportunities; and
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3. Maintaining rural character. October, 2023
2.5 MUNICIPAL PLAN VISION
A direction for the Town's approach to fostering community and managing land use
was created using the public feedback collected throughout the engagement
phase of this Plan. The Town's Municipal Plan vision has been created in tandem
with the Town's overall vision; ensuring focused intent on providing a good quality
of life for residents and a positive environment for business, are consistent priorities
throughout the Town's strategic documents.
The Town's vision and intention for this Plan is: A welcoming place for all to live,
grow and thrive.
2.6 PLAN OBJECTIVES
A series of objectives were developed to achieve the Town's vision. These
objectives act as guiding principles for the Plan. They articulate the steps that, if
accomplished collectively, will create the Town described in the vision above.
The objectives of this Plan are:
1.
To encourage land use density in areas with municipal services;
2.
To provide opportunity for dense, mixed-use development in
appropriate areas;
3.
To encourage a thoughtful and contextually appropriate mix of housing
types throughout the Town that provides for a broader range of the
population, including seniors, renters, and young families;
4.
To provide a framework for adapting to a changing climate and
conserving environmentally sensitive and valuable lands;
5.
To provide strategic direction for highway commercial and industrial
development;
6.
To support the development of recreation facilities, and public open
spaces, that will meet the needs of current and future residents;
7.
To provide adequate services to promote growth in the Town; and
8.
To provide the framework for the efficient movement of people, goods,
and services through the Town.
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SECTION 3: LAND USE
The following sub-sections detail the use of lands within the Town including
projected future land use.
The land use designations within the Town delineated on the Future Land Use Map
in Schedule A are:
- Stable Residential
- Rural Residential
- Commercial Corridor
- Mixed Commercial
- Rural
- Industry
- Environmental Protection
- Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Intensification Areas are introduced to
incentivize development in areas with infrastructure supportive of targeted growth.
Residential Intensification Areas delineate serviced lands with significant
opportunities for infill development and an increased diversity of housing types.
Commercial Intensification Areas focus on increasing commercial and mixed-use
development in areas like Colonel Nase Boulevard. Industrial Intensification Areas
target underutilized lands appropriate for industrial development, including
resource development, light industrial uses, processing, and manufacturing.
Together, these intensification areas will push the Town towards sustainable
growth over the lifetime of the Plan.
FUTURE LAND USE
Defining Future Land Uses for all lands in the Town that responds to the
Community's desired vision adds clarity to developers, property owners, residents,
business owners and potential investors. The Town's Future Land Uses are
provided through land use designations within the Future Land Use Map (Schedule
A). The Future Land Use Map provides a reasonable framework for how the Town
will grow and evolve throughout the lifetime of the Plan.
LU 1: Council shall adopt the Future Land Use Map (Schedule A) to direct future
development that supports the Town's vision for the community.
LU-2: Council shall consider schools, churches, and other community use facilities
as appropriate in any land use designation and shall provide for their appropriate
siting through provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.
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INTENSIFICATION AREAS
Intensification areas maximize the use of existing services and create a foundation
for sustainable growth. The intensification areas serve to direct new development
to targeted areas where existing infrastructure can support increased development.
LU-3: Council shall adopt the Future Land Use Map (Schedule A) which includes the
Intensification Areas to guide sustainable growth within the Town.
3.2.1 Residential Intensification Areas
The Residential Intensification Areas were chosen based on where the pockets of
serviced residential development currently exist within the Town. These areas are
suited for smaller lot development and support increased infill development and
more dense housing types like multi-unit buildings, townhouses, row houses, and
garden homes. Residential Intensification Areas will generally include lands in the
Stable Residential land use designation as described in Section 3.3.1.1 of this Plan.
LU-4: Council shall use the Residential Intensification Area as a spatial guide for
residential growth; encouraging and prioritizing the development of lands within
serviced areas.
LU-5: Council shall encourage the infilling of serviced lands in established
residential areas through appropriate land use zoning provisions in the Zoning
Bylaw.
3.2.2 Commercial Intensification Areas
The Commercial Intensification Areas represent existing commercial nodes and
areas that could support additional commercial density. These areas are generally
well connected to Highway 7, Colonel Nase Boulevard, or River Valley Drive,
providing ease of accessibility for the majority of residents and visitors. The
commercial intensification areas consider the quality of infrastructure like roads,
trails, and sidewalks. Although sanitary sewer infrastructure may exist in some of
these areas, it is not a requirement for commercial intensification and on sites where
shared well and septic services are expected from future development.
The commercial intensification areas can also support higher density residential
uses, specifically larger multi-unit buildings like apartment and condo buildings and
senior residential complexes. These areas can also support institutional uses like
schools, recreational facilities, and health care facilities.
LU-6: Council shall use the Commercial Intensification Area as a spatial guide for
commercial growth, encouraging and prioritizing the development of lands around
Colonel Nase Boulevard.
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LU-7: Council shall encourage an appropriate mix of commercial, residential, and
institutional land uses through appropriate land use zoning provisions in the Zoning
Bylaw.
3.2.3 Industrial Intensification Areas
The Industrial Intensification Area targets unserviced lands easily accessed from
Highway 7 for land uses typically classified as light industrial. The intent of this
intensification area is to provide spatial provisions for industrial uses, currently not
permitted in the Town, as well as respond to new and emerging industries, such as
alternative energy development, cannabis production, hydroponic agriculture. It
also ensures provisions exist for the Town to increase its tax base through non-
offensive, industrial developments, such as business parks, storage facilities, and
manufacturing. The area identified provides good access to Highway 7 via the
Highland Road/ Colonel Nase Boulevard Interchange.
LU-8: Council shall use the Industrial Intensification Area as a spatial guide for
industry growth; encouraging and prioritizing development of lands in the western
end of Highland Road, accessible by the Highway 7/ Colonel Nase Boulevard
interchange.
LU-9: Council shall encourage an appropriate mix of industrial uses through
appropriate land use zoning provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.
LU-10: Council shall further study the feasibility of industrial land development in
the intensification area by completing a Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Business Park
Functional Plan.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The following sections describe the intent of the land use designations found on
the Future Land Use Map in Schedule A. These designations describe existing land
use and also consider the siting of future land uses. These designations are
reflective of the existing character of the Town while accounting for the growth
potential articulated in the Town's vision.
3.3.1 Residential
3.3.1.1 Stable Residential
The Stable Residential land use designation is applied to the Town's existing
serviced residential areas and generally within a Residential Intensification Area.
Other areas, such as denser residential developments in the unserviced areas will
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also be applied to this designation, to prevent rural uses intended for lots larger
than one acre. These areas are of a primarily medium density residential pattern on
both public and private street networks. The most common housing type in these
areas are single family dwellings. It is expected that these areas will evolve over
time to include more housing types including townhouses, row houses, and multi-
unit buildings particularly on the periphery of established neighbourhoods.
LU-11: Council shall create the Stable Residential designation on the Future Land
Use Map (Schedule A) and by doing so encourage new residential development to
be respectful of the neighbourhood character of the area.
LU-12: Council shall provide for a mix of residential housing types in the Stable
Residential land use designation through appropriate land use provisions in the
Zoning Bylaw.
LU-13: Council shall, where possible, providing for increasingly dense housing
types closer to main entrances to neighbourhoods and serviced directly by an
arterial road.
LU-14: Council shall provide for appropriate neighbourhood commercial uses within
the stable residential designation through provisions in the Zoning By-law.
LU-15: When considering locations for new, appropriate neighbourhood
commercial uses within the stable residential area, Council shall:
a. Consider impacts to adjacent land uses and neighbourhood context;
and
b. Allow neighbourhood commercial uses on arterial roads.
3.3.1.2 Rural Residential
The Rural Residential land use designation is applied to un-serviced lands that have
an existing, larger lot development pattern of typically single-family dwellings or
those areas that would be appropriate for such development. The larger rural lots
provide residents with flexibility with respect to lot development, allowing for
compatible commercial home occupation uses.
LU-16: Council shall create the Rural Residential designation on the Future Land
Use Map (Schedule A) and by doing so create areas where larger lot, un-serviced
development is appropriate and compatible with the surrounding development
pattern.
LU-17: Should a denser pattern of development be proposed within the Rural
Residential designation and outside of the Residential Intensification Area, Council
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shall require an amendment to the Town's Municipal Plan. In amending the
Municipal Plan, Council shall:
a. Consider if it is feasible to connect the development to available
municipal services;
b. If a new road is proposed, require that road to be built to the Town's
standards and be vested with the Town upon completion;
c. Consider impacts to adjacent land uses and neighbourhood context
d. Consider impacts to the existing transportation network in the
immediate area.
LU-18: Council shall provide for a mix of residential housing types and compatible
commercial uses, such as neighbourhood commercial uses, through appropriate
land use provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.
LU-19: Council shall provide more permissive rural uses, including accessory uses
and structures that are compatible given the rural context, such as agricultural and
forestry uses through appropriate land use provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.
3.3.2
Commercial
3.3.2.1 Commercial Corridor
The Commercial Corridor designation is applied primarily to areas with an existing
mix of commercial and residential uses. Areas along River Valley Drive have
evolved over time to have a mixed development pattern. Residential dwellings
converted entirely or in part to commercial office or retail use is a sign of growth
and change within the community. It is important to provide a transition between
these diverse uses to the more homogenous residential and commercial areas to
ensure uses remain compatible. Commercial Corridor designation provides a
defined area for the adaptive reuse of existing buildings and provides the
foundation for residential, commercial, and institutional uses to operate in harmony.
LU-20: Council shall create the Corridor Commercial designation on the Future
Land Use Map (Schedule A) and by doing so define an area where commercial,
residential, and institutional uses coexist.
LU-21: Council shall provide for a mix of commercial, residential, and institutional
uses through appropriate land use provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.
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3.3.2.2 Mixed Commercial
The Mixed Commercial designation is applied to greenfield areas accessible from
Highway 7's on and off ramps, serviced by Colonel Nase Boulevard. The intention
of the designation is to provide services to the traveling public in addition to the
Town's residents. This area may also be appropriate for higher density residential
uses, recreational facility uses, and institutional uses.
LU-22: Council shall create the Mixed Commercial designation on the Future Land
Use Map (Schedule A) with the dual intention of providing typical highway
commercial uses adjacent to Highway 7 and transitioning to uses that would
support a complete complement of services for Town residents.
LU-23: Council shall provide for a mix of higher density residential, commercial,
institutional, and recreational uses through appropriate land use provisions in the
Zoning Bylaw.
3.3.3
Rural
The Rural designation is applied to the Town's undeveloped, unserviced lands.
These areas have no public infrastructure and there are no immediate plans or
intentions to provide services of any kind to these areas. These areas are primarily
forested but may include agricultural lands or areas of environmental significance
like wetlands. Seasonal dwellings are considered compatible with the intent of the
Rural designation but will not be serviced in any capacity.
LU-24: Council shall create the Rural designation on the Future Land Use Map
(Schedule A) with the intention of preserving the Town's undeveloped lands. Areas
within the Rural designation are to remain primarily in their natural forested state
however the designation may include agricultural lands, and areas of environmental
significance such as wetlands.
LU-25: Council shall provide for seasonal dwellings within the Rural designation
however will refrain from providing public infrastructure of any kind to these areas.
LU-26: Council shall provide for an appropriate mix of low impact uses compatible
with undeveloped, unserviced lands through appropriate land use provisions in the
Zoning Bylaw.
LU-27: Council shall explore the creation of a classification framework for allowing
different road standards throughout the Town, but specifically for private access
roads to the unserviced lands West of Highway 7.
3.3.4
Industry
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The Industry designation is applied to lands which support existing industrial uses
and would support an increased variety of industrial uses in the future. A range of
more intense uses are likely to cause disruption to residential quality of life like pit
and quarry uses, some manufacturing uses, and materials storage would be
appropriate in these areas.
LU-28: Council shall create the Industrial designation on the Future Land Use Map
(Schedule A) with the intention of appropriately siting more intense land uses.
LU-29: Council shall provide for an appropriate range of industrial, generally more
intensive land uses through appropriate land use provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.
LU-30: Council shall encourage the remediation of dormant pit and quarry
operations to meet the intention of the Environmental Protection designation.
These lands may be redesignated from Industrial to Environmental Protection at
Council's discretion.
3.3.5
Environmental Protection
The Environmental Protection designation is applied to areas of environmental
significance like wetlands, riverbanks, nature reserves like Blueberry Hill Nature
Preserve, and areas that have been identified as being above substantial ground
water reserves. In the interest of protecting future drinking water supplies, areas
identified in the 2004 Water Study as potential well fields have been designated as
Environmental Protection. Limiting the intensity of the land uses in these areas will
ensure the preservation of future resources and will help enable adaptive strategies
to the changing climate.
LU-31: Council shall create the Environmental Protection designation on the Future
Land Use Map (Schedule A) with the intention of protecting areas of environmental
significance including but not limited to wetlands, riverbanks, waterbodies, and well
fields and other drinking water sources.
LU-32: Council shall provide for an appropriate mix of passive land uses through
appropriate land use provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.
3.3.6
Parks, Recreation & Open Space
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space designation is applied to lands within the
Town that provide the public with amenity space as well as those lands that are
suitable for increased recreational use in the future. The intention of this
designation is to preserve existing parks and recreational facilities and designate
open spaces which may be appropriate for future parks or recreational facility
development. Areas around the River Valley Community Centre, Westfield Golf &
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Country Club, and Unity Park are examples of lands that fit into the intention of the
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space designation.
LU-33: Council shall create the Parks, Recreation, & Open Space designation on
the Future Land Use Map (Schedule A) with the intention of identifying existing
recreational amenities like parks and recreational facilities and preserving open
spaces that could provide for more of these uses in the future.
LU-34: Council shall provide for an appropriate mix of uses compatible with parks,
a variety of recreational uses, and uses compatible with the preservation of open
space through appropriate land use provisions in the Zoning Bylaw
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SECTION 4: HOUSING
4.1 HOUSING TYPOLOGIES
Single family dwellings dominate the residential character of the Town. More
diversity in housing types is needed to accommodate ageing in place and also to
attract new populations to the Town. Moderate increases in residential density can
be accommodated at the edges of established neighbourhoods; creating limited
impact to residents resulting from increased vehicle traffic. Higher density
residential developments including apartment and condo buildings and larger
retirement living facilities can be accommodated closer to commercial areas where
access to the highway and larger parking pads can be more readily accommodated.
Lower density, larger lot residential development is accommodated outside of the
Residential Intensification Areas. It is expected this pattern of development will
remain single family and will accommodate agricultural uses as defined in the
Zoning Bylaw. Generally, as residential density decreases, the allowances for
agricultural and home occupation uses become more permissive.
H-1: Council shall encourage the development of townhouses, row houses, and
multi-unit developments in the Residential Intensification Areas as defined in the
Future Land Use Map in Schedule A.
H-2: Council shall encourage the development of multi-unit buildings closer to the
entrances and edges of neighbourhoods to provide increases in density with
minimal impact to the established residential character and minimize vehicle traffic
on local streets.
H-3: Through the Zoning Bylaw, Council shall identify areas where single family
dwelling conversion to multi-unit dwelling would be appropriate and provide
direction for these conversions through zoning standards.
H-4: Through the Zoning Bylaw, Council shall identify areas where supportive care
facilities would be appropriate.
H-5: Council shall create guidelines and standards in the Zoning Bylaw which
provide for the development of secondary and garden suites in all residential areas
of the Town to allow for multi-generational living and ageing in place.
H-6: Council shall encourage, through appropriate provisions in the Zoning Bylaw,
residential uses, agricultural uses, and more intensive home occupations to occupy
the same lot in areas designated Rural Residential in the Future Land Use Map as
defined in Schedule A.
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4.2
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Accessing affordable housing is a critical concern of the community. Affordable
housing, for the purposes of this policy section, is defined in keeping with the
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's definition which considers housing
affordable when a household spends less than 30 percent of its pre-tax income on
adequate shelter. Affordable housing encompasses both government subsidized
and non-subsidized housing. Although there are limited tools available at the
municipal level to incentivize the development of affordable housing, the Town will
continue facilitate a clear development process to ensure it continues to build its
reputation as a welcoming place to develop.
H-7: Council shall advocate for increased funding opportunities to incentivize
housing.
H-8: Council shall continue to explore building relationships with non-profit housing
entities within the region.
H-9: Council shall advocate for additional tools to incentivize the development of a
variety of housing types.
H-10: Council shall explore the development of an affordable housing strategy or
action plan.
H-11: Council shall regularly evaluate and explore opportunities to update its
development process. October, 2023
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SECTION 5: COMMERCIAL & MIXED USE NODES
As the Town grows, the demand for goods and services will increase. To foster a
complete community, one that serves all residents, business and landowners, and
visitors, the Town will encourage the mixing of commercial, residential, and
institutional uses where appropriate and where existing infrastructure can
accommodate increased intensity of uses. The Town will continue to allow sections
of River Valley Drive to evolve as a mixed use corridor; promoting local
entrepreneurship and live-work uses to enhance the Town's rural character and
feel. Colonel Nase Boulevard will be the site of targeted development through the
implementation of the Commercial Intensification Area. This area can support
substantial mixed-use development including increasingly dense residential
development, larger format retail, and services associated with highway travel
including fast food and service stations.
CM-1: Council shall encourage an increased mix and density of land uses through
the Commercial Intensification Areas as defined in the Future Land Use Map in
Schedule A.
CM-2: Council shall encourage an appropriate mix of commercial, residential, and
institutional uses along River Valley Drive through provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.
The mix of uses should ensure the traditional rural character of the Town is
maintained and enhanced while providing for a transition to more uniform
residential and commercial areas.
CM-3: Council shall encourage more intense and dense land uses along Colonel
Nase Boulevard with the intention of creating a mixed use, complete
neighbourhood. An appropriate mix of land uses will be provided through the
Zoning Bylaw.
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SECTION 6: RURAL
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield has a large, unserviced land mass, consisting of
large lots with limited access to the Town's transportation network. West of Highway
7 are seasonal dwellings located on lakes such as Robin Hood Lake and Round
Lake. These areas are serviced by private, unpaved roads and access is maintained
and operated by private landowners. The area West of Highway 7 provides all-
terrain vehicle access throughout the recreational lands of the Loch Alva Watershed
Area.
The Town is primarily characterized by its expansive riverfront and access to the
region's waterways, used extensively for recreational purposes, such as the Saint
John River, the Nerepis River, and the Kennebecasis River. Neighourhoods such as
Epworth Park, have evolved from seasonal (summer) dwellings for residents from
Saint John into full time, serviced residents. Areas in the Westfield and Nerepis
neighbourhoods have maintained their larger homestead lot feel throughout the
years. Multi-generational living is still common in some areas and there is a positive
attitude toward land stewardship.
With this in mind, appropriate areas should provide a mix of uses compatible with
rural areas, such as the keeping of animals, agricultural, and forestry uses. Given
the areas expansive access to recreational lands and waterways, many residents
having all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and boats that may require storage in large
accessory structures and allowances should be made for this type of use, within a
consistent framework.
RU-1: Council shall accommodate for unserviced, seasonal dwellings through
appropriate provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.
RU-2: Council shall provide guidelines and standards for rural residential uses
where appropriate through the Zoning Bylaw and in doing so provide provisions to
accommodate larger accessory structures relative to the size of the lot on which
they intend to be constructed.
RU-3: Council shall, in general, accommodate residential uses as secondary to
agricultural uses in Rural areas.
RU-4: Council shall, in general, encourage development in Rural areas to front onto
public streets. Private accesses may be considered following an exploratory review
of the Town's road standards and a potential framework for differing classifications
and standards.
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SECTION 7: INDUSTRY
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield has not historically allowed industrial
developments within the boundaries of Town Limits. This has created the
unintended consequences of light industrial and construction and equipment
storage and facilities to be sited in general commercial areas along River Valley
Drive. This Plan responds to a vision for River Valley Drive to evolve to a traditional,
commercial main street for the Town. In doing so, it is necessary to identify lands
for industrial development, which contributes to tax base growth for the Town.
To respond to new and emerging industries, such as alternative energy
developments, cannabis production and other industrious agricultural activities,
and business park and non-offensive, light industrial uses, the Town will
appropriately site industrial land uses at the western end of Highland Road through
the assistance of the industrial intensification area designation. Furthermore, Pit and
Quarry activities do exist within the Town. Lands scarred by Pit and Quarry
operations will be designated industrial, as deemed appropriate and operationalize
standards for on-going operations and rehabilitation.
ILU-1: Council shall provide appropriate provisions for industrial land uses in the
Zoning By-law through the introduction of a Light Industrial zone.
ILU-2: To grow the tax base, Council shall explore the feasibility of creating a
business park through the development of a Business Park Functional Plan.
ILU-3: To respond to new and emerging industries for alternative energy
developments, such as wind and solar, Council shall provide provisions within the
Zoning By-law for this land use.
ILU-4: Council shall provide appropriate provisions for pits and quarries in the
Zoning Bylaw. New pits and quarries will be permitted through a rezoning
application. When considering the establishment of a new pit and quarry use
through a rezoning, Council shall consider:
a. Compatibility with surrounding land uses;
b. Mitigation measures to minimize dust, noise, and adverse impacts on
the environment; and
c. Other conditions deemed necessary by Council.
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
SECTION 8: CLIMATE CHANGE & NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The Town is committed to adapting to Climate Change and preparing for the
impacts that extreme weather events are bringing to the Town. The response to
Climate Change impacts is expected to evolve over time as new technologies and
research are introduced, making adaptive response more efficient and effective.
The policies below provide a framework for the general protection and
conservation of the Town's environment while being mindful of the work needed to
adapt and evolve to the impacts resulting from Climate Change. As the Province's
flood risk mitigation policies evolve, there is expectation that the Town will make
the appropriate amendments to the Plan and any By-laws to follow the provincial
directives.
The Town's Corporate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory & Action Plan and
Community GHG & Energy Action Plan resulted in Town Council's 2018 resolution
to reduce Corporate Greenhouse Gas emissions by 9% by 2025 and Community
Greenhouse Emissions by 14% by 2035.
CC-1: Council shall develop a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment to facilitate
a better understanding of the risks associated with Climate Change on its
infrastructure.
CC-2: Council shall enforce a minimum geodetic elevation of the top of any floor of
at least 7.4 metres through the Zoning Bylaw as a means of flood risk mitigation,
that considers the Provincial minimum standard and provides for criteria with
respect to processing reasonable variances by the Development Officer and
Committee, as the case may be, as provided for by the Community Planning Act.
CC-3: Council shall, in general, limit development on steep slopes as a means of
controlling soil erosion and increased runoff through provisions in the Zoning
Bylaw.
CC-4: Council shall support and enforce development controls, primarily through
the Zoning and Subdivision By-Law, consistent with the Province of New
Brunswick's guidelines with respect to wetlands and watersheds.
CC-5: Council shall protect identified ground water supplies through provisions in
the Zoning Bylaw.
CC-6: Council shall support and encourage the abatement of all forms of pollution
of the natural environment.
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
SECTION 9: PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE
The Town offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Passive recreation in
parks and open space, sports fields for more structured play, and high-quality
walking trails including connection to the Blueberry Hill Nature Conservancy are
just a sample of the amenities afforded to residents and visitors. The Westfield Golf
and Country Club offers an 18-hole golf course, club house, and restaurant and is a
full-service recreation amenity that draws people from around the region. As the
demographics of the Town change, so too will the demand for recreation options.
Focus on maintaining the existing offerings at a high standard will ensure the Town
serves existing residents while positioning itself well in attracting new populations.
PR0-1: Council shall continue to encourage recreational and leisure opportunities
through facilities, parks, playgrounds or other open spaces and community groups
that provide programming, to promote active, healthy living for all residents of the
Town.
PR0-2: Council shall encourage regular updates to the Recreation Master Plan to
ensure the appropriate delivery of recreation needs in the Town.
PR0-3: Council shall work with and encourage the New Brunswick Trail Council and
other agencies to promote provincial trail development as well as the designation
of the Trans-Canada Trail and connections to trails in neighbouring communities.
PR0-4: Council shall support the Nature Trust of New Brunswick through permitting
reasonable and continued public access to the Blueberry Hills Preserve.
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
SECTION 10: TRANSPORTATION
With investments in infrastructure along Colonel Nase Boulevard, the Town is well
positioned to improve connectivity throughout the Town. With growing interest and
demand for active transportation options and intentions to strategically increase
residential density, the need for a coordinated approach to transportation will be
needed.
T-1: Council shall endeavour to create a Transportation Master Plan considering the
general movement of people, goods, and services throughout the Town. A
Transportation Master Plan would consider, at minimum, the delineation of
dedicated truck routes, the provision of an active transportation network, and a
hierarchy of trails.
T-2: Council shall consider the roadway hierarchy presented in Schedule C when
preparing for annual capital expenditures with the expectation of providing a
reasonable and adequate level of maintenance of the Town's road infrastructure.
T-3: Council shall prioritize the upgrading and public vesting of private roads within
the Residential Intensification Area as defined on the Future Land Use Map in
Schedule A.
T-4: Council shall provide standards for roads in new subdivision development
through the Subdivision Bylaw.
T-5: It shall be the intention of Council to support the continuation of a regional
transit service.
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
SECTION 11: INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield provides infrastructure and services to properties
within the Town. The Town currently has a wastewater treatment facility located on
Shannon Road. Recent facility upgrades should provide adequate sanitary
treatment in response to the Town's anticipated growth throughout the life of this
Plan. The Town's storm and sanitary services extend throughout developments off
River Valley Drive, Colonel Nase Boulevard, Woolastook Drive, and Inglewood
Drive. Services extend beyond Milligan Brook, to Mullen and Country Club Drive
but leave the northern portion of the Town unserviced. There are currently no plans
to extend services beyond Milligan Brook until such a time that the Town explores
the feasibility of developing a northern treatment facility. With this in mind,
development is limited to private sanitary systems, such as septic tanks and fields,
north of Milligan Brook and land density will reflect this.
The Town does not currently provide public water services within the Town. All
residents and businesses are serviced by private wells. In 2004, the Town
commissioned a Water Study to determine the feasibility of public water services.
The study identified three solutions, connecting onto services from the City of Saint
John, surface water from Loch Alva or groundwater from a wellfield located near
Sunset Valley. While there are no immediate plans to provide water services, from
a risk management perspective, the Town should apply the necessary provisions
to protect a wellfield area should a wellfield be needed in the future.
It is essential that all new subdivision development construct a storm drainage
system. New development should not result in adverse impacts on downstream
sections of the storm sewer system and all Provincial regulations with respect to
watercourses should be followed. Where necessary, retention ponds and methods
should be employed to minimize impacts on downstream sections of the storm
sewer system and watercourses.
The provision and maintenance of municipal infrastructure and services is one of
the costliest aspects of municipal service delivery. Council will regularly seek to
reduce these costs through the encouragement of innovation and improvement in
all aspects of the service delivery process. To this end, as the Town continues to
grow, developers shall bear the cost of providing infrastructure (i.e. streets, water
and sanitary connections) with new developments. Council will explore a
classification for street standards to address concerns related with expanding the
network of streets in the unserviced and rural areas.
1S-1: (repealed) July 2022
IS-2: Council shall consider, in the case of new development within the
intensification areas, that developers must provide infrastructure; such as
connections to water (when available), storm and sanitary sewer services, with the
development of new streets.
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
1S-3: To encourage tax base growth, Council shall mitigate the cost of development
for developers through incentive programs.
IS-4: To mitigate future risks and development constraints related to the provision
of municipal water services, Council shall consider the best option for long-term
development of a municipal water supply and distribution system for the Town.
1S-5: To encourage sustainable development, Council shall limit any future water
services to the intensification areas.
IS-6: It shall be the intention of Council to promote Provincial regulations for water
provision until a central supply and distribution is in place.
1S-7: To mitigate risk in the short term, Council shall, through Environmental
Protection designations, protect the portion of the well field, identified in the 2004
Municipal Water System Feasibility study, within Town limits.
1S-8: Council shall limit extensions to sanitary sewers, on an incremental, to the
intensification areas, encouraging sustainable development.
1S-9: Council shall continue to monitor the flow and treatment capacity of the
Town's treatment facilities and related infrastructure, by introducing flow analysis of
potential developments, at a certain threshold of development, at the development
approvals stage.
IS-10: Within the intensification areas, Council shall require developers to extend
sewer services at their own expense, where piped services are not currently
available.
IS-11: It shall be the intention of Council to allow development on existing lots, on
existing streets and streets on an approved subdivision plan, not serviced by sewer,
provided that the development meets New Brunswick Department of Health
requirements for site services.
IS-12: To limit the risks associated with existing developments that do not meet the
New Brunswick Department of Health standards for private septic, Council shall limit
the land use activities in these areas to less intensive, single-family residential and
small-scale commercial uses.
IS-13: Council shall require new developments within the Town, through an
engineering analysis, to not adversely impact existing downstream sections of the
storm sewer system, in conjunction with Provincial regulations.
11.1 HEALTH SERVICES
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
Town Council has no direct responsibility for the provision of health care as it is a
Provincial responsibility. The Town has an interest in supporting and advocating for
health services that meet the needs of the community.
HS-1: Council shall encourage the provision of public and private health service
providers in the community including services that support ageing in place.
HS-2: Council shall consider crematoria through appropriate provisions in the
Zoning By-Law.
11.2 EMERGENCY SERVICES
The current emergency services including fire, ambulance, and policy services,
adequately meet the needs of the Town. Council recognizes that as the Town grows
and the demographics change, it will be necessary to carefully manage the growth
of emergency services.
ES-1: Council shall foster and support effective community policing.
ES-2: Council shall continue to work with the RCMP to facilitate appropriate
programs for youth that reduce the propensity for youth crimes in the community.
ES-3: Council shall continue to encourage long-range planning with respect to both
the capital acquisition and operations and maintenance of the Volunteer Fire
Department.
ES-4: Council shall continue to provide a source of adequate water supply in all
areas of the Town for firefighting purposes.
ES-5: Council shall continue communications with the Province of New Brunswick,
with respect to the cost contribution for the provision of Fire Protection services to
the outlying Rural District.
ES-6: Council shall continue to ensure that adequate road or emergency access is
available to locations within the Town that do not have alternate access routes for
fire equipment and emergency vehicles.
ES-7: Council shall support Ambulance New Brunswick in their provision of service
to the Town.
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
SECTION 12: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The economic well-being of the Town is a priority of Council. A complete community
is one of mixed incomes that provides opportunities for all residents to live and
prosper over time. As a satellite community, the Town benefits from the economic
progress of the City of Saint John. The Town will support economic development
efforts in the Greater Saint John Region while exploring opportunities within the
Town boundaries to increase tax-based growth.
The Town has a growing variety of small and medium sized businesses. With the
introduction of Colonel Nase Boulevard, the Town is positioned to have two central
business areas; one in the mixed used corridor along River Valley Drive and the
other in the area opened up with Colonel Nase Boulevard. As the Town looks to
expand its commercial offerings, it will ensure the rural character and
entrepreneurial spirit of the Town is maintained.
ED-1: Council shall encourage mixed use development along Colonel Nase
Boulevard and support the continuation of the traditional mix of uses along parts of
River Valley Drive.
ED-2: Council shall encourage the expansion of the commercial offerings
throughout areas identified as supportive of increased commercial density via the
Intensification Areas in Schedule A.
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
SECTION 13: ARTS & CULTURE
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield extends 14.5 kilometres along the Saint John and
Nerepis Rivers and includes the smaller founding communities of Grand Bay,
Pamdenec, Epworth Park, Ingleside, Ononette, Hillandale, Westfield Beach, Lingley,
Sagwa and Nerepis. Many of the communities were named after railway stations
built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and were popular summer recreation areas
for residents of Saint John and surrounding areas. Many of the early homes still
remain and serve as a great reminder of the Town's heritage.
Today, the rivers and the railway provide common threads that tie the communities
together. The names of the individual communities, which still retain their own
special identities, are commemorated in a series of information kiosks that mark the
way along River Valley Drive and Nerepis Road. The kiosks are part of a Municipal
Heritage Trail which also connects to "Visitor Information" at the Brundage Point
River Centre.
AC-1: Council shall continue to support the Municipal Heritage Trail and associated
waterfront nodes.
AC-2: Council shall encourage the use of Brundage Point River Centre for cultural
and heritage activities.
AC-3: Council shall encourage residents and community groups to preserve local
buildings, structures, and sites of historic and heritage value when possible.
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
SECTION 14: IMPLEMENTATION
The Plan is implemented primarily through the Zoning and Subdivision Bylaws.
Town Council actions the policy in the Plan by using the document as a decision-
making tool and advocating for the intentions articulated in the Plan.
IM-1: Council shall review and update the Plan in 2030 in keeping with the New
Brunswick Community Planning Act.
IM-2: Council shall advocate for the adherence to, and enforcement of the policies
presented in the Plan and when considering any amendments to the Plan, ensure
the changes are in keeping with the spirit and intention of the Plan.
IM-3: Council shall implement the Plan through Zoning and Subdivision Bylaws.
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
SECTION 15: CAPITAL BUDGET
In addition to controlling private development, Council may undertake programs of
its own to encourage development in certain areas, improve or protect the
environment, or to provide a greater range of social, recreational, or cultural
facilities. It is the purpose of this Plan as outlined in its policies to aid in the
establishment of such programs. It is the intent of Council to incorporate policies
and provisions of this Plan into the Capital Budget and the Five-Year Capital Plan to
the greatest extent possible as a means of eventual integration of planning, capital
programming and budgeting.
As required by section 24(6) of the Community Planning Act, Council establishes a
five-year capital budget. This budget was revised in 2023 and is amended to this
document.
By-Law No. PD-008: MUNICIPAL PLAN BY-LAW
READ A FIRST TIME by title this 12th day of June, 2023.
READ A SECOND TIME by title this 12th day of June, 2023.
READ A THIRD TIME by title and ENACTED on this 10 day of October, 2023.
This By-law comes into force on the date of final passing thereof.
SIGNED AND APPROVED this 10 day of October, 2023.
_________________________
_________________________
John Enns-Wind
Brittany Merrifield
CAO / Clerk
Mayor
Seal