Integrated Community Sustainability Plan

Barrington, Nova Scotia

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MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF BARRINGTON INTEGRATED COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 ................................................................................................................. 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 ................................................................................................................................................ 1 LOCAL CONTEXT 1.2 ...................................................................................................................... 2 THE PLAN REVIEW PROCESS TO DATE 1.3 .................................................................................... 2 PROPOSED CHANGES/ADDITIONS RELATED TO SUSTAINABILITY 1.4 ........................................................................................................................................ 2 COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2 .......................................................................................... 3 COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS 2.1 .................................. 3 SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PROCESS USED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ICSP/MPS 2.2 ......................................................................................................................... 4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAM 2.3 .................................................................................................................... 6 ASSET MAPPING WORKSHOP RESULTS 2.4 .......................................................................................................................... 14 MUNICIPAL VISION STATEMENT 3 ........................................................................................ 15 SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES 3.1 .............................. 15 HOW THE ICSP/MPS INTEGRATES SUSTAINABILITY INTO BROADER COMMUNITY PLANNING OBJECTIVES 3.2 ...................................................................................... 16 LONG TERM SUSTAINABLE PLANNING GOALS & OBJECTIVES 3.3 ................................................................................................................. 19 LONG TERM SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES 4 ........................................................................................................ 20 ELIGIBLE PROJECTS 5 ............................................................ 21 CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES 6 ......................................................................... 22 COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS 6.1 ............................................................................................................................... 22 REGIONAL COLLABORATION 6.2 ............................................................................................... 22 REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES AND ISSUES 7 ........................................................................ 25 STATEMENTS OF PROVINCIAL INTEREST APPENDIX A LIST OF INTERVIEWEES .................................................................................... 26 APPENDIX B TIMELINE AND PROCESS ................................................................................... 29 APPENDIX C DOCUMENTS CONSULTED .................................................................................. 30 Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 1 1 INTRODUCTION Municipalities throughout Canada are required to prepare Integrated Community Sustainability Plans (ICSPs) in order to access gas tax revenues to fund green infrastructure projects in their municipalities. The ICSP is a long term community plan designed to provide vision and direction for the Municipality of Barrington as it navigates towards a healthy and prosperous future. This planning document recognizes the integrated and interdependent relationship between the economy, the environment and the social and cultural dimensions of our communities. The fundamental components of this ICSP will become part of the new Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) once the plan review process, currently underway, is completed late in 2010. 1.1 LOCAL CONTEXT Barrington Municipality is located in Shelburne County and bounded by the rural municipality of Argyle and Yarmouth County to the west and the Clyde River which serves as the municipal boundary with the rural Municipality of the District of Shelburne to the east. Barrington Municipality also shares a municipal boundary with the Town of Clark's Harbour on the western end of Cape Sable Island. The largest portion of Barrington's population is located in a variety of coastal communities stretching along the southwestern coast of Shelburne County from Thomasville to Charlesville. Barrington, Barrington Passage and Woods Harbour are the largest communities located within the municipality. Cape Sable located at the southern tip of Cape Sable Island is the most southerly point of land in Nova Scotia. Cape Sable Island contains extensive coastal wetlands and is known to be a bird watchers paradise. A substantial portion of the interior of the municipality is crown land owned by the Province of Nova Scotia and managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Barrington Municipality is also contained within the UNESCO designated Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Annapolis and Digby Counties. Both the existing and proposed municipal planning strategies provide a framework and process for the accommodation of change in development and land use for all of the communities located within the entire municipality of Barrington. Comprehensive planning documents have been in place for the rural Municipality of Barrington for twenty-four years. In fact the three municipalities that currently participate in the Yarmouth-Argyle-Barrington District Planning Commission (DPC) are progressive, rural municipalities that long ago recognized the benefits to their communities from long term planning and development control. The development of an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) as part of a broader revised Municipal Planning Strategy is regarded as a complimentary community planning process. The first MPS and LUB (Land Use By-Law) were approved by Council in December 1985 and replaced in 1996 with the current MPS that is now under review and revision. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 2 1.2 THE PLAN REVIEW PROCESS TO DATE Late in November 2008 the Municipality of Barrington undertook the development of an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) as part of their new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law (LUB). This process involved the comprehensive review of existing planning documents and the inclusion in the new MPS of generally recognized sustainability principles, goals and objectives. This process was conducted by staff of the Yarmouth Argyle Barrington District Planning Commission under the guidance of the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC was appointed by Council in December 2008 to also act as the ICSP Committee. All fifteen meetings of the PAC to date were public meetings and the minutes of these meetings are a matter of public record and available from the Clerk of the Municipality or on the Municipal website (www. barringtonmunicipality.com). Council approved a two year timeline and planning process (see appendix B) in January 2009 and a public participation plan (see section 2.2) in February 2009 to guide the process and ensure public participation in that two year community planning process. 1.3 PROPOSED CHANGES/ADDITIONS RELATED TO SUSTAINABILITY The new MPS, currently under development, will be a much more comprehensive plan for the municipality. New sections relating to conservation and environmental stewardship, municipal services, housing and active transportation will be included in the new document. This new document will also serve as both the ICSP and the MPS. A number of significant policy changes are envisaged including protection of environmentally sensitive areas, watercourse buffers, climate change adaptation measures, age friendly community design and housing and active transportation. All of these potential changes broaden the scope of the MPS and embody concepts of sustainability into land use planning policy. 1.4 COUNCIL RESOLUTION At the regular meeting of Barrington Municipal Council, February 22, 2010, the following resolution was passed. Resolution C100253 Moved by G. El-Jakl and seconded by C. Stoddard that the final Integrated Communities Sustainability Plan be accepted and incorporated into the Municipal Planning Strategy once the Municipal Planning Strategy Review is complete. Motion carried unanimously. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 3 2 COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS 2.1 SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PROCESS USED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ICSP/MPS Once Council approved the public participation program in February, 2009, community consultations began. This consultation was designed to provide as broad a frame for citizen engagement as possible, given the time and staff resources available. Community stakeholders were identified and targeted interviews were arranged. Targeted interviews were conducted with a wide variety of groups, organizations, elected officials, residents and other levels of government (see appendix A for a complete list of interviewees). Four broad based regional workshops were also organized in conjunction with other regional partners around each of the four pillars of sustainability (Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental). These workshops were conducted with a wide variety of stakeholders interested or involved in the environment, the economy, or the social or cultural dimension of the community/region. Information was also developed for municipal newsletters and for the municipal website. An extensive asset mapping workshop was conducted in the first six months of the planning process. Approximately seventy groups/organizations or individuals were invited to participate in this workshop designed to identify and value the natural, built, social, economic and service assets that currently exist in the municipality. This workshop also explored the threats and opportunities associated with these assets. Much of this information was used as a basis for the development of the municipality's vision statement (see section 2.3 for detailed results) as well as identifying community issues and priorities related to community sustainability. In January 2010 PAC advertised and held a public participation meeting to provide an opportunity for public comment on the draft ICSP. The draft was presented to PAC and Council in December 2009 and made publically available. Hard copies of the ICSP document were available at the municipal office in Barrington and the library in Barrington Passage. Digital copies of the document were posted on the municipal website. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 4 2.2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAM Purpose: To Inform and Consult the Public The development of an ICSP and the review of existing planning documents is an important opportunity for municipal council to be engaged in a new community planning process. A planning process designed to identify community assets, address a variety of issues and challenges facing our communities today and create a long range vision and strategy that will lead to solutions for the future. Whether the issue is climate change, community energy, land use, transportation, or economic development there is a need to address these issues in a more comprehensive and integrated way and from both a regional and long term perspective that encourages municipal cooperation in planning for the future. Public participation is an important component in the planning process and an opportunity for citizens to be involved in creating that future. Sustainability is not just about surviving it's about thriving. It's about recognizing the value in the good places where we live and trying to make them better. There are various methods and means for public participation in the community planning process envisioned over the next two years. The Process Is Designed To: 1. Determine and define community/regional assets and values; 2. Explore and define what we mean by sustainability in a rural context; 3. Create a long term vision for the future of the municipality/region; 4. Inform the public and enable public engagement and participation in a variety of ways over a two year time frame; 5. Develop new planning policies and objectives designed to create and sustain healthy, viable, and thriving communities; 6. Review and update existing planning documents (MPS/LUB). Public Outreach Designed To: Inform: The public about the need to develop an ICSP Plan, the process chosen to achieve this and the opportunities for public involvement in the community planning process. This will be done by the following means: - Information placed on Municipal website and continually updated - Information placed in Regional library branches throughout the Region - Articles placed in municipal newsletter throughout the 2 year process - Local community newspaper articles at strategic points - Information/interviews on local radio and cable at appropriate milestones Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 5 Consultation: - Monthly PAC meetings- open public meetings (consider additional advertising in paper and on radio) - Targeted interviews/workshop with municipal staff, Council, PAC members - Targeted interviews/meetings with regional bodies and organizations and provincial/federal departments - Targeted interviews/focus groups with local groups and organizations (i.e. Chambers of Commerce, recreational and environmental groups, historical/cultural organizations, etc.) - Public workshop Asset Mapping "The Municipal/Regional Perspective" - School workshop Asset Mapping "The Youth Perspective" - Municipal visioning exercise and workshop - Informal community surveys conducted throughout the process - Informal public participation meeting/open house re: Draft MPS/LUB - Formal public hearing MPS/LUB as required by Municipal Government Act (MGA) Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 6 2.3 ASSET MAPPING WORKSHOP RESULTS Community Planning Workshop: May 21, 2009 Mapping Barrington's Assets The Whole Assets Approach Assets are what we want to keep build upon and sustain for future generations. The whole assets approach to community planning allows community members to indentify and value social, economic and physical aspects of the rural environment. The whole assets approach includes all the possible assets that are normally found in rural areas. These assets are bundled in groups and named for the purpose of this process: Natural assets (such as water, forests) Built assets (physical things that we build such as sewer systems, municipal buildings) Social assets (the social aspect of living in the community), Economic assets (jobs and a varied economy that people and communities draw upon for their livelihoods), and Service assets (such as health and educational services). This workshop was based on the assumption that all Canadians should have an equal opportunity to access these assets. The purpose of the session was to identify assets that are important to the participants of the group. The process summarizes what is valued and what is positive and working well in the community. When people discover what they value in common, they are usually able to devise ways and means for going forward. The whole assets approach creates goodwill among participants. The objective of this session was to: - Identify important rural assets - Build an understanding of the group's appreciation of these assets - Understand the supports currently in place to sustain these assets - Identify the threats to the long term viability of these assets Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 7 Most Important Assets (Individual) Participants were first asked to individually identify the six most important assets in their community, municipality or region and write them down on the handouts provided. The following is a compiled list of these assets. Where assets were repeated, the number of mentions is listed on the right. Asset Count Coastline/Beaches 17 Lobster & Fishing industry 12 Friendly people 9 Recreation facilities (includes arena, curling club) 9 Heritage buildings and museums 8 Local schools 8 Commercial Business District 8 Volunteerism and hospitality 7 Sherose Island 6 Health care 6 Wide network of community groups 5 Water views 3 Off shore islands 3 Trails 3 Wharves 3 Fishing fleet 2 Boat charters 2 Sewer systems 2 Library 2 Local fire departments 2 Wildlife and wildlife habitat 1 Sunsets 1 Fog 1 Harbour 1 Lake Systems 1 Special flora and fauna 1 Birds 1 Clean Air 1 Clean water 1 Landscape 1 The Hawk 1 Existing business 1 Tourism 1 Small business operations 1 Ocean 1 Smart open-minded, creative people 1 Good work ethic 1 Close knit community 1 Golf course 1 Churches 1 Varied business sector 1 Local ambulance 1 Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 8 Table Group Assets & Dot Democracy The table groups (4 to 5 people) were then asked to determine the top six assets from their table and categorize them under the five category headings on the work sheets on the wall. All participants were then asked to vote on the most important asset in each category by placing dot stickers next to the assets (one dot per category). Asset Category Dots Community minded People & groups Social 19 Beaches & Coastline Natural 18 Education & Health Service 18 Heritage Buildings Built 18 Fishery Economic 10 Fishery related infrastructure Built 9 Work ethic Social 3 Recreation facilities Built 3 Tourism Economic 2 Public buildings Built 1 Fire Dept. & emergency services Service 1 Businesses Economic 1 Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 9 Sustainability Supports and Threats The five most important assets were then discussed in more detail. Groups were formed around each of the five most important assets by participant choice. The following questions were asked and answers were provided for each of the five assets. Most Important Economic Asset: The Fishery What does this asset bring to me and others in the community? - Jobs and a way of life- it sustains the community - Economic backbone of the region - Back up local industries (boatbuilding, trucking, bait etc.) - Vested interest in the community - Local expertise - Fresh fish and seafood - Sense of heritage Will this asset be available for my grandchildren to enjoy in the same way that I enjoy it? - No, changing - Not at the rate it's going What supports exist to ensure this asset is sustained for future generations? - Trained labour - Support industries - Rules and regulations - Fisheries organizations - License buy back What opportunities are associated with this asset which could contribute to the sustainability of our community? - Marketing and tie in with tourism - Local restaurants promoting seafood What threats exist to the sustainability of the asset? - No plan - No marketing - Over fishing Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 10 Most Important Social Asset- Volunteers What does this asset bring to me and others in the community? - Fellowship - Satisfaction in doing for others - Helping others in need - Community unity Will this asset be available for my grandchildren to enjoy in the same way that I enjoy it? - Only if we teach young people about the importance of volunteering - Yes as long as we share the experience of volunteering and find interests for youth in organizations - Important to pass on these assets to future generations What supports exist to ensure this asset is sustained for future generations? - Community organizations and support - Community driven through local government and organizations What opportunities are associated with this asset which could contribute to the sustainability of our community? - Keeping people involved - Keeping young people interested, encourage youth - Use face book to increase youth volunteers - Become a volunteer - Share the experience of volunteering What threats exist to the sustainability of the asset? - Lack of interest - Lack of support - Burnout Most Important Built Asset- Heritage Buildings What does this asset bring to me and others in the community? - Sense of history and connection with the past - Involvement with community through historical groups and societies - Community museums and archives Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 11 Will this asset be available for my grandchildren to enjoy in the same way that I enjoy it? - As long as funding and volunteering is sustained - Only if we teach local history - Need to educate the youth and make connections with the schools What supports exist to ensure this asset is sustained for future generations? - Community groups concerned with genealogy - Archival and historical societies - Government funding ( needs to continue and be increased) What opportunities are associated with this asset which could contribute to the sustainability of our community? - Education and local/provincial tourism - Local pride in our history and wealth of local knowledge - Seasonal employment - Heritage Fairs - Connection with libraries to assist in keeping information maintained for future generations - Local history in the public classroom - More interpretive signage What threats exist to the sustainability of the asset? - Loss of volunteers - Lack of funding - Less funding for maintenance of buildings - Fire - Lack of information from one generation to the next Most important Natural Asset- Beaches/coastline What does this asset bring to me and others in the community? - Tourism, tourism $ - Recreation - Relaxation and rest Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 12 Will this asset be available for my grandchildren to enjoy in the same way that I enjoy it? - Yes if we preserve and protect them - I hope they will enjoy it more if we get some development so that they are able to remain here - If any of them will be here What supports exist to ensure this asset is sustained for future generations? - Department of Natural Resources - None - Coastal protection What opportunities are associated with this asset which could contribute to the sustainability of our community? - Diving - Vendors - Fishing tours - Ship wrecks - Bird watching - Boat tours - Interpretive signs - Audubon Society - We need bathrooms and benches What threats exist to the sustainability of the asset? - No funding for development projects related to tourism infrastructure - Inaction and apathy - Lack of marketing for our local area - Lack of a resident population - Balance for development - Garbage Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 13 Most Important Service Asset- Education What does this asset bring to me and others in the community? - Education is our future Will this asset be available for my grandchildren to enjoy in the same way that I enjoy it? - Schools are a fundamental necessity but will differ due to technology What supports exist to ensure this asset is sustained for future generations? - We have a new school that may ensure our area will not be susceptible to school closure What opportunities are associated with this asset which could contribute to the sustainability of our community? - Our schools could offer night courses to offer education empowerment to adults - Community interest and concern about education - Satellite for the community college What threats exist to the sustainability of the asset? - Reduced funding - Out- migration - Smaller families Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 14 2.4 MUNICIPAL VISION STATEMENT Information from the asset mapping workshop as well as information learned from meetings, interviews, PAC members and Council was used in the collaborative development of the following vision statement. This vision for Barrington Municipality was approved by Council in September, 2009. Barrington Municipality is a community rooted in tradition and shaped by the sea. Our rural communities offer a great place to live, work and play. We are self sufficient in nature and interdependent in spirit. Strong social networks with lifelong residents and newcomers support inclusive close knit communities and a vibrant volunteer sector. Our unspoiled coastline and abundant environmental resources are our most important natural assets. A rich cultural and built heritage is valued and protected for future generations. Thriving local businesses provide a variety of employment opportunities for all. We all accept responsibility for making decisions that lead to a healthy, equitable and sustainable future. 3 SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES 3.1 HOW THE ICSP/MPS INTEGRATES SUSTAINABILITY INTO BROADER COMMUNITY PLANNING OBJECTIVES The community planning process that began in January 2009 was designed to produce an ICSP as part of the new Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) for the entire municipality. The MPS currently under review contains a strong environmental focus and clearly recognizes that coastal wetlands and beaches should be protected from development. The new MPS broadens and expands this environmental focus to recognize the integral role of biodiversity and ecological processes in sustaining life. The planning process commenced with education and orientation sessions for PAC and municipal staff about the meaning of sustainability in a rural context and discussions about sustainability principles that would form the foundation for the development of long term and short term goals and objectives in the MPS/ICSP. The scope of the new MPS/ICSP is significantly different from the existing planning documents currently under review. The new MPS attempts to translate sustainable design principles into land use planning policy and broaden the scope of the MPS beyond land use planning issues to recognize the interconnections between environmental, economic, social and cultural concerns. The following foundation principles have been developed to provide guidance and focus for the development of goals, objectives, and policies with the ICSP/MPS. These principles are based on the Natural Step definition of sustainability in which: Sustainability means... Living within the Earth's limits by: - Eliminating pollution - Protecting natural systems - Conserving resources for future generations WHILE Meeting basic human needs: - Physical, mental, economic, social, spiritual - Protection from harm Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 15 - For both current and future generations Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 16 , The following foundation principles have been adopted by Council as the foundation building blocks on which the ICSP/MPS are based. The goals, objectives and policies to be contained within the new Municipal Planning Strategy are influenced and guided by the four foundation (sustainability) principles endorsed by PAC and Council on October 2009. - Economy: We will take action to enhance and support our local and regional economy and ensure that future economic development is balanced with social, environmental and cultural concerns. - Natural Environment: We will strive to protect ecological diversity and prevent damage to our natural assets including our coastal areas, beaches, rivers, lakes, forests, streams and wetlands. - Resources: We will reduce pollution and waste and minimize our consumption of non-renewable resources so that these resources remain for future generations. - People & Communities: We will work together to maintain and improve the quality of life for all our residents so that they can meet their basic needs. 3.2 LONG TERM SUSTAINABLE PLANNING GOALS & OBJECTIVES Barrington Council at their October 26, 2009 Council meeting approved the following goals and objectives for inclusion in the ICSP and the new MPS that is currently being developed. Many of the goals and objectives are inter-related and should be considered collectively. These goals and objectives combined with the Foundation Principles and the Municipality's new vision statement provide guidance and direction for the future development of Barrington Municipality in its journey towards becoming a more sustainable municipality. They also will form the basis for the new policy statements in the revised MPS. Our overarching goal is to sustain viable and vibrant communities supported by a strong local economy, a versatile cultural and heritage scene, strong social networks and a healthy natural environment. Clean air, pure water and uncontaminated soil are crucial to the well-being of our economy and the health and quality of life of our citizens. Foundation Principles Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 17 Sustainable Development Goal To provide a high quality living environment for all residents, both now and in the future, by ensuring that both new and existing development in the Municipality strives to balance the environmental, economic, social and cultural dimensions of the community. Objectives 1. To provide a framework and process to guide land use development and accommodate change in land use in the municipality through this Municipal Planning Strategy. 2. To control land use and development in a manner that will minimize conflicts between land uses and ensure that new development is harmoniously integrated with the existing natural and built environment. 3. To consider the long term implications of land use planning decisions and to balance environmental, social and economic concerns when making these decisions. Economic Development Goal To encourage the economic growth and diversification of the industrial, commercial, resource and tourism sectors of both the local and regional economy in order to maximize employment opportunities and provide the varied services and amenities required by residents and businesses in a sustainable community. Objectives 1. To promote the development and expansion of business enterprises in order to best serve the needs of the residents of the Municipality. 2. To encourage the development of a sustainable year round tourism industry. 3. To encourage the sustainable management of natural resource based industries. 4. To support economic development initiatives that foster economic self reliance and provide increased opportunities for a variety of business and employment activities. 5. To provide municipal services at a sufficient level that ensures a sustainable tax rate. Environmental Health Goal To maintain and improve environmental air, water and soil quality with an emphasis on ground and surface water resources for domestic, commercial, industrial and recreational use. Objectives 1. To control land use and development in a manner that will preserve, enhance and protect the natural environment of the Municipality, especially wetlands and watercourses. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 18 2. To discourage development in environmentally sensitive areas, particularly areas subject to periodic flooding and erosion. 3. To maintain, improve and expand municipal wastewater services in an environmentally sound and financially sustainable manner. 4. To reduce the volume of solid waste produced and ensure that it is managed in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. 5. To reduce green house gas emissions and energy consumption throughout Municipal operations by implementing appropriate recommendations, where feasible, for energy reduction resulting from the Eco-Nova Scotia energy audit. 6. To encourage the use of renewable energy sources throughout the Municipality. 7. To investigate the effects of climate change on Barrington Municipality especially with respect to a vulnerability assessment in relation to extreme weather events and coastal zone development. Social/Cultural/Recreational Development Goal To ensure that residents have local access to a range of health, educational, social, cultural and recreational services, programs and opportunities. Objectives 1. To cooperate with other municipalities and agencies as well as other levels of government to provide locally accessible services and amenities necessary for residents to ensure their physical and mental health, welfare, education and safety. 2. To maintain and improve existing recreational facilities and programs so that they are accessible and affordable for all residents. 3. To encourage the preservation of the architectural and cultural heritage of the Municipality and minimize the impact of new development on this heritage. 4. To encourage the preservation, maintenance and enhancement of land having inherent natural, biological and recreational value. 5. To encourage and support volunteer activities and organizations throughout the municipality. 6. To work co-operatively to ensure that sufficient security and protection services exist in Barrington Municipality so that it is a community where people feel safe. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 19 Residential Development Goal To support and promote a variety of housing forms suitable for all ages and incomes that would offer residents a choice of accommodation possibilities so that an aging population may remain in rural communities throughout their lives. Objectives 1. To encourage the sustainable development of land for a variety of residential purposes. 2. To promote compatible, compact, higher density development in existing and developing rural growth centres where central services are or may be available. Transportation Goal To encourage on both a local and regional level the provision of safe, rapid and efficient transportation systems for the movement of people and goods. Objectives 1. To encourage the maintenance and improvement of all modes of transportation at the local and regional level. 2. To encourage and support the development of active transportation systems (sidewalks, trails, bikeways) within and between communities in the municipality and region. 3. To encourage and support appropriate infrastructure (such as streetlights, sidewalks, etc.) in association with transportation systems to ensure community safety. 3.3 LONG TERM SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES The previous goals and objectives are clearly considerate of the long term perspective aimed at reducing pollution and energy consumption, protecting natural systems, and ensuring social equity as well as community vitality. It is of paramount importance to maintain the existing economic, natural, built, service and social assets that the Municipality of Barrington currently enjoys so that these resources will be available for future generations. The table in section 5 provides additional information about the sustainable outcomes envisioned for Barrington Municipality over the long term. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 20 4 ELIGIBLE PROJECTS Council approved a list of issues and priorities as part of the ICSP development process. Municipal investment in community projects of a capital nature is one way that Council can practically implement aspects of the ICSP/MPS. Council has selected or may select the following eligible projects as part of their Five Year Capital Investment Plan. Annual review of this five year plan is required in order to ensure that it makes the best use of municipal tax dollars and responds to the changing needs of dynamic communities. The top five environmental sustainability issues identified as part of the ICSP/MPS development process, in order of priority are sewage treatment, solid waste, energy reduction, environmental protection and climate change adaptation. The following projects have been selected as a means of addressing some of the environmental issues and priorities established by Barrington Municipality. Cape Sable Island Central Sewer The possibility of providing central waste water collection services to properties on Cape Sable Island has occupied the main focus of the discussion about where gas tax funds should be allocated. There have been difficulties associated with community support for the project as well as difficulty finding a suitable location for a new treatment plant. Alternative methods of servicing this area by using existing treatment plants on the main land are currently being explored. Active Transportation - Sidewalks and Trails The expansion and development of sidewalks in the Barrington and Woods Harbour area is recognized as an effective means of improving the local community while supporting active living and delivering a comprehensive active transportation system as one component of the municipality's transportation network. Barrington Business Park This project involves the development of a municipal business park for light industry and business commercial use. Seventeen acres of land have been secured on Sterling's Road in Barrington Passage. The property is appropriately zoned and serviced with municipal sewer, three phase power and high speed internet. The goal of this infrastructure project is to encourage new commercial enterprises to locate in the park and help broaden the economic base of the municipality. Work has been done in co- operation with other regional partners so that serviced land is available for the development and expansion of business enterprises. ICSP Development and MPS Review In order to facilitate the timely delivery of an ICSP/ MPS the Municipality of Barrington approved funds to the Yarmouth Argyle Barrington District Planning Commission (DPC) in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 to enable the hiring of an experienced, contract planner. This position has facilitated the development of three ICSP's throughout the region and enabled a full review of existing planning documents so that the ICSP becomes in fact part of the MPS. This community planning work with the planning advisory committee, council and citizens has increased the capacity at the municipal level to address long term planning issues and will result in new, comprehensive, planning documents. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 21 5 CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES The combination of the new foundation principles along with the general goals and objectives (specifically the Sustainable Development Goal and Environmental Health Goal) aimed at reducing pollution and protecting natural systems will aid in the maintenance and protection of clean air, water and soil throughout the municipality. These foundation principles as well as the goals and objectives have been approved by Council to be contained within this ICSP and the new MPS. Municipal initiatives to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption will also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The following table summarizes the projects eligible for gas tax funding and details the potential benefits that accrue to the community from the development of these projects. INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY Cape Sable Island Central Sewer 1. Cleaner water (ground and surface) and opportunity for additional service connections. 2. Enhanced wastewater treatment. 3. Reduce pollution from existing malfunctioning or older style on-site sewage disposal systems. 4. Central wastewater collection would permit smaller lot sizes and development of additional housing in the serviced area. Active Transportation/Trail Development 1. Improved trail system with greater connectivity 2. Increased opportunity for active living 3. Reduced automobile use and reduction of green house gases Barrington Business Park 1. Provides centrally located serviced land (sewer, power, and high speed internet) for commercial business development. 2. Increased opportunity for local economic development ventures. ICSP development and MPS Review 1. Community planning process encourages community involvement and capacity building at the grass roots level. 2. ICSP developed as part of a more comprehensive MPS. 3. Capital investment tied to both short and long term community planning goals and objectives. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 22 6 COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS 6.1 REGIONAL COLLABORATION A variety of activities occurred during the last year which involved regional collaboration in the ICSP development process. District Planning Commission staff assisted the UNSM Sustainability Office and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (SNSMR) with the organization of a one day funding/sustainability workshop for municipal staff and elected officials held in Pubnico, Argyle Municipality in June 2009. Representatives from NS Power, Clean Nova Scotia, Conserve Nova Scotia, Eco-Trust Nova Scotia, Environment Canada, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Natural Resources Canada as well as other government agencies outlined funding programs related to energy efficiency, community capacity building, environmental restoration and other sustainability initiatives, available to municipalities and their partners. Four regional workshops located in Shelburne and Yarmouth County were also conducted during 2009 in conjunction with some of the other municipal units in the region around each of the four pillars of sustainability. These meetings were conducted with a wide variety of stakeholders interested or involved in the environment, the economy, or the social or cultural dimension of the community or region (see appendix A for list of participants). 6.2 REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES AND ISSUES Many sustainability issues are not contained by municipal boundaries. In order for communities to become more sustainable, it is imperative that municipalities work collaboratively with one another to address regional issues. As part of the ICSP development process, a regional group formed which brought together those involved with ICSP development in Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth Counties. Through a series of quarterly meetings from December 2008 - November 2009, the group identified the following areas which were common throughout ICSPs in the region and which would be best addressed from a regional perspective. Also agreed among participating municipalities were common regional indicator(s) which will be used to track and compare progress in individual municipalities and across the region. R1 Water Quality Protection: Protecting water quality for residents of both urban and rural areas is a collaborative effort between municipal and provincial governments. There is a need for better management of watershed areas (natural and protected) in order to make sure clean water is available to all our residents. Collaborating regionally to ensure a consistent approach to the issue and to facilitate cooperation with the Province will enable us to better protect this important resource. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 23 R3 Climate Change Adaptation: The population in Southwestern Nova Scotia is concentrated in coastal areas, which will be hardest hit by climate change through sea level rise, coastal erosion and increased storm surges. Climate change may also have a significant impact on our natural resource economy in the region. One strategy to reduce vulnerability to the effects of climate change is to anticipate, adapt and mitigate where possible. Cooperation with other municipal units in the region may enhance our capacity for addressing this issue through cooperation in mapping and modeling to help anticipate the impacts, and through coordinated planning and development of appropriate emergency measures. R5 Solid Waste Management: Municipalities regularly cooperate on a local level to manage solid waste. Reducing and effectively managing solid waste is a balance of education and regulation to influence behaviour. Municipalities need to continue to cooperate on waste management and strive for continuing improvements. Regional cooperation on education and awareness initiatives may also be effective and partnerships for policy development and influencing policy at higher levels of government will also be important in achieving long term sustainability in waste management. R2 Transportation: Development of regional transit systems, active transportation infrastructure and alternative transportation options to connect regions and communities is essential to ensure sustainable access to employment, social services, health care, education and recreation opportunities. We must recognize and plan for the challenge of increasing fuel costs, which may make current transportation models less viable. Local and regional cooperation between municipalities in the design and delivery of transportation solutions is a best practice demonstrated elsewhere in Nova Scotia and Canada. R4 Local Food and Sustainable Agriculture: Most of the food consumed in Nova Scotia is shipped from thousands of kilometers away, and many people can't afford or access healthy food. Changing food consumption patterns to include more local food means supporting local farmers and food producers as well as reducing our impact on the global environment and increasing the security of our food sources. Strategies to promote local food include education, increasing knowledge of self-sufficient food practices, supporting social programs to make healthy food affordable and ensuring sufficient food storage. Cooperation between municipal units on these initiatives means a united voice and message for education and advocacy activities. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 24 R6 Renewable Energy Development: Our society's dependence on fossil fuels for our energy needs is not sustainable. To meet our energy demands, our society will need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy. Nova Scotia has the potential not only to generate renewable energy to meet domestic needs, but also to export energy to the United States. Renewable energy and local economic development are mutually reinforcing goals and renewable energy has the potential to enhance our local economies. To benefit from this opportunity we need to ensure we identify and encourage development of renewable energy projects, and create a facilitative policy environment for these projects. Local and regional collaboration through partnerships and information exchange will help to ensure this development occurs in a way that benefits the entire region R7 Education for Sustainability: Achieving truly sustainable communities will require participation of the whole community and significant lifestyle changes for our residents. In order to change, people need to know what to do, how to overcome obstacles and practice new behaviours. Action will be individual and collective and people will be committed to new values which align with the requirements of a sustainable community. There is significant advantage to a regional approach to education and awareness initiatives. If municipal governments talk about sustainability using the same language, and encourage the development of the same behaviours and social norms throughout the region, we have a greater likelihood of widespread success. R8 Regional Health Care Services Ensuring the local availability of adequate health care services and facilities throughout the rural communities of South Western Nova Scotia has proven increasing difficult in recent years. More and more often rural municipalities become involved in recruitment and retention of these skilled professional health care workers (doctors, nurses, dentists, nurse practitioners, etc.) although the jurisdiction for health care is a provincial responsibility. New models of health care delivery need to be explored and existing facilities and programs retained in order to meet the health care needs of an aging population. Regional dialogue and co-operation is necessary to ensure that the Provincial government recognizes the challenges faced by rural communities respecting health care and the importance to these communities of decentralized services such as community health centres R9 Regional Economic Development Economic development is currently delivered on a regional basis by The South West Shore Development Authority. Unfortunately the current models of service delivery results in rural municipalities competing with each other over the location of development projects. The challenge is how best to balance everybody's needs in relation to economic development opportunities and funding. Collective lobbying by rural municipalities to the provincial government is required in order to further decentralize regional economic development initiatives and provide greater autonomy to rural municipalities. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 25 7 STATEMENTS OF PROVINCIAL INTEREST The Municipal Government Act (MGA) in Schedule B contains five statements of Provincial Interest that recognize the importance of our land and water resources in relation to the growth and development of our communities. In the introduction section the MGA states "They are intended to serve as guiding principles to help Provincial Government departments, municipalities and individuals in making decisions regarding land use. They are supportive of the principles of sustainable development. Development undertaken by the Province and municipalities should be reasonably consistent with the statements." The five statements deal with drinking water, flood risk areas, agricultural land, infrastructure and housing and contain the following goals: 1. To protect the quality of drinking water within municipal water supply watersheds. 2. To protect public safety and property and reduce the requirement for flood control works and flood damage restoration in floodplains. 3. To protect agricultural land for the development of a viable and sustainable agriculture and food industry. 4. To make efficient use of municipal water supply and municipal wastewater disposal systems. 5. To provide housing opportunities to meet the needs of all Nova Scotians. The foundation principles as well as the goals and objectives found in this ICSP/MPS are consistent with the five statements of provincial interest. Policies derived from those goals and objectives are also in keeping with the intent of the statements of provincial interest that directly apply to this municipality. Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 26 APPENDIX A LIST OF INTERVIEWEES The following list contains names of individuals or organizations who participated in targeted interviews or regional workshops conducted in Phase 1 of the ICSP/MPS Review Public Participation Plan: Trudy Amirault, Chief Librarian Western Counties Regional Library Frank Anderson, Southwest Shore Development Authority (SWSDA) Josh Purdy, Yarmouth County Youth Centre Anna Kenney, Barrington Recreation Co-ordinator Rachel Surrette, South West Nova District Health Authority Sharon Hopkins, South West Nova District Health Authority Brian Holland, Municipal Clerk Treasurer, Municipality of Barrington Alain Muise, CAO Argyle Municipality Ken Moses, CAO Yarmouth Municipality Connie Saulnier, CAO Clare Municipality Lorelei Doucette, Director Property & Inspection Services, Argyle Municipality Andrew Goreham, Assistant Building Inspector, Development Officer, Argyle Municipality Glen Muise, Building Inspector, Fire Inspector & Development Officer, Municipality of Barrington Emily Tipton, ICSP Co-ordinator Municipality of Shelburne Dayle Eshelby, ICSP Co-ordinator Town of Lockeport Ginette d'Entremont, Recreation Director Municipality of Argyle Brenda LaGrandeur., Tourism Officer, Municipality of Argyle & SWSDA Rene Belliveau, Education Co-ordinator Waste Check Frank Grant & John D'arcy, Leisure Services, Municipality of Yarmouth Pam Thibault, Community Economic Development Officer SWSDA Ken Crosby, Deputy Warden and PAC chair, Municipality of the District of Yarmouth Debbie Neilson, Sustainability Co-ordinator Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities Ridge Hiltz, Foresight Planning Services Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 27 Graham Fisher, Planner, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Peter Crowell, Archivist Municipality of Argyle Warden Jean Melanson, Municipality of Clare Arnold Comeau, Building Inspector/ Development Officer, Municipality of Clare Cliff Drysdale, Biologist, Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association Heather King, Federation of Agriculture Local Yarmouth County representative Bryan Smith, Former Warden Municipality of Yarmouth Carol Hill-Bojarski, Yarmouth Community Health Board Greg Bennett, Editor, Coast Guard newspaper Cathy Johnson, Reporter, Coast Guard newspaper Met with the following groups: Yarmouth County Active Transportation Group Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Woodland Trails Association Tri-County Women's Centre Shelburne Historical Society Cape Sable Island Historical Society Osprey Arts Centre Shelburne County Women's Fish Net Tusket River Environmental Protection Association (TREPA) Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners Association Bird Studies Canada Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 28 Meetings held with the following agencies, groups and government departments: South West Shore Development Authority Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency NS Business Inc. Shelburne Business Development Corporation NS Department of Economic Development NS Department of Fisheries NS Department of the Environment NS Department of Health Promotion NS Department of Natural Resources NS Department of Community Services Nova Scotia Museums Western Counties Regional Library (Chief Librarian & staff) Roseway Hospital Roseway Manor NSCC Shelburne Campus VON Shelburne County Tri-County Housing Authority Southwest Health, Primary Care Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 29 APPENDIX B TIMELINE AND PROCESS Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 30 APPENDIX C DOCUMENTS CONSULTED SouthWest Shore Development Authority Annual Plan/ Report 2008-2009 Municipality of Argyle, Tusket Pollution Control Study, February, 1992 (Vaughn Engineering) Municipality of Argyle, Wedgeport Water & Wastewater Pre-Design Study, December 2002 (CBCL Ltd.) The Acadians of Nova Scotia, Past & Present, Sally Ross, Alphonse Deveau, Nimbus, 1992 This Was Barrington, Hattie Perry, Kentville Publishing Co. Ltd., 1973 Painting The Landscape of Rural Nova Scotia, Rural Communities Impacting Policy Project, Oct. 2003 Building Communities From the Inside Out, A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets, John P. Kretzman, John L. MCKnight, ACTA Publications, 1993 Profil Communautaire 2008, Communauté acadienne et francophone de la région d' Argyle Profil Communautaire 2008, Communauté acadienne et francophone de la région de Clare Appreciative Inquiry, Change At the Speed of Imagination, Jane Magruder Watkins, Bernard J. Mohr, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 2008 Programs for Seniors, N.S. Dept. Of Seniors Clare Natural Resources Study by René Belliveau, 1978 Yarmouth Natural Resources Study by René Belliveau, 1978 Historic Yarmouth, Town and County, Eric Ruff and Laura Bradley, Nimbus Publishing Ltd. 1997 Sustainable Communities & Resource Management in the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve: A Discussion Paper prepared for the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association, by Cliff Drysdale, February, 2009 Toward a Greener Future, Nova Scotia's Climate Change Action Plan, NS Department of the Environment, January, 2009 Clare Energy Project, Three volume Milestones, Lewis Engineering Kings Bounty, A History of Early Shelburne Nova Scotia, Marion Robertson, Nova Scotia Museum, 1978 Geological Background and Physiography of Nova Scotia, Albert E. Roland, The Nova Scotia Institute of Science, 1982 The Living Beach, Silver Donald Cameron, MacMillan Canada, 1998 Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia, Michael Haynes, Goose Lane editions, 2002 The Water Falls of Nova Scotia, Allan Billard, Sand Dollar Productions, 1997 Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 31 Rediscover the Evangeline Trail: A Guide to Nova Scotia from Yarmouth to Windsor, Patty Mintz, Nimbus Publishing , 1996 A Place Between the Tides, A Naturalist's Reflections on the Salt Marsh; Harry Thurston, Greystone Books, 2004 The Electric City: The Stehelins of New France, Paul H. Stehelin, Lancelot Press, 1983 David Suzuki's Green Guide, David Suzuki & David R. Boyd, Greystone Books, 2008 Our Common Ground-The Future of Nova Scotia's Natural Resources, Final Report March 2009, by the Natural Resources Citizen Engagement Committee Nova Scotia CAN: Building the Creative Economy in Nova Scotia, Report prepared by Leah Hamilton, Andrea Arbic, & Greg Baeker for the Research Committee of the Nova Scotia Cultural Action Network, February 2009 Nova Scotia Wetland Conservation Policy (Draft for Consultation), Nova Scotia Department of the Environment, July 2009 Municipality of the District of Barrington-Water Supply Strategy, Final Report, CBCL Ltd. May, 2005 Navigating Through Complexity-Systems Thinking Guide, Second Edition, Leadership Through Learning Series, Version B, Marilyn Herasymowych & Henry Senko; MHA Institute Inc; 2007 A Water Quality Survey of Nine Lakes in the Carleton River Watershed Area, Yarmouth County, N.S. prepared by Water & Wastewater Branch, Nova Scotia Department of the Environment, Darrell Taylor, Project Lead, March, 2009 Between the Land and the Sea - The Social & Economic Importance of Wharves & Harbours in Nova Scotia, Prepared For Coastal Communities Network, January 2004 by Praxis Research & Consulting Inc. Lost and Found in Acadie, Clive Doucet, Nimbus, 2004 Small is Possible-Life in a Local Economy, Lyle Estill, New Society Publishers, 2008 Toward Sustainable Communities, Resources for Citizens and Their Governments, Mark Roseland, New Society Publishers, 2005 The Natural Step for Communities, How Cities and Towns can Change to Sustainable Practices, Sarah James & Torbjorn Lahti, New Society Publishers, 2004 Fostering Sustainable Behavior, An Introduction to Community-Based Social Marketing, Doug McKenzie- Mohr and William Smith, New Society Publishers, 1999 Bras D'Or Lakes Development Standards Handbook, EDM Environmental Design and Management Ltd., March 2008 A Compendium of Poverty Reduction Strategies and Frameworks, by Garry Loewen, Tamarack 2009 Tri-County Roadshow: A Conservation with Seniors: by Derrick Babin & Dianne Crowell, 2009 Municipality of Barrington 2010 ICSP Page 32 Species at Risk in Nova Scotia- Identification & Information Guide, Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute, 2008 Backwater- Nova Scotia's Economic Decline, Peter Moreira, Nimbus Publishing Ltd., 2009 The Geography of Hope, A Tour of the World We Need, Chris Turner, Random House, 2007 Design with Nature, Ian L. McHarg, Double Day & Co.,1971 Sunliving, Developing Neighbourhoods with a One Planet Footprint, Wil Mayhew & Elisa Campbell, New Society Publishers, 2008 Our Coast- Live. Work. Play.Protect.- The 2009 State of the Nova Scotia's Coast Summary Report, Province of Nova Scotia, 2009