NEW BRUNSWICK WATER ISSUES

Over the past two decades, New Brunswick has become increasingly aware of its environmental responsibility and its role in preserving environmental integrity. Residents have been given a greater share in decisions that affect the environment and their quality of life. In that same period, experience across North America has repeatedly shown that the preventive approach to environmental protection is truly cost-effective, in comparison to finding a cure after the fact. The province ensures that environmental concerns are addressed at the earliest possible stage of development planning and accepts this as the best procedure.

New Brunswick's environmental impact assessment process has been in place since 1987. It is designed to identify the environmental impacts associated with development proposals, well in advance of their implementation. Through the process, technical specialists from government agencies, as well as local residents and the general public have access to the decision-making process on specific development proposals. Provincial approval is required before any development (that is subject to ELA) proceeds.

The Canada/New Brunswick Infrastructure Program began in January 1994, to upgrade New Brunswick's infrastructure and to encourage economic activity through job creation. As in other provinces across the country, this program represented federal, provincial and local governments working in cooperation and in cost-sharing. Projects were developed by municipalities and other partners, and 75 per cent of the work done under the agreement targeted improvements to traditional infrastructure such as sewage systems, roads, water reservoirs and treatment plants.

In 1998 approximately $4 million in further funding was allocated for infrastructure projects such as water treatment, wastewater systems, and the like. This brought the total federal, provincial and municipal investment in New Brunswick's infrastructure, through this program, over the $185 million mark.

Whether providing a community with healthy drinking water or helping to keep a river clean, building a safer sewage system or creating an ecologically sound landfill, the Infrastructure Works program brought improvements to the province's environment. The following (more recent) projects are just two examples of enhanced health and quality of life in communities in many parts of New Brunswick: 1) a public- . vote "healthier water" project for Rothesay; and 2) a Northside sewage collection and treatment facility for Miramichi

The 1999 Speech from the Throne clearly stated: "Environmental issues can have a significant health impact. Your new government will focus on protecting public water supplies and water quality in our lakes and rivers. Waste management strategies will be developed through consultation with municipalities, solid waste commissions, and the public. "

This promise appears to be well under way in 2000. A news release in March announced: "Two new departments have been created to strengthen the government's approach to environmental management and compliance and public safety. A new Department of Environment and Local Government has been created with a mission to provide a more integrated approach to environmental management, conservation and compliance, and land use zoning and planning. It will also be responsible for liaison with municipalities and local service district governance. This new department combines elements of the former departments of Environment, Municipalities, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as the department of Transportation. "

Atlantic Planners Institute

This page and all contents are produced by the Atlantic Planners Institute, an affiliate of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

This document was last modified on November 15, 2000.