Bell, Wilson, "Causes and Implications of Residential Development in the Non-Incorporated Fringe Area that borders Chatham, New Brunswick"

The rural population of New Brunswick has been increasing in both absolute and percentage terms. The fringe areas that surround towns have been the location of residential development pressures brought on by this increase in rural population.

One such fringe area, the non-incorporated area that borders Chatham, New Brunswick, has experienced residential development for approximately twenty years. A survey of residents was undertaken to determine the factors that have influenced them to locate in this non-incorpo rated area.

This survey resulted in two conclusions. Residential development in the study area is a result of the combination of two factors: government policies, both at the provincial and local levels, and personal life-style preferences. From a financial and social perspective, these two factors combine to make the fringe an attractive location in which to live.

Residential development is occurring in unincorporated areas where there is no local government and little if any planning control. The environmental, financial, social and land use implications are significant. The current planning system is not effectively dealing with this form of development in nonincorporated fringe areas.

Planning measures, such as a Provincial Land Use Policy, a Provincial Basic Planning Statement for all non-incorporated areas and the extension of planning coverage through the District Planning Commission structure, all of which have been proposed to the Province of New Brunswick, are reviewed with regard to improving planning in non-incorporated fringe areas.

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 January 3, 2001.