The Planning Regional Advisory Committee (PRAC) is a sub-committee of the Chaleur Regional Service Commission (CRSC) that performs advisory and decision-making functions under the New Brunswick Community Planning Act. This committee is composed of seven (8) members representing municipalities and the Chaleur Rural District.
Current Members
George Daley - President
Jean-Claude Friolet
Mario Comeau
Alain Gauvin
Daniel Roy
Gina Card
Stéphanie Kasting
Susan Furlotte
The term of office for members is four years, unless otherwise specified in the appointments made by the CRSC’S Board of Directors.
Mandate of Committee Members Includes:
- Providing opinions and making recommendations to the council on planning matters.
- Exercising quasi-judicial powers as defined by the New Brunswick Community Planning Act, particularly regarding variances from established standards, conditional uses, expansion of non-conforming uses, and temporary uses.
Powers and Responsibilities
Urban planning by-laws specify the permitted uses in each zone and set standards for land development, including setbacks, building size and height, etc. In some cases, specific site conditions may make it impossible to meet a given standard. The Community Planning Act grants the RPAC the authority to approve variances from established standards when the request is reasonable, desirable for the development of the property, and consistent with the general intent of the by-law. The RPAC also has authority over subdivision plan approvals.
Applications to the RPAC
All duly completed applications must be submitted to the Planning Department by the last business day of the month preceding the meeting date. A letter will be sent to neighbouring property owners to inform them of the project and invite them to express their support or opposition. Staff will then prepare a report with a recommendation to the RPAC, which can be reviewed at the Planning Office starting the Friday before the meeting date. All information in the file, including correspondence between the Planning Department, the applicant, and any persons supporting or objecting to the project, is public and may be accessed upon request. The Planning Department will not consider any verbal or written comments from individuals wishing to remain anonymous.
Meetings
RPAC meetings are normally held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and are usually held at Maison de l'Acadie in Petit-Rocher (702 Principale Street). RPAC meetings are public, and interested individuals may present their views on any application on the agenda.
Please note that seating is limited to comply with New Brunswick public health and health & safety requirements. If you wish to attend a meeting, you must indicate your interest by calling 506-542-2688.
Please consult the CRSC calendar to find out the date of the next RPAC meeting.
