The CRSC works in collaboration to maximize resources and benefits for organizations and stakeholders in the municipalities of Bathurst, Belle-Baie, Belledune, as well as throughout the Chaleur Rural District. Guided by a regional vision, its main goals are to achieve economies of scale and to facilitate access to public services for all communities.
Territory and Population
The territory of the Chaleur Regional Service Commission includes three (3) municipalities—Bathurst, Belle-Baie, and Belledune—as well as one rural district. In total, nearly 35,000 people live within its territory.
History and Mandates
In 2012, 12 Regional Service Commissions (RSCs) were created to replace 12 solid waste commissions and 12 land use planning commissions. The Regional Service Delivery Act of New Brunswick, enacted on June 13, 2012, aims to structure and regulate the services provided by the RSCs.
Ten years after their creation, new mandates were assigned to them with the objective of fostering a regional vision. Since then, the Chaleur Regional Service Commission has provided regional leadership in the following areas: Economic Development; Tourism Promotion; Community Development; Public and Community Transit; Cost-Sharing of Recreational Infrastructure; Public Safety Committee.
Please note that the information below is taken from the Government of New Brunswick’s White Paper.
Economic Development
This sector brings together business stakeholders and community leaders to focus on regional growth. A coordinated approach will help identify key growth sectors of the economy, create investment-ready communities, and support the establishment of labour market partnership forums and a workforce development strategy, including newcomer retention services.
Tourism Promotion
This sector, with the support of its communities, contributes to the promotion of regional tourism. The method chosen to carry out this mandate is determined by its board of directors. This regional approach serves as a gateway for all tourism promotion partners and provides support to expand the tourism offering as defined in the regional strategy.
Community Development
This sector plays an important role in ensuring a coherent vision and plan in areas such as affordable housing, settlement services for newcomers, and the promotion of diversity, social inclusion, and healthy communities.
The Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation also partners with the community development component of the CRSC. A stronger cooperative approach ensures that investments in infrastructure and programs are made more effectively across regions and have a greater overall impact. Regional resilience teams will be called upon to contribute to a planned and coordinated approach.
Public and Community Transportation
Community and regional transportation services help residents access medical care, food, family support, banking services, and other essential connections within their communities. To maximize these efforts and promote the efficient sharing of resources, Regional Service Commissions are responsible for bringing together stakeholders and local governments, in collaboration with the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation, to develop and implement strategies and services that better serve residents.
Cost Sharing for Recreational Infrastructure
The provincial government has established guidelines that provide direction to Regional Service Commissions regarding cost-sharing formulas and identify regional and sub-regional recreational infrastructure, as well as their respective service areas. The costs associated with these facilities are shared based on property tax assessment and a demographic formula. Such cost-sharing arrangements are implemented when host communities are willing to provide oversight through a committee representing all entities involved in the financial agreement.
Public Safety Committee
Police, fire protection, and emergency management services often serve multiple local entities. As a result, Regional Service Commissions have been mandated to establish a Public Safety Committee with the following responsibilities:
• Policing Services:
Enhance communication and foster relationships among communities, regions, and police authorities, while helping to identify key issues and priorities related to policing services within the region.
• Fire Protection:
Share information on fire prevention and suppression services and explore opportunities to improve sustainability and efficiency through increased cooperation, resource sharing, and the strategic acquisition of specialized equipment.
• Emergency Management Planning:
Exchange information, identify concerns, and consider potential actions with provincial officials regarding emergency management planning and preparedness.
Land Use Planning (Planning)
To ensure greater consistency and alignment at the local, regional, and provincial levels, all communities will be required to have local land use plans in place by 2027. These plans will help preserve community character and quality of life by minimizing future land-use conflicts and ensuring that future development is compatible with community interests. Plans must be reviewed at least every 10 years to ensure they continue to reflect current economic, social, and environmental conditions.
The new requirements for planning and development services will include:
• Professional Planning Standards:
Regional Service Commissions and local governments will be required to meet a minimum standard for land use planning and development services, ensuring that only certified professional planners are authorized to approve plans.
• Conditions for Opting Out of Regional Planning Services:
New conditions will apply to local governments that choose not to receive land use planning services from a Regional Service Commission. In addition to the current requirement of providing two years’ notice before withdrawal, municipalities will be required to compensate for any financial impacts on the communities that remain within the Commission.
• Minimum Service Requirements:
Local governments that choose not to receive services from a Regional Service Commission must demonstrate that they can provide a minimum level of planning, development, and building inspection services through qualified professionals.
Solid Waste Management
While solid waste collection is encouraged as a regional service, participation remains voluntary. Some regions have fully implemented regional waste collection services, while others are encouraged to further explore this option. At the Chaleur RSC, we have been managing a solid waste management facility for over 30 years!
For more information about our solid waste management services, click here.
Vision for the Future
Through its initiatives, the CRSC is committed to building dynamic and sustainable communities while addressing the specific needs of its region. It positions itself as a key pillar for the economic, social, and environmental development of the Chaleur region.
