News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government will introduce a modernized Municipalities Act and Community Planning Act in the legislature this week. The acts aim to provide a modern legislative framework that will better empower local governments.

“Communities in New Brunswick have dramatically changed since these acts were first introduced around 50 years ago and modernized legislation will enable New Brunswick’s communities to operate in the 21st century,” said Environment and Local Government Minister Serge Rousselle. “This was one of our platform commitments. We listened to New Brunswickers and took the necessary time to get it done and get it done right.”

The Department of Environment and Local Government has engaged in extensive consultations with internal and external stakeholders such as the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick, the Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Cities of New Brunswick Association, the Association of Municipal Administrators of New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Association of Planners.

The legislation will be more permissive in order to provide local governments with broad powers, increased flexibility and autonomy, modern planning tools, and updated requirements for planning and development.

“Our government believes in the benefits of strong vibrant, well planned and developed communities, which attract residents and investors, and help grow the local economy and create jobs,” Rousselle said. “We have listened to our communities and stakeholders on what they need to become more sustainable, and we are following through with our commitment.”