FAQs
Why is the City undertaking this project?
The Vision Lands Secondary Municipal Plan is an existing plan that dates originally from 2004 and was updated in 2011. According to the Community Planning Act, the municipality is required to update Secondary Municipal Plans every 10 years.
How will wetlands be protected?
Wetlands are regulated by the NB Department of Environment. The first phase of this project included wetland delineation by a qualified consultant to get a ‘boots on the ground’ assessment. The wetland mapping will help determine the overall layout of the site, and the City’s goal is for a development footprint that minimizes impacts to wetlands and other important natural features.
No wetlands can be disturbed without approval from the Department of Environment, which may include a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment.
Is development allowed in the Vision Lands?
Yes, property owners are currently allowed to develop their properties for the purposes which it is zoned. To learn more, please visit our interactive zoning map.
What is a master plan?
A master plan is a long-term planning document that provides a framework for future growth.
Why do a master plan for the Vision Lands?
The master planning process allows the City to gather input from residents, property owners, and relevant parties to produce a vision that reflects the needs and diversity of the community. It allows for a more coordinated approach to planning and ensures neighbourhoods can be developed in a holistic manner so residents have access to their daily needs (e.g. housing, shopping, daycare, etc.)
Development may still proceed without a master plan, but it may take place in an uncoordinated manner and in a way that does not reflect the needs of the community.
I’ve heard about the Vision Lands before, but nothing has happened. What’s different this time?
The planning process is a lengthy one, focused on future outcomes and providing a roadmap for growth over a long timeframe (10+ years). However, the current growth the City is experiencing underlines the need to plan for our future neighbourhoods.
The current planning process is more focused on coordinated infrastructure planning with relevant property owners than in previous planning exercises. The City also has new tools, such as development charges, that can be used to help share the cost of infrastructure among different property owners to help pay for the cost of servicing. Development charges were not enabled by provincial legislation in previous planning exercises.