UPDATES

As we move into 2025, our work continues to be guided by the evolving needs of the Fundy Region’s communities. Based on what we’ve heard so far, we are considering key areas of focus to shape our efforts, including:

• Working towards updates to the Canada Games Aquatic Centre to ensure the facility meets future needs for the 2029 Canada Games.
• Conducting a Risk Assessment to help identify opportunities to strengthen public safety measures across the region.
• We are finalizing a Community Development Needs Assessment to guide action on affordable housing, homelessness, poverty reduction, social inclusion, and healthy communities. To support these efforts, a Social Capacity Coordinator (funded by ELG) will be hired on a one-year contract to advance the homelessness and community development goals.
• Exploring a Regional Transportation Pilot Program to enhance and coordinate transportation solutions across the region.
• Reviewing our Regional Strategy and assessing progress using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

On January 30, the FRSC Board reviewed the draft 2025 Work Plan, which outlines these priorities. The final plan will be adopted later this month, which will be supported by feedback gathered through FRSC’s committee structure, regional chief administrative officers, and partners. This approach ensures our work remains focused, impactful, and aligned with regional priorities.

If you have any feedback or concerns on how the work plan impacts the local needs of your community, please email information@fundyregion.ca.

For more details, please visit our website page with the agenda kit for this meeting.

Starting in 2025, we will launch Strive to Zero Forty (STRIVE 2040)—a 15-year strategy to integrate a net-zero methodology into the continuous improvement model currently used by management at Crane Mountain Landfill.

Approved in concept by the FRSC Board, STRIVE 2040 combines expert-driven decisions with direct community involvement. A new public engagement committee will help evaluate initiatives and provide meaningful recommendations to the Board, ensuring future actions align with community priorities. We’re currently developing opportunities for public input, with the first phase expected to roll out as early as June 2025.

Stay tuned for updates on how you can get involved!

The community kickoff for the 2029 Canada Games bid brought together stakeholders from across the Fundy Region. Jim Bedford, FRSC Board Chair, spoke at the event, highlighting the regional collaboration behind the bid.

The joint bid with the City of Moncton aims to ensure fiscal responsibility, optimize existing facilities, and enhance New Brunswick’s sport hosting capacity. Volunteer Co-Chair Bill MacMackin shared that the 2029 Games are envisioned as a catalyst for long-term growth in athletics and infrastructure.

The bid process continues, with the host city announcement expected in April 2025.

Photo courtesy of Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency

FEATURED STORIES

 The Regional Caucus, left to right: Hon. David Hickey, Jim Bedford, Kate Wilcott, Hon. Aaron Kennedy, Hon. John Herron, Phil Ouellette, Hon. John Dornan.

On January 20, Jim Bedford, Board Chair, and Phil Ouellette, CEO, presented to the Regional Caucus. The presentation covered an overview of FRSC’s work, priorities for 2025, and key requests from Fundy Region communities. It also explored how we can support the government’s priorities and departmental initiatives.

The engagement was positive, with discussions centered on collaboration opportunities and how we can align our efforts with provincial objectives.

The FRSC Board of Directors and staff sincerely thank John Jarvie for his years of leadership and service. As Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Rothesay, his deep knowledge of municipal governance and politics has been invaluable in shaping regional initiatives and supporting collaboration. We appreciate his dedication and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement and all his future endeavours.

We also welcome Brett McLean in Rothesay, Andrew Fry in Fundy-St. Martins, and Ian Watson in Quispamsis as recently appointed Chief Administrative Officers. We look forward to working together to support our communities and advance regional initiatives.

We’ve settled into our new office, and we’re excited to share it with you!

Our boardroom is available for booking on behalf of the FRSC members for meetings related to local and regional government matters.

Our office is fully accessible, ensuring that productive discussions and collaboration can take place in a welcoming environment for everyone. If you’d like to book the boardroom, please reach out to us in advance to confirm availability and guidelines at information@fundyregion.ca.

We look forward to welcoming you at our new location: 20 Broadview Ave., Saint John.