Abstracts

The New Brunswick Coastal Areas Protection Policy and Adapting to a Changing Coast

Paul Jordan
Government of New Brunswick
paul.jordan@gnb.ca

The Province of New Brunswick adopted a Coastal Areas Protection Policy in 2002. It is designed to find a balance between environmental protection and development in the coastal zone.

Managing coastal features and the ecosystems they support as well as reducing impacts caused by the marine environment on development in the coastal area. This approach considers coastal wetland loss, public access, storm surge and coastal flooding, destruction of flora and fauna, and the damage of public infrastructure.

The Policy takes the approach of zoning by establishing Protected Areas, including all coastal features such as beaches, dunes, wetlands, dyked lands and rock platforms (Zone A) and a 30 metre set-back (Zone B). Each zone has specific conditions and limits on development.

The Policy is currently being implemented by government, with the intent to proceed with the creation of a Coastal Designation Order under the Clean Environment Act. The proposed Order will include various requirements that are adaptive in nature and have the effect of moving new development inland of coastal features. The implementation will be linked to the existing community planning process. Development officers and building inspectors will be required to ensure proposed development in the coastal area conforms to the Coastal Designation Order prior to the issuance of development approval or building permit.

2005-04-05