J.D. Irving presents wind farm plans to rowdy public meeting
Residents of Juniper area loudly shared concerns over project
Residents had their first chance to speak face to face with J.D. Irving project leads about the Brighton Wind Farm in a meeting that devolved into a disorderly spectacle with audience members shouting over and heckling company experts trying to answer their questions.
The $550-million project, financed solely by JDI, would be the largest in the province, with 58 wind turbines, slightly larger than the Kent Hills Wind Farm outside Moncton.
JDI plans to break ground next year, and power would be sold to N.B. Power to help decarbonize the province's energy grid, according to the company website set up for the project. The property is already owned by the company and is the site of active forestry.
About 30 company officials and experts gathered to show off poster boards to explain different aspects of the project in a community hall followed by a Q&A session.
Concerns, some not scientifically proven, about how the project will affect the water supply, residents and wildlife, accusations of biased environmental studies, and allegations of poor communication from the company were all brought up by people in the crowd of about 100.
A spokesperson for Hatch, the company hired by JDI for the environmental consultation, told the crowd that studies to date have shown no significant impacts on animals or humans from the proposed project.
"From this session, I think the most important thing is just making sure that we answer all of the questions that the community has, and address any information they may have heard elsewhere," Dion Hanrahan, JDI's vice-president of energy, said in an interview before the meeting.
He said residents would be welcome to follow up via an email address that the company set up for the project.
Lone supporter speaks out at meeting
Only one member of the crowd, David Hunter of Florenceville-Bristol, attempted to speak in favour of the project before being interrupted by others, leading him to shout back.
"The world is in a climate crisis, and here people are doing this not-in-my-backyard syndrome stuff. This project is the way forward to decarbonize our electrical grid," Hunter shouted as he turned his back on the JDI panel to address the crowd.
In an interview after the Q&A session, Hunter apologized for raising his voice but said he viewed many of the concerns raised as "very subtle," and called for people to look at the bigger picture.
"I was like a snowball in hell. There was an incredible amount of negativity and cynicism and sarcasm about this project," Hunter said.
David
Hunter from Florenceville-Bristol was the only audience member who
spoke in favour of the project during the Q&A session. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
He called some people's concerns about noise from the wind farm "laughable," questioning why they took issue with that but not the constant loud noises from ATVs he constantly hears in the area.
"As a citizen of the planet, I'm in favour of more green energy, especially here in New Brunswick."
Residents say emails not answered, JDI says they were
Many residents audibly groaned and began shouting anytime the email address was mentioned as a way to get answers that the panel could not immediately provide.
People shouted that they only received automated responses, and others disputed JDI's claim that the company distributed flyers about the project and Thursday's meeting to hundreds of people in the area.
"What I can say about the emails, there are a number of us on this team who read every single one," said Renée Morais, JDI's director of environmental affairs.
The
meeting was at times tense, with audience members shouting over J.D.
Irving project leads and refuting their claims that emails were
responded to. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
She said "dozens" of emails have been responded to, and that only three currently needed responses.
When asked what it would take to stop the project, Morais said following the environmental impact assessment submitted in April, the project is now being reviewed by regulators at all three levels of government. The EIA is available publicly on the project website.
If approved, "JDI had full intention to proceed with this project," Morais said.
Several residents posted protest signs outside the community hall with messages like, "Stop the war on nature" and referred to the wind turbines as the "58 monsters."
Leslie Noel Butler, who lives on South Ridge Road, near Brighton Mountain, spoke out against Hunter's claim that people voicing concern were NIMBYs. Many of those in attendance are part of the South Knowlesville Land Trust Project, an off-grid commune.
"Now the land that they live in and love so much is going to be changed unalterably without them having any say," Noel Butler said.
Leslie Noel Butler lives near Brighton Mountain and expressed concern over accusations of NIMBYism from Hunter. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
"So I think the accusation of NIMBYism is a little unfair, considering they don't use any of the resources that Irving is seeking to harvest from their world."
She also expressed concern about JDI clear cutting, which she said has already caused negative effects in the region.
JDI officials said only 447 hectares would need to be cleared to build bases for the turbines and new roads.
Aiyana Rahhali asked why the wind farm couldn't be placed on land that was already clear cut or farm fields. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
Aiyana Rahhali is involved with the off-grid commune and was one of the younger attendees to speak out during the meeting.
"This is my home, this is my future, and I care about my land and the land that I grew up on," Rahhali said, adding that she was pleasantly surprised by how many people showed up Thursday.
"I'm not against windmills per se, I'm against where they're putting it on that mountain behind my house," she said, questioning why the wind farm couldn't go in a field or land already clear cut.
No bird migratory paths over mountain, company says
When asked why this location was chosen Hanrahan told the crowd that studies had found the mountain to have high wind levels, and existing logging roads would minimize the need for any additional clear cutting for the project.
The company also has trained staff who visit areas being clear cut to make sure no endangered animals or vegetation are harmed and no dens are in the area, Morais said in an interview.
Concerns about birds are valid, Morais added.
Brighton Mountain is already the site of active forestry, Morais said. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
"I think if a bird were to encounter a wind turbine blade, I'm not going to lie, it may not end well for that bird," she said.
JDI has been conducting bird flight pattern studies on Brighton Mountain for a year and a half, she said.
"What we are seeing based on some of the preliminary information is that we're thankful that we're not on a major migratory path," she said.
An adaptive bird and bat management plan would also be approved by government regulators and followed for the project, she said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
"Now the land that they live in and love so much is going to be changed unalterably without them having any say," Noel Butler said.
"So I think the accusation of NIMBYism is a little unfair, considering they don't use any of the resources that Irving is seeking to harvest from their world."
She also expressed concern about JDI clear cutting, which she said has already caused negative effects in the region.
Perhaps the lady and I should talk
David Amos
I know the feeling
They say "only" so easily EH?
“ Several residents posted protest signs outside the community hall with messages like, "Stop the war on nature" and referred to the wind turbines as the "58 monsters."
J.D. Irving wind farm worries some, company promises more consultation
Woodstock First Nation chief says he's concerned about impact on migratory birds, wildlife
As plans for a J.D. Irving wind farm loom in western New Brunswick, some residents and a nearby First Nation are speaking out against the project.
The Brighton Mountain Wind Farm, with 58 turbines, will break ground in 2025 near the small community of Juniper and within the boundaries of Hartland and Carleton North municipalities.
J.D. Irving spokesperson Anne McInerney said in an email statement that the company is planning a public meeting for area residents in August, something local mayors support.
"I want people to have answers, I want their questions to be answered and I think information is important," said Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant.
She said J.D. Irving held a meeting recently for the Western Valley Regional Service Commission so local government officials and mayors could inform their residents.
When asked if she supports the project, DeMerchant said, "Like everyone else, I want to make sure that it's done properly, no one wants to see things disturbed in a way that's not healthy."
Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey said he's also been hearing concerns from residents.
Carleton
North Mayor Andrew Harvey said he supports the project as long as
consultation takes place and environmental requirements are met. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
"We suggested they needed to talk directly to the proponent to get those questions answered. We don't have any of the information about any of that," Harvey said.
"We do agree that there needs to be public engagement on this, and the proponent has agreed to have these meetings, and we've conveyed that to that group."
Harvey said he personally supports the project, noting the company's history as an employer in the area.
"But everybody needs to be held accountable in terms of protecting the environment, so that's what that process will do, and then the [environmental impact assessment] will have a good, robust discussion about all these issues that may come up," Harvey said.
Clarissa Andersen, a spokesperson for the provincial Department of Environment and Local Government, said in an email that public engagement is required as part of the project's ongoing environmental impact assessment (EIA).
"Public engagement is still underway for this project and the proponent has not yet submitted their summary report," Andersen said.
"No decision will be made regarding the EIA until all relevant issues identified by the TRC, First Nations and the public during the determination review have been addressed."
First Nation against project
Woodstock First Nation Chief Tim Paul said J.D. Irving has not done proper consultation in his view, and he wishes that his community and the Wolastoqey Nation had been involved in the ongoing environmental impact assessment.
"At this stage of the game, I can tell you that Woodstock would be opposed to it, opposed to the project," Paul said.
He said he has concerns about migratory birds and wildlife on the project site, along with the possibility of Indigenous archeological sites or traditional medicine on the property.
A map showing the location of Brighton Mountain in western New Brunswick. (Submitted by J.D. Irving)
"There's all kinds of impacts that have to be looked at through the full process, and we have to be part of that process. When you're left out of that process, how do you meaningfully consult when you're not even involved?" Paul asked.
McInerney said First Nations were notified of the project in August 2023, and directed questions about Indigenous consultation to the province.
David Kelly, the provincial spokesperson for Indigenous Affairs, added that the environmental impact assessment, "provides all First Nations with the opportunity to make submissions on the potential impact to their rights.
"The province did notify all First Nations directly about the project and provided them with information," Kelly said.
McInerney said J. D. Irving has visited 250 residences in the area to discuss the project and share pamphlets, and has set up a website outlining the project. There's also an email people can use to submit questions.
Nearby resident concerned about project
Juniper resident Stephanie Thornton sent an email to provincial and municipal government officials urging them to stop the project.
Thornton said she's an animal-rights activist who is concerned about deforestation and wildlife losing their home.
A
map showing where each of the 58 turbines will be spaced out on the
project site, marked by numbers. A resident in the area says she's
concerned about land being cleared for the turbines to be built. (Submitted by J.D. Irving)
The website J.D. Irving set up for the project estimates that just 0.3 per cent of the property will have to be cleared for the project, or about 227 hectares. The company also said existing forest roads will be used as much as possible for construction.
"Why choose a site that's heavily forested when you could use something that maybe doesn't have so much impact on animals and the woods?" Thornton asked.
A Facebook group for residents to discuss the project and share concerns has attracted just under 500 members.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Friday 3 May 2024
J.D. Irving gets into wind farm business with $550M project in western N.B.
J.D. Irving gets into wind farm business with $550M project in western N.B.
Project aims to sell energy to N.B. Power, but no agreement yet
J.D. Irving Ltd. is taking a leap into the green energy business with plans for a 58-turbine wind farm.
The Brighton Mountain wind farm, near the hamlet of Juniper in Carleton County, will break ground in 2025, pending regulatory approval, the company has announced.
"The power will be sold to N.B. Power which will contribute to decarbonizing the province," says a website created to promote the project.
But there are still some loose ends, as the project needs regulatory approvals and an agreement with N.B. Power to purchase power.
N.B. Power spokesperson D'Arcy Walsh said in an email that N.B. Power does not currently have any power-purchasing agreements with J.D. Irving for the project, "and therefore it would be too early to comment on any aspects of the project at this time."
J.D. Irving estimates the wind farm will reduce New Brunswick's
reliance on fossil fuels by about nine per cent. (Submitted by J.D.
Irving)
In 2023, the utility invited proposals for green energy projects in the province with an expectation to be live by 2027, the same timeline Brighton Mountain now gives.
With 58 turbines and a capacity for 350 megawatts, it would decrease the New Brunswick energy grid's reliance on fossil fuels by roughly nine per cent, according to the project website.
But the launch has also been somewhat lowkey. There has been no news release from the province, which normally highlights major business investments and projects of all kinds.
Information session planned
The area for the turbines falls into the municipalities of both Hartland and Carleton North, but neither mayor knew enough about the project to grant an interview.
When reached by phone, Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant said this was the first she was hearing of the project. Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey said he's waiting for an information session later this month where he expects to learn more.
Government spokesperson Nick Brown said Natural Resources and Energy Development Minister Mike Holland was unavailable for an interview Thursday but provided an email statement from him.
"As outlined in our Clean Energy Strategy, we intend to significantly grow our wind power generation over the next 12 years," Holland said in the statement, adding the province established goals for N.B. Power to acquire new cost-effective wind power deals.
Holland went on to say "there is a process in place for developing wind farms," and Brighton Mountain still needs to complete a environmental impact assessment and reach a power-purchasing agreement with N.B. Power.
A map showing where each of the 58 turbines will be spaced out on the
project site, marked by numbers. (Submitted by J.D. Irving)
The Brighton Mountain website touts the project as helping reach an agreement between the federal government, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in October 2023 to phase out coal-fired generation in the electricity sector by 2030, net-zero electricity, or no greenhouse gas emissions, by 2035 and a net-zero economy by 2050.
"Securing clean energy sources to support traditional industries within N.B., such as pulp and paper, will help to maintain the longevity and viability of current JDI operations throughout the province," the environmental impact assessment says.
The project is described as the company's "first wind development project as a proponent," but the assessment says J.D. Irving affiliate companies have experience building and maintaining turbines.
Green leader supports project
Green Party Leader David Coon said the JDI project would be a "big deal" for the province, given wind farm's large size and the fact it's owned by a New Brunswick-based company.
The province only has one wind farm of similar size, the Kent Hills operation near Moncton.
"N.B. Power needs to have a considerable amount of renewable energy come onto the grid this decade in order to meet their requirements with the phase-out of the coal plant in Belledune," Coon said.
Green Leader David Coon calls the project a big deal for New Brunswick
but says an agreement with N.B. Power is crucial. (Sam Farley/CBC)
"So this fits right into their plan."
Coon said he is worried there is no agreement with N.B. Power yet.
"My only concern is that we hear from N.B. Power that there is a power-purchase agreement, they've agreed on a price, so that this will go forward without a hitch."
Project not intended for federal carbon credit
JDI spokesperson Anne McInerney said no one was available for an interview because the project is in the early application phase, but she offered to answer questions over email.
Asked if JDI would use the project to apply for the federal greenhouse gas offset credit system, designed to motivate corporations to invest in green energy, McInerney said in an email "that's not the intention."
She said the company's "focus is on our application and approval process," when asked if the project represented a new direction for J.D. Irving.
200 jobs, only 20 permanent
The website says more than 200 jobs will be created during construction, but the 475-page assessment reveals the number of full-time jobs, once the project is operating, will be 20.
The first phase of construction will be complete by 2027, at a cost of about $550 million, the website says. A frequently asked questions section addresses concerns residents may raise, saying that the project will not decrease property values, be loud when operating, or disrupt wildlife.
The turbines are just over 200 metres tall and have an estimated service life of 25 years. After that timeline is reached, the assessment says, the structures could either be taken down or J.D. Irving can consult with government to "extend the life of the project."
A map showing the location of Brighton Mountain in western New Brunswick. (Submitted by J.D. Irving)
The project will also see construction of two substations and a terminal station to tie into the existing energy grid, but an existing network of company logging roads in the area already provides access, the website says.
Nineteen environmental studies were done for the project in 2023 and another 16 are planned this year. These studies look at species in the area, wetlands and vegetation.
The location is very rural, and there is only one full-time residence, just under a kilometre from a planned turbine. Some remote cabins and shacks are also nearby, the report says.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Round One
I trust that all the lawyers who intervene in the EUB hearings know why I shook my head as I read that
"As outlined in our Clean Energy Strategy, we intend to significantly grow our wind power generation over the next 12 years," Holland said in the statement, adding the province established goals for N.B. Power to acquire new cost-effective wind power deals.
Holland went on to say "there is a process in place for developing wind farms," and Brighton Mountain still needs to complete a environmental impact assessment and reach a power-purchasing agreement with N.B. Power."
Yea Right
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/massive-wind-farm-pitched-for-labrador-1.620146
Now fast forward to today
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/world-energy-gh2-wind-farm-environmental-impact-1.6944733"extend the life of the project." = Rust In Place
Round Two
I trust that all the lawyers who intervene in the EUB hearings know why I shook my head as I read that
"As outlined in our Clean Energy Strategy, we intend to significantly grow our wind power generation over the next 12 years," Holland said in the statement, adding the province established goals for N.B. Power to acquire new cost-effective wind power deals.
Holland went on to say "there is a process in place for developing wind farms," and Brighton Mountain still needs to complete a environmental impact assessment and reach a power-purchasing agreement with N.B. Power."
Yea Right
Costs to the public...
Works for one group!
Search “Sinopec forecasts China's coal consumption to peak around 2025”
Reply to Bill Gardiner
Wind is the second least expensive way to generate electricity next to solar...
NB Power has been banned from owning such facilities and is only allowed to purchase such generation from private companies...
Weird...
Not really Ask yourself a simple question
Cui Bono?
"According to the NB Power 2023 Integrated Resource Plan, all current and future wind farms will be owned by private companies. That means the benefits from generating cheap wind power will accrue to private shareholders rather than the public. NB Power should own the wind turbines so the savings can be used to reduce the cost of our electricity."
Reply to Danny Sterns
It is, except for those who would rather not transition.
Reply to Bill Gardiner
Doesn't matter whether want it or not. "the world is already transitioning " lol
Reply to Gerry Roberts
It doesn't matter, but the point is that some people still don't like it.
Reply to Bill Gardiner
and that is an issue because .............?
Reply to Gerry Roberts
Ask the OP, he brought it up.
Reply to Bill Gardiner
No you brought it up.........."except for those who would rather not transition."
Reply to Gerry Roberts
In response to the OP.
Reply to Danny Sterns
Depends on how much taxpayers will be on the hook for
Reply to Bill Gardiner
you choose to respond thus bringing up people who would rather not transition
Reply to Dennis Woodman
There's no government money even being considered.
Reply to Gerry Roberts
Yes, I did. :)
Reply to Bill Gardiner
then You, raised the issue regarding people who allegedly don;t want to transition knowing full well it's not an issue
Reply to Gerry Roberts
"Knowing full well"? How do you know I know what you think I know.
Reply to Gerry Roberts
You don't know that. Why are you making things up?
Reply to Bill Gardiner
I've been studying your skill at knowing what you think other posters and politicians know. It took me a while but I've mastered it, just like you
Reply to Bill Gardiner
"we" all know that bill. No one is making things up!
Reply to Dennis Woodman
If indeed tax payer money is involved, rather this than $1 billion for soccer games.
Reply to Bill Gardiner
That you know of. I believe there has at least been some discussion. Time will tell
Reply to Dennis Woodman
You have absolutely zero evidence of that, so why even mention it? That's how damaging rumors start.
Reply to Danny Sterns
Hard telling not knowing for sure
Reply to Dennis Woodman
Why be happy to be on the hook at all?
Reply to Bill Gardiner
"How do you know I know what you think I know. "
Methinks the EUB knows I know a lot you don't know N'esy Pas?
I doubt it
all major projects do require environmental analysis.
Irving knows best the places where the natural environment has already been destroyed; they destroyed it.
Would those subsidies exceed those given to the O&G industries?
Oh, and Doug Ford estimates that with primary and secondary jobs, there'll be about 30,000 total jobs created.
Brighton Mountain Wind Farm
Register for the Open House Sessions on August 8th
Register for the August 8, 2024 information session by calling 1-800-518-7999 or book at brightonwind.com
Andrew Harvey
Mayor
506-245-1444
andrew.harvey@carletonnorth.com
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/audio/1.3820132
https://labrc.com/first-nation/woodstock/
Woodstock First Nation
Chief:
Chief Timothy Paul
terripaulthiffault@icloud.com
Western NB Service Commission (WNBSC)
About
Background:
The Western Valley Regional Service Commission, a body corporate, was established in January 1, 2013. WVRSC is a consolidation of the former Rural District Planning Commission and the Valley Solid Waste Commission. The Regional Service Delivery model stems from the Government of New Brunswick Action Plan for a New Local Governance System in New Brunswick (2011). The Plan outlines the formation of 12 Regional Service Commission for the main purpose of planning, facilitating, and delivering services to both municipal and unincorporated communities (Local Service Districts (LSDs)).
Serviced Area:
The Western Valley Region includes the area delineated in the embedded map. This is the area serviced by The Western Valley Regional Service Commission (WVRSC).
Services Offered:
The Regional Service Delivery Act requires that the Commission provide the following mandated services:
- Regional Planning
- Local Planning in Local Service Districts
- Solid Waste Management
- Regional Policing Collaboration
- Regional Emergency Measures Planning
- Regional Sport, Recreational, and Cultural Infrastructure Planning and Cost-Sharing
Board of Directors
What is a Regional Service Commission Board of Directors and what will it do?
Each of the Province’s 12 RSCs will be governed by a Board of Directors. Each Board will be accountable to all communities within its region and will be made up of mayors and unincorporated area representatives. These Boards will provide opportunities for communities to work together, to plan and to communicate on issues of interest in a region. Together, Board members will set the overall direction on service delivery and financial matters in the best interest of the communities
https://www.rsc12.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Minutes-February-8-2023-.pdf
Board of Directors
Minutes of the Meeting – February 8, 2023
Via Zoom
In Attendance:
Trina Jones, Mayor, Woodstock
Andrew Harvey, Mayor, District of Carleton North
Cindy McLaughlin, Mayor, Regional Community of Southern Victoria
Tanya Cloutier, Mayor, Municipality of Lakeland Ridges
Tom Eagles, Mayor, District of Tonique Valley
Tracy Demerchant, Mayor, Hartland
Lynn Hambrook, Representative, Western Valley Rural District
Lynn Hambrook, Representative, Western Valley Rural District
Contact and help
Western Valley Regional Service Commission
3143 Main Street, Unit 2
Centreville, NB
E7K 3E8
Toll Free: (866) 312-8800
Phone: (506) 276-3610
Fax: (506) 276-3576
Chief Executive Officer – Katelyn McGrath (ext. 203)
Director of Planning – Conor Tripp (ext. 207)
Director of Operations – Andrea Callahan (ext. 209)
Director of Tourism – Barb Sharp (ext. 208)
Director of Environmental Health & Public Safety – Fred Thompson-Brown (ext. 201)
Community Development Coordinator – Wendy Marr (ext. 206)
Development Officer – Christie Dickinson (ext. 204)
Manager of Development & Building Inspection – Brent DesRoches (ext. 205)
Financial Administrator – Joan Kennedy (ext. 202)
Office Administrator – Bev Gullison (ext. 200)
For more information about the Western Valley Regional Service Commission and Local Planning Inquiries contact info@rsc12.ca
For Local Planning inquiries for the following municipalities contact info@rsc12.ca:
- Village of Bath
- Village of Canterbury
- Village of Centreville
- Town of Hartland
- Village of Plaster Rock
https://www.rsc12.ca/planning/lakelandridges/
Municipality of Lakeland Ridges
As of January 1st, 2023, the creation of the new government entities will take effect throughout the Province of New Brunswick.
Until such time that existing municipal/provincial land-use plans and zoning by-laws/regulations have been repealed and/or replaced, they are still in effect. Please see below for those zoning by-laws and regulations that still apply to those communities within Municipality of Lakeland Ridges:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/lakeland-ridges-supervisor-byelection-1.7193421
Lakeland Ridges council to come back to life as provincial supervision ends
3 men running for mayor in the so-far dysfunctional western New Brunswick municipality
The troubled council of Lakeland Ridges in western New Brunswick will be reinstated.
After provincial supervision of Lakeland Ridges since last summer, the government announced on Thursday that the "appointed supervisor will no longer have jurisdiction and control" over the municipality, effective May 15.
"Our government wants to allow the council of the Municipality of Lakeland Ridges and its residents the chance to grow and flourish as a community," Local Government Minister Glen Savoie said in a news release.
"We encourage the council to fully address past issues and engage in the transition services being offered."
With a byelection scheduled for Monday in Lakeland Ridges, the move also gives a brand-new mayor — and slightly different council — a chance at a fresh start.
The byelection was called to fill the mayor's chair, left vacant when Tanya Cloutier resigned in January, along with councillors Michael Furrow and Mark Grant.
Provincial
reform created new municipal entities across New Brunswick, including
combining Canterbury, seen here, with Meductic. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
Only one person stepped up to run for the two vacant council positions, so Dustin Buckingham will be acclaimed.
Running for mayor are Eric Cummings, Leonard Foster and Lance Graham.
When reached by phone on Friday, Cummings said he decided run because he was "tired of the hornet's nest more than anything, and I decided something had to be done."
Cummings, who previously served on Meductic's council, said he's confident he can lead his community "to get the whole amalgamation back on track."
He said he's been in business for more than 30 years and has "a fair bit of supervision experience, so I guess we've been into a lot of hornet's nests — one more wasn't going to matter."
Foster and Graham did not respond to interview requests on Friday, nor did Buckingham.
According to Thursday's news release, the Department of Local Government will offer financial support for "transition training" for council members to bring about "a seamless transition."
Long-standing divisions
Divisions within the community became clear soon after it was brought together as Lakeland Ridges, an amalgamation of the former villages of Meductic and Canterbury, as well as six local service districts.
A council meeting last June, for example, didn't go ahead because councillors couldn't agree on an agenda.
Then, two municipal office staff went out on medical leave. Another council meeting scheduled for July was cancelled because a temporary clerk still wasn't in place.
By last summer, the province appointed Michael Blaney, a former mayor of Gagetown, as supervisor and later replaced him with Greg Lutes, a consultant and former provincial deputy minister. In February, the province appointed Stephen Manuel, a former mayor of Meductic.
Tanya
Cloutier quit as mayor of Lakeland Ridges in January, saying even after
the province intervened, a group of councillors continued to complain
and badmouth her. (Tanya Cloutier/Facebook)
By then, Cloutier had already quit as mayor because of continued infighting and division between her and several councillors. Cloutier did not respond to an interview request on Friday.
According to a consultant's report in November, municipal operations came to a virtual standstill in June when the two employees took leaves, and replacements could not be found.
Council meetings "were chaotic, lasting up to four hours each, twice per month, lacking decorum or respect for rules of procedure," the report said."The failure of these meetings led to the use of email trails in between sessions to continue to debate matters."
This "frustrating environment" led to minor criticisms and mistakes being "amplified."
"Two camps became established with a coalition of five openly organizing outside of council meetings," the report said.
To get out of the mess, the report recommended the nine elected members and two employees go through mediation "to resolve interpersonal conflicts" and training "to better understand council functions and communications."
"To be successful, each of the eleven individuals involved will need to recommit to serving all of Lakeland Ridges and working cooperatively together."
Although he could not be reached for comment on Friday, one of the suspended councillors, Randy Stairs, said in February that training and mediation had been going well.
He said they were about "seven-tenths of the way there" by that time.
'Historical superiority' an issue
The report identified "a number of unhelpful tactics and approaches" that fed "the chaotic working environment," including conflicts of interest, and appealing to Local Government for second opinions or rulings.
It also identified "historical superiority," where individuals bragged that their former communities did things better, or that others didn't have the "best history of governance practices."
"Focusing on the past serves the intention of undermining the authority of members of council or staff who served former communities and either discrediting them for collective mistakes or bolstering the track record of others," said the report.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Troubled municipality's new mayor eager to see control return to council
Lakeland Ridges has been under provincial supervision since last summer
The new mayor of a troubled southwest New Brunswick community says he's looking forward to control returning to its council.
Leonard Foster was elected mayor of Lakeland Ridges in a byelection Monday, filling a vacancy created when its first mayor resigned in January.
Foster told CBC on Wednesday that he couldn't speak to what went wrong last year that led to the province stepping in and taking control, but hopes the council can work together now.
"I'm a fairly optimistic sort of guy," Foster said. "I've got some experience in this line of work. I like working with boards and that sort of thing. So I'm hoping with my experience and with the other councillors — I hope we're ready to go."
Foster says the return of local control was among the reasons he ran for office.
The municipality includes the former villages of Meductic, seen here, Canterbury and several local service districts. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
The municipality south of Woodstock was created through local governance reforms last year and includes the former communities of Canterbury, Meductic and several local service districts.
Last June, its council failed to agree on an agenda so the meeting didn't go ahead. Two staff members went on medical leave.
By the end of July, the province announced it would take control of the municipality through a supervisor.
A consultant's report from last fall described chaotic council meetings lasting hours and "lacking decorum or respect for rules of procedure."
"Two camps became established with a coalition of five openly organizing outside of council meetings," the report said.
Supervision was extended into this year.
The mayor and two councillors resigned in January, triggering Monday's byelection.
In the mayoral race, Foster received 229 votes, Lance Graham 181 votes and Eric Cummings 148. Dustin Buckingham was acclaimed as a councillor. A third seat remains vacant and another byelection will take place in December.
Last week the province announced it would return control of the municipality back to the elected council as of May 15.
Foster says he hopes the individual communities that make up Lakeland Ridges don't lose their identities.
But he hopes they realize they will have to work together as part of the new municipality.
"So one of the things that council, mayor [and] office staff will have to work on is making sure that Lakeland Ridges becomes Lakeland Ridges."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Rachel Cave
Wind turbine unveiled in Fredericton to be used for power, learning
A six kilowatt unit, similar to the one unveiled, would be enough to power one home - project partner
The winds of change are blowing new technology into the renewable energy sector in Fredericton.
On Friday, New Brunswick-based renewable energy company Naveco Power, the Falls Brook Centre and The Ville Cooperative unveiled a new wind turbine.
Falls Brook Centre executive director, Marc Gionet said the design of the turbine is a bit different than one might expect.
"Typically when you think of a wind turbine, you're thinking of a horizontal axis so the blades are on the front," he said. "With a vertical axis, the blades are spinning upwards."
The design allows for various sizes to be made, which means municipalities, small businesses, and even individuals and homeowners could eventually be able to afford a model.
This small windmill could power one or two homes. (CBC)
Gionet said the Falls Brook Centre has been involved with sustainable community development for over 20 years, in particular renewable energy and conservation.
They test many developments in renewable energy and had the opportunity to partner with Naveco Power on the project. The centre commissioned Kohilo Wind in New York to build the turbine.
Gene Schoonmakerfranczek of Kohilo Wind said the unit was built very quickly, in just a matter of weeks. He drove it to New Brunswick earlier this week to have it installed.
Schoonmakerfranczek said they had no idea what kind of wind to expect.
"This whole technology is new, so we're learning as we work on this now," he said.
Carried in a backpack
The turbines are very stable Schoonmakerfranczek said and tend to last longer than regular wind turbines.
"The wind goes through the unit so, it does put some stress on it, but not what you would think," he said.
Gionet said the Falls Brook Centre has been involved with sustainable community development for over 20 years. (CBC)
A
larger unit capable of generating a megawatt could be used to
contribute to the power grid, but a more practical, smaller version can
be carried in a backpack and used to power electronics in the
wilderness.
Gionet explained the technology is similar to
that used in a hydroelectric dam so it funnels the wind and a much lower
wind speed is needed to generate effective electricity.
The turbine will be permanently installed at Falls Brook Centre's West Glassville property to generate power and be used for education and public demonstrations.
Gionet said it's important that people see it in action and learn "how renewable energy infrastructure can be economically, financially, socially and environmentally beneficial to the community we're looking to serve."
Corrections
- A previous version of this story stated this was the first turbine of its kind in Canada. In fact it is the first vertical axis turbine of this model, by Kohilo Wind.Dec 18, 2015 4:45 PM AT
Environmental Education Programs
(506) 246-1114
admin@fallsbrookcentre.ca
www.fallsbrookcentre.ca
New minister Andrew Harvey 'not interested' in re-examining dropped charges against him
'Moved on' after being accused before 2014 election of cutting wood on Crown land and claiming it was private
New Liberal cabinet minister Andrew Harvey says he's not interested in re-examining one of the unsolved mysteries of the 2014 election: why charges of fraud and forgery were laid against him just before the campaign and then suddenly dropped.
Harvey, his brother and father were accused three weeks before the campaign of cutting wood from Crown land and passing it off as wood from a private lot.
But Crown prosecutors withdrew the charges 10 days before the vote.
Harvey went on to win the riding of Carleton-Victoria by 82 votes and was chosen this week by Premier Brian Gallant to become minister of agriculture and mining.
"As you can imagine it was a tough campaign," Harvey said Wednesday.
"I let the people speak. … We presented our position, other parties represented their positions, there was a rough go in the middle, but we won. I moved forward from that point on, and the government has."
- Brian Gallant's new Saint John portfolio points to election strategy
- Brian Gallant drops 3 senior ministers in cabinet shuffle
- Inquiry into Andrew Harvey controversy appears unlikely
At the time, Gallant raised questions about the timing and motivation for the charges. Three days before the election, he said then-premier David Alward should hold an independent inquiry into what prompted them and make the results public.
On Wednesday, Gallant reminded reporters that not long after the election, his government decided to "leave it be" and not call an inquiry.
"What's important is we know Andy Harvey is working hard and he was elected by the people of his riding to represent them," he said. "Now he's going to be able to represent all of New Brunswick in this new task he has before him."
After the charges were reported in the media during the campaign, Gallant suspended Harvey as a Liberal candidate, then reinstated him after the charges were dropped.
"I have to give credit to Andy Harvey," Gallant said Wednesday. "He knew why we had to do that. He knew that when the file would ultimately be finalized, he would be fine, and that's exactly what happened."
'Didn't meet threshold required to prosecute'
The public prosecutions branch of the Attorney General's Office, which is supposed to operate independently of political control, issued a statement a week before the election saying a "secondary review" of the charges "didn't meet the threshold required to prosecute."
But there's never been a clear explanation of why and how the charges against Harvey and the other family members were approved in the first place if they didn't meet that threshold.
The retired natural resources officer who laid the charges, Allen Goodine, told CBC News during the campaign that he'd received a "strange" phone call from a senior departmental official seeking details of the charges.
To directly answer your question, no, I'm not interested in looking at the past.
- Andrew Harvey, new cabinet minister
Four days later, journalists were tipped off about the charges, which had been filed at the Woodstock courthouse on July 29, 2014.
Harvey said he's no longer concerned about what happened.
"To directly answer your question, no, I'm not interested in looking at the past," he said Wednesday. "I moved on after the election of 2014 and I haven't looked back."
Attorney General Serge Rousselle said in late 2014 that holding an inquiry into the decision to lay charges would threaten the independence of the public prosecutions office.
The Progressive Conservatives rejected any suggestion that the laying of charges just before the campaign was politically motivated, also pointing to the prosecution's independence.
Sisson mine, NAFTA
Harvey's appointment as agriculture and mining minister means he'll have a role in supporting the proposed Sisson mine project, which is expected to have economic spinoffs in his riding.
He also said Wednesday that he hopes Canada can preserve the supply-management system for dairy, chicken and egg farmers during negotiations to update the North American Free Trade Agreement.
"We want to maintain that obviously," he said. "We think it's very important that that is maintained."
But he would not comment on whether Ottawa should make it a deal-breaker if the United States insists on eliminating or weakening it.
"I'm not going to get into NAFTA negotiations here this morning," he said. "We'll leave the federal negotiations with the federal government."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Biodiesel in New Brunswick
The Vehicle Management Agency (VMA) of the Department of Transportation received, recently, $215,000 from Shawn Graham's government to build and operate a biodiesel dispensing facility.
Two New Brunswick companies, Clark Oil, from Woodstock, and Eastern Greenway Fuels, from Waterville, will be providing the fuel for the project.
According to Environment Minister Roland Haché, this project reflects Fredericton's commitment to follow its Climate Change Action Plan.
"We made the commitment to research biodiesel with a view to requiring a minimum average of five per cent ethanol in gasoline and five per cent biodiesel in diesel fuel sold for vehicle or heating fuel use in New Brunswick," he explained.
Minister Haché believes this kind of investment will allow the province to encourage environmental sustainability, an important part of government's plan to be self-sufficient by 2026.
 |
| Transportation Minister Denis Landry, Energy Minister Jack Keir and Environment Minister Roland Haché hope the new biodiesel facility will help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in New Brunswick. |
Practical uses
The Department of Transportation is also taken with the new dispensing facility and will be starting a project of its own to use biodiesel in 12 vehicles such as school buses, snow ploughs and other government vehicles.
A study will also help determine the effectiveness of mixing five per cent biodiesel with fuel in New Brunswick's climate.
With Woodstock's new facility, the VMA calculates that if biodiesel is used in all its diesel vehicles, greenhouse-gas emissions could be reduced by 2000 tons every year.
Transportation Minister Denis Landry hopes to lead by example.
"We have a responsibility to future generations to be protecting our environment, including the air that we all share," he said. "Proactive policies and investments such as these demonstrate that government is helping people and communities."
Promoting renewable energy
New Brunswick's Energy Minister, Jack Keir, believes the new installation in Woodstock will not only help develop rural economy, but will also help promote renewable forms of energy.
"This trial will help build capacity in the province for biodiesel production and also promote the development of renewable fuels in the province," explained Keir.
The money invested by the Graham administration comes from the $34-million Climate Action Fund. The goal of the three-year fund is to encourage private, public and not-for-profit initiatives that fit with the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan's objectives. That five-year plan was launched in 2007 and government hopes to reduce atmospheric pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions by 5.5 megatons every year until 2012.
"The climate action fund is a financial resource that serves to promote the sustainability of the environment in our province," recalled Minister Roland Haché. "I commend all those in the public and private sectors who have come forward to work with government by proposing projects to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in New Brunswick."
photo:Communications New-Brunswick
Hon. Glen Savoie
- Minister of Local Government
- Minister of Environment and Climate Change
- Minister responsible for La Francophonie
- Government House Leader
Future NB Avenir offers a different system of legislative governance that ensures collective best interests are identified as ‘people first’ transparently and systematically pursued from the ground up, starting at each individual riding level.
The way the laws are written in New Brunswick governing Elections and campaign financing basically forces us to form a party. Establishing a new provincial political party to advance the idea and need for a political system change is the only credible way to offer a viable clear choice alternative to the established ingrained political party system in New Brunswick.
Consensus governance is an idea whose time has come. It is the opportunity to take back our government and return it to true democracy the way it is supposed to work. All MLA ‘s are equal in legislature, meaning equal time to ask questions, equal time to debate, equal weight in voting and importance with their peers, equal chance of serving on important legislative committees, AND equal opportunity to stand for election by the House as either a cabinet minister or as Premier. No MLA would have ‘a party’ telling them how to vote or what is important, —only the people in riding constituency does that.
Future NB Avenir is the first of its kind to offer a viable “clear-choice-way” back to DEMOCRACY at a local riding level and makes clear the basis of “THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE”.
NOT THE SAME OLD / SAME OLD
CHANGING THE SYSTEM
We are
politically conditioned to seek a leader and pin our hopes to that one
person, to that one personality who we are led to believe will act in
our collective best interests. That is historical ‘system’ conditioning.
What the present ‘system’ does not do is guarantee the political
leader/personality will actually act in our best interests once they are
in the positions to do so.
(And the present ‘system’ does not allow them to do so even if they wanted to.)
Future NB Avenir offers a foundationally different system that ensures
collective best interests are identified as ‘people first’ transparently
and systematically from the ground up.
MLA’s have a changed responsibility to their riding, and the people
living within it. Regular consultations, in person and online
Townhall meetings, and other organized activities such as polls designed
to measure and gage the peoples reactions and thoughts on the various
issues affecting their lives, and the government proposals for
solutions. MLA’s must carry those results back to Fredericton and vote
according the directives of the people in their Ridings.
MLA’s will no longer vote along party lines or be forced by party whips to vote against the wishes of the people they represent.
The old
party system of parliamentary governance is a legacy system originally
established hundreds of years ago by the monarchy to extend its control
over land resources and people. It is a top down central command and
control structure where people are given the illusion of control by
having a vote in choosing their “representative” to represent them
before the Crown.
No matter how that old system forms itself,
with 2 partys, multi partys, first past the post (FPP), or proportional
representation (PPR), that old top down, centralized command and control
structure remains with all the attending leader worship, party
politics, confrontation, pandering and political games remaining. It is
like that old computer system that could not keep up with the demands of
the speed and diversity of the changes needed for newer times.
As
an analogy, computer technology evolved as the inner workings of the
old systems were analyzed to recognize that centralization created
bottlenecks and corruption, with parts working against each other.
The whole system model was re-imagined. New computer systems have
evolved into a much more decentralized platform to carry out the
functions and instructions given to it by individual users. It is a much
more efficient platform to achieve the multi purpose success of those
instructions while working together to perform them.
The old
legacy system of government in New Brunswick has become far too
centralized and controlling. It is outdated and bloated,
bureaucratically cumbersome and slow.
Future NB Avenir would upgrade that system, and with your help we can!
Starting
at the riding level Future NB Avenir proposes a whole different level of
engagement, cooperation, and empowerment for the people living within
the riding.
There are 49 ridings in the Province of New Brunswick with about 11,600
voting residents. Each riding is a separate and unique geographic
location in the province, with various population mixes in age groups,
density and mix of rural and municipal living (except Moncton, Saint
John, and Fredericton where populations are more dense).
We propose to make the Riding Office the central political location for
residents within each riding. Each riding would be a fully independent
political office where consensus governance would model decision making
and the determination of all issues and policy initiatives that affect
that riding. Public meetings, online meetings and various outreach
activities would be regularly scheduled to give everyone the opportunity
to voice opinions and thoughts on the various issues affecting their
lives, and solutions to them.
Candidates following consensus directives would be chosen and filtered
by the consensus majority of the people living in the riding with one
MLA selected and voted for locally without interference from party
executives.
The message is simple.
Either we continue with the same old party system of see/saw governments with the continued march to more centralization, privatization and top down corporate control, — or we support a decentralized bottom up locally driven initiative that puts power and decision-making back into citizens hands, with no parties, no party politics, no deceptions and no confusions pitting people against each other.
That is ‘the’ election decision Future NB Avenir presents to the voters of New Brunswick, asking for their participation and voting support. It must come from the bottom up with people involvement and a shared goal of changing the old system and levelling the playing field for ‘everyone’ to be successful. If we want a government that works FOR people, then PEOPLE have to work for it.
Today the government is paid for by corporations, and guided by lobbyists. The whole system is geared that way. They are getting what they pay for.
We have the opportunity to turn that around. The simple truth is we need YOU, the many people everywhere to commit to contributing .15 cents a day (.99 cents a week) in every riding. Each riding has a voice and every riding will get what WE pay for.
It’s that simple.
FUTURE NB AVENIR
How much is it worth?
Political representation is expensive.
When we all chip in to pay for it ourselves we control that representation.
For the cost of one cup of coffee per month we can take back control of our government.
Less than .15 cents a day (just .99 cents a week)
Membership = Working With Us In Local Riding Activity
$51.48
Less than 15¢ a day
At the present time we can accept e-Transfer Memberships and Donations to nb.future.avenir@gmail.com
Please fill out the contact form below as required by Elections NB and NB law.
After submission, you must separately go to your banking app and e-transfer the funds following your banking procedures. A separate email receipt and confirmation will be sent via our bank.
Get In Touch
About Us
The South Knowlesville Neighbourhood is an idea that has come from several years of talk and dreams around rural revitalization and what it could look like in Knowlesville.
Since its inception, many of people have lent their hands and hearts to the mission of building practical tools & skills for achieving a sustainable future. Those who decided stay in rural New Brunswick make up part of the South Knowlesville Neighbourhood effort.
Land for Sale
The current options for land in this area are wide. There are numerous old farm houses and tracts of land that are up for sale within a 10 mile radius of South Knowlesville. It would be wonderful to have more people move to the area and make their homes in the houses and land that are currently un-occupied. This too will add to a potential revival of the rural community.
Creating a walkable neighbourhood while maintaining rural character and natural assets
What
is unique about the South Knowlesville Neighbourhood is that we want to
invite people to consider building homes much closer together, so that
we can walk between neighbours, support small businesses and still enjoy
large areas for farming and nature trails.
We are seeking people who want to move to rural New Brunswick. We need a critical mass of people who want to do this, to make it work.
South Knowlesville / Skeddadle Ridge Area
We are in a remote, gorgeous location with hardwood forest ridges & mixed lowlands. We are farming organically, using solar and wind where possible and have high aspirations for being part of a new 'future' world, endeavouring to live with a lighter ecological footprint. We are about 1 hour and 15 mins from Fredericton.
The South Knowlesville Community Land Trust is in Western New Brunswick, Canada.
We
are working to develop a small, dense, rural neighborhood where urban
and rural sensibilities can be brought together to create a wellspring
of opportunities for the inhabitants and surrounding community.
The goal of sustainability will shape the way we develop and use the land. What is needed are people to provide the supportive community and shape a vision into reality. This builds relationships, lessens daily travel, protects the environment and offers prospects for right livelihood.
Please take some time to read through this site. We
want you to consider our location a possible home, and help make this a
vibrant, rural community.
Founding Meeting of the Knowlesville Community Land Trust -
In March 2010, current & future residents, supporters and
neighbours came together to consider what is our vision and to
articulate core values that we share. Some of the non-negotiables that
emerged include affordable access to land, organic land management and
an open and diverse membership process. If you are interested in finding
out more ir to arrange a visit, please contact us by email.
info@back2land.ca, munna@back2land.ca
As of September 2014 there are 15 active members meeting monthly to define opportunities to work together, define our organizational foundations and develop a collaborative culture of open respectful dialogue. We also have workbees that rotate between the different households to help with building projects, gardens, or general home projects where many hands can make a difference. This is a great way to get to know the current members and lend a hand. If you are planning to visit, ask about the next workbee and it might be a nice way to meet others in the developing community.
Ways to get involved
Arrange a Visit
The best way to see if you want to live in
South Knowlesville is to come out for a visit. Upon request we will host
a 'walk on the land' and workbees to help people interested in this
endeavour to get to know the land and the people in the area. In return
for the tour, we ask that you give a donation to our community centre,
the Knowlesville Art and Nature School.
- The 'walk' will take you on the land, through the woods and the fields and initial gardens. There will also be introductions to the land use visioning and locations of the Knowlesville Art and Nature Centre and future dreams.
- The 'workbee' is a chance to help create community through activities like gardening, building, plastering, and tree planting. For more information email us or call 506-375-8623 and ask when the next workbee will take place.
Other Related Opportunities
Knowlesville Art & Nature Centre is looking for people interested in offering classes to the local community. Are you an avid quilter, blacksmith, piano teacher, or cartoonist? Whatever your particular skill, we are interested in starting a roster of life-long learning opportunities. Set your timeframe, your cost and we'll promote it. Call 375-6400 or email info@knowlesvillenature.ca.
Take back your food sovereignty - grow your own! Looking for a garden plot? One is waiting for you on the South Knowlesville Community Land Trust.
South Knowlesville
Community Land Trust
111 Simms Rd
Knowlesville, NB
E7L 4P7
Canada
506.375.8623
Intro
Leslie Alexander grew up on an Alberta sheep farm and couldn't wait to hit the road, make a bunch of mistakes and write about them. She wound up singing on a Vancouver street corner for spare change and does not consider this a mistake. It all led to her new incarnation as Mrs. Jeb Butler, and life in the North Woods.
She quit her first "real job" as Editor for Vancouver's Personal Success Magazine, taking her songs from coffeehouses to concert halls and folk clubs to festivals. From Victoria to St. John, San Francisco to New York City, she toured with her own band, Barney Bentall's Grand Cariboo Express and Jenny Allen, also opening for and appearing with the likes of Jane Siberry, Corb Lund, Mary Gauthier, and Harry Manx. Along the way, she created four acclaimed collections of original recordings with the multiple award-winning producer John Macarthur Ellis. Her songs were selected for compilations including such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Randy Bachman, the Barenaked Ladies, and the Odds. Meanwhile, she became a regular contributor of features and reviews for Roots Music Canada, BC Musician, Words and Music and Vancouver Parent Magazine.
Her music has been compared to Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Rosanne Cash, Kathleen Edwards and Ray LaMontagne. It has been licensed to television shows DaVinci's Inquest and Roadtrip Nation, as well as the National Film Board of Canada. Artists including Taylor James, Angela Harris, Shane Chisholm, and many more have covered Leslie's songs on their own releases. Three tracks from her records Garden in the Stones and Nobody's Baby received honourable mentions in Billboard's World Song Contest.
She returned to her home town of High River, Alberta, just in time for the great flood of 2013. Her single and career retrospective compilation "High River Strong," produced by Leeroy Stagger, raised funds and spirits across Alberta, and prompted a career change from touring musician to her second "real job" as a nurse. She went to work in mental health and kept her chops up with her classic rock cover band "Four Wheel Drive," appearing for community and fundraising events.
Today Leslie Alexander is better known as Leslie Noel Butler - married to wilderness survival expert and photographer Jeffrey Eaton Butler - aka "Jeb." Her "real job" is writing and learning in a heritage hunting camp in Northern New Brunswick, playing her music mostly on the back porch with friends. Her current work in creative non-fiction has appeared in literary magazines including Queen's Quarterly, the Humber Literary Review, Open Minds Quarterly and Existere.
Check out her take on the Canadian music scene at Roots Music Canada. Follow her on Quora and subscribe to her blog to receive news, stories, and free downloads.
Getting to know Jean Arnold.
The Falls Brook Centre is an environmental organization that employs 15 people year round—and as many as 40 in summer—on a 400-acre farmstead in Knowlesville, NB. Executive director Jean Arnold co-founded the centre 18 years ago as a place to try to live sustainably, using what she learns to help others with the same goals worldwide. Jean talked to Saltscapes about stumbling upon New Brunswick, and what makes her hopeful.
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Q Where are you from?
A I was born in Nairobi, Kenya. During breaks while I was at boarding school in England, I travelled to different parts of the world with my parents… Later, in the 60s, I was in London. Everything was the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. I had a job getting coffee etc for pop TV shows. I went to New York City to explore life and have fun.
Q How did you end up in New Brunswick?
A I was looking to find a place where I wasn’t moving around at the speed my parents moved around, a place to raise a family and have a good future. That was Canada and in particular New Brunswick. I came to visit friends. I’d never lived in a rural area before. It seemed romantic.
Q How did you come upon your life’s work as an environmentalist?
A I was befriended by a Maliseet elder when I arrived in New Brunswick. He showed me how native people lived. I began to see there was a much deeper connection with the natural world than I had been educated to believe. That was the beginning.
Q But it was after you returned from the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil that you created Falls Brook Centre. Why then?
A I was in the company of people who said we (in the north) enthuse about sustainability, but we don’t actually do it. We were trying to say that rural living can be dynamic and vibrant. People who live in rural areas are best placed to take care of the land upon which we all depend.
Q Why did you choose this particular farmstead?
A It was available, affordable. It had been used it as a hunting camp, and needed taking care of.
Q Tell me about the first time you saw it.
A There were animal skins everywhere and trees with their lower limbs lopped off. From an aesthetic point of view, it didn’t promote itself well.
Q And what’s it like now?
A We have two acres of land in organic fruit and vegetable production. Several other small businesses have popped up. A renewable energy co-op. Somebody builds straw bale houses. There’s a school and a little arts and nature centre. It’s like a small village. I think we’re reinventing the future, taking the best of what used to be and augmenting that with modern knowledge.
Q What are some of your achievements?
A We’ve got three main projects. One is helping Mexican organic farmers’ markets, in conjunction with CIDA. There was one little market. They’ve got 22 now. In Guantanamo, Cuba, we’re restoring old sugar cane fields. And we’re doing mangrove restoration in Honduras.
Q What makes you hopeful?
A Every spring there are new buds on the trees. The transition of the seasons and the way the natural world just keeps coming back again.
Q If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
A Oh, I’d like to be more compassionate. I was raised to toughen up and move on.
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