Marc‑André Godin

The document addresses critical demographic challenges faced by Belle-Baie, including an aging population and declining birth rates, and their implications for municipal services, economic development, and financial stability. It analyzes the city's financial capacity and infrastructure condition, proposing that strategies such as urban densification and financial incentives for development are necessary to increase tax revenue and population. The plan outlines future objectives to enhance the city's attractiveness, retain and attract families, diversify housing, stimulate private employment, and support strategic projects to ensure long-term viability.

The presentation focused on the proposed redevelopment of the Willie C. Landry park property for housing and the associated public land disposition processes. Key motivations for the project included demographic shifts, the unaffordability of private single-family homes, and the need for housing for low-income employees to support local businesses and services. The project aims to generate tax revenue, address service cost increases, and diversify the housing supply. The proposed development is a non-profit organization project requiring rezoning, which involves presentation to the CCRU and the Council, with the possibility of imposing conditions or refusal. The City maintains control over land possession, the rezoning process, site access, and development incentives. If approved, the project must be completed by March 31, 2029. For the park development component, $150,000 from the SCHL fund will be reserved for revitalization, preserving the park's name and potentially enhancing the Kaylee Ballak memorial plaque. The Council must decide whether the public interest is better served by the status quo or by proceeding with the development.

The Municipal Plan for Belle-Baie outlines the strategic direction for harmonious and sustainable urban and rural development for the next 15 years. It addresses land use organization, natural resource protection, climate change adaptation, and public service improvement. Its principles include strengthening village centers, protecting coastal environments, ensuring coherent road networks, valuing rural character, managing construction outside urban areas, promoting recreational tourism, and addressing environmental concerns. The plan aims for the municipality to be recognized for its natural beauty and cultural richness, with goals such as population growth, new municipal infrastructure, a stronger fiscal base, and increased industrial park occupancy.

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgment recognizing the unceded lands of the MCMA people. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda with additions concerning the 4th quarter budget and the legal entity status of Birch Grove Limited. Various committee reports were presented. The socio-cultural committee discussed preparations for upcoming events such as August 15th, New Year's Eve, Canada Day, and the revival of the Sifleu Carnival for 2026, seeking volunteers. The library committee reviewed and started work on updating its regulations, statutes, and rules since the amalgamation. The advisor also participated in discussions regarding climate change preparation, focusing on infrastructure resilience. The donation and grant committee discussed several projects for 2026-2027 funding, including raising awareness with Nature NB, updating a river owner's guide, and projects related to salmon conservation. The financial surveillance committee reviewed road updates and discussed market research results concerning the municipality's vision. The land and buildings committee noted improvements in visual documentation (aerial views, drawings) for files and planned further discussions with residents regarding surplus land. The green plan committee addressed climate-related planning complexities. Representation notes included attendance at multiple extraordinary public meetings, the illumination of the Christmas tree, participation in Operation Red Nose, and the launch of three poetry books by local artists.

This Municipal Plan for Belle-Baie aims to ensure harmonious and orderly development of its territory, aspiring to be recognized for the harmony between its natural environment's beauty and its cultural heritage's richness. Key principles guiding this plan include strengthening village centers and developing complete living environments, protecting and enhancing the coastal environment, ensuring coherent road network classification, enhancing the rural character of rural areas, managing land development outside urban areas, highlighting recreational and tourist attractions, and addressing environmental concerns.