Municipal Affairs February 4, 2009 Development of the Northeast Avalon Regional Plan Now Underway The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs, has announced that the development of the Northeast Avalon Regional Plan (NEAR Plan) has begun. CBCL Limited has been retained to provide professional services to develop the plan and a kick-off meeting of the leadership committee, technical team, and consulting team held last week officially launched the project. "I am very pleased to announce that we are moving ahead with the development of this important regional plan," said Minister Whalen. "CBCL is an experienced and well-respected consulting firm and the department looks forward to working with them and their associates on this important initiative." When completed, the NEAR Plan will be an over-arching planning and policy document guiding development, infrastructure, and land use for the Northeast Avalon Region, which comprises 15 municipalities: St. John's, Mount Pearl, Conception Bay South, Paradise, Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, Torbay, Wabana, Holyrood, Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Pouch Cove, Flatrock, Witless Bay, Bay Bulls, Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove and Bauline, as well as the Butterpot-Witless Bay Line environs area. "The original St. John's Urban Region Regional Plan was a key statement of provincial policy that was prepared over 30 years ago and had never been comprehensively reviewed," added Minister Whalen. "This renewed plan will guide growth in a co-ordinated way and address the changing needs of the region. It will put in place a land regime that, in addition to meeting the land and basic servicing needs of the regional economy, will respond to the need for cultural and environmental sustainability." It is estimated that the development of the plan will take two years to complete and will cost approximately $500,000. The Department of Municipal Affairs is committed to provide $250,000 toward the cost of the plan as it will address provincial and regional issues and interests, as well as setting out the future municipal planning and development framework. The 15 participating municipalities have committed to contribute on a per capita basis to the cost of this plan. In addition to consulting with municipalities, consultations with the general public and other public interest groups will be ongoing throughout the process to ensure their interests are considered. "With 15 municipalities working together toward a common goal, this is truly an example of regional co-operation and strong municipal leadership," added Minister Whalen. "I commend all involved municipal leaders and look forward to working with them as the development of the plan progresses." - 30 - Media contact: JenniferCollingwood@gov.nl.ca BACKGROUNDER There are several issues that will be addressed during the development of the new Regional Plan, including those listed below. CBCL Limited For the purpose of this project, CBCL will be partnering with DW Knight and Associates, Hemson Consulting Ltd. and Dray Media in order to provide a team well-rounded in all aspects of regional planning combined with detailed local knowledge.
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