Berwick gathering the facts for gas tax plan

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

A plan by Berwick’s Planning Advisor Committee (PAC) to kill two birds with one stone could generate a lot of work for staff - and cost the town a considerable amount of money.

PAC would like to integrate a Municipal Planning Stratgey (MPS) review with the preparation of an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) process, required of the town for federal infrastructure funding, also known as gas tax funding. Berwick planner Chris Millier says the shape and detail of the plan is being left to the discretion of the municipal units, but the framework of the document must focus on Berwick’s future sustainability relative to the environment, economics and its social and cultural connections.

“The process has not been prescribed; however, public input and consultation has been identified as a fundamental component,” added Millier.

The proposed MPS review will focus on assessing and updating the town’s existing land use planning and development policies.

“The review will enable the town to address development-related issues and opportunities which have evolved since 1995 when the current strategy was adopted,” explaineed Millier in his brief to PAC. He doesn’t want the committee to ”default to the standard MPS review,” but favours an integration of the two processes.

Councillor Mike Trinacty wanted to know “how much money, time and staff involvement” it will take to carry out Millier’s combined approach.

“I am nervous to say this is a great idea when it could end up costing (the town) $50,000 and take a lot of time.”

He would rather see the planning committee use data collected over the past several years through a variety of studies and public focus groups ranging from economic development to recreation.

“And shouldn’t we co-ordinate with our neighbours, all of whom are chasing the same information?” questioned Trinacty.

Millier noted Wolfville has devoted a full-time staff person to the development of its ICSP over a two-year period.

Berwick chief administrative officer Bob Ashley says a combined approach to MPS review and ICSP development will also help the town create a much-needed marketing plan kit.

“We need a ready-made document to tell the world what we do in Berwick and show that this is the kind of community you want to bring your business to.” He pointed to last year’s Scotland trip an example.

“We had to scrounge to get information to take on that exchange.”

The federal gas tax program is half-way through its first cycle and was recently extended for another five-year period. Municipalities are required to submit ICSP docments by October 2010. PAC directed staff and Millier to prepare a workplan and report back to the committee at its May meeting.