EOS Eco-Energy Inc, in partnership with the Tantramar Planning District Commission (TPDC), is launching Tantramar 2040, an initiative that focuses on the sustainability of the Tantramar region. Tantramar 2040 will determine the path to a sustainable future using a lens that considers environmental, economic, and social/cultural issues and opportunities.
Participating communities include the Town of Sackville, and Villages of Dorchester, Memramcook and Port Elgin. “This is a really unique situation, where four communities have come together and agreed to work collaboratively to address regional issues”, says Katie Friars, Executive Director of EOS Eco-Energy. “We look forward to building on the existing initiatives in these communities.” The Village of Memramcook already developed a Green Plan. Sackville and Port Elgin are both working towards completing their own local sustainability plans.
EOS Eco-Energy co-hosted an Adaptation and Actions conference in March 2009 that started discussions surrounding sustainability. “It has been a long road to get to this point, but it was worth it because there is a better understanding of the need to plan for sustainable communities for generations to come,” says Roland Chiasson, Chair of EOS Eco-Energy.
Tantramar 2040 will address the specific challenges and opportunities for this region. “We will be analysing what we have learned through the local initiatives and focusing on the common topics which can be best addressed as a region,” notes Tracey Wade, Planner with the TPDC. By working collaboratively, this initiative will also lay the framework for other municipalities who may be interested in working together on common issues. This project is funded in part by Canada’s Rural Partnership, an initiative of the Government of Canada, and in part by the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund.
Beginning in September, EOS and the TDPC will host a series of workshops, where participants will identify and prioritize regional issues, and then determine how to get from where we are today to where we want to be in 2040. These workshops will be open to the public.
A Tantramar 2040 Steering Committee has been established and includes: the Villages of Dorchester, Memramcook, Port Elgin, Town of Sackville, Fort Folly First Nation, Tantramar Planning District Commission, Beaubassin Planning Commission, Enterprise SouthEast, Greater Sackville Chamber of Commerce, and the non-profit sector. “Bringing such a diverse group to the table will enrich the process and address concerns that are regional in scope, extending beyond municipal boundaries,” highlights Katie Friars.
Tantramar 2040 is seeking one representative from a local service district (LSD) in the region to join the steering committee. This representative would bring the perspective of unincorporated areas to the table. If you are interested in participating as an LSD representative or wish to get involved in the process, please contact Katie Friars of EOS Eco-Energy ((506) 536-4487, eos@nb.aibn.com). We have recently created a Facebook group, called Tantramar 2040. Feel free to join!
EOS Eco-Energy is committed to a vision of the Tantramar Region of Southeastern New Brunswick becoming a model for energy conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable community planning. Please visit our website: www.eosecoenergy.com.
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