The Fundy Regional Service Commission is ending this year on a high note with a unanimous vote to adopt a three year regional recreation plan, which means more collaboration between the muncipalities and local service districts on the issue.
FRSC chair Gary Clark, who is also the mayor of Quispamsis, spoke with CHSJ News following the meeting and says he’s pleased with the outcome and that he believes the members see that going forward they need to work collaboratively and look at recreation under one umbrella.
“I think it’s time that we come together as a whole to work together under the recreation plan to find some synergies, instead of all having the same facilities in each municipality,” says Clark.
“We’re certainly working at…looking at the rinks, and maybe looking at the study on ice. And where there’s shortage in certain areas like Saint John, that we can work together where we have the qplex, the QMA and Rothesay have their arena and Grand Bay-Westfield.”
To maintain the regional ice standard, the plan states that the region will need one more ice surface by 2026. As far as the surfaces in Saint John go, they’ll last another 10 to 15 years if they’re properly maintained.
Saint John is said to need to manage its population decline, Rothesay has a need for collaboration with neighbours, and Grand Bay-Westfield needs a new fully designated multi-purpose centre.
The Field House projects has described in the regional recreation plan as having the potential to be the first example of putting a regional lens on planning on funding.
