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New plan allows interest groups to have their say

A new development plan is underway in North Bay. Monday night, Council agreed to receive the final report of the Sustainable Community Advisory Committee to be used for information by the Community Services Committee.
A new development plan is underway in North Bay.

Monday night, Council agreed to receive the final report of the Sustainable Community Advisory Committee to be used for information by the Community Services Committee.

The Sustainable Community Advisory Committee was created to help form the first phase of public involvement and development of a new “official plan” for North Bay.

The Advisory Committee’s goal, with the help of a consultant, is to find a balance between growth and sustainability. The Advisory Committee, comprised of 18 interest groups from North Bay, created the report in a series of six day-long work sessions, over a six month time span.

“There was a very good cross section of people from various backgrounds,” Pamela Sweet, a Vice President of FoTenn Urban Planners and Designers, said.

“We had economic people, environment interest groups, and some social and housing groups.”

Sweet explained the Advisory Committee aimed to create a report that would recognize economic development while encompassing an inclusive, fair and equitable society.

“As a group they really wanted to protect the quality of life, and the environment that they see as fundamental to North Bay,” she said.

“They spoke up I can tell you, there was no holding back.”

However, Sweet explained the Advisory Committee is only one step in the plan. As the plan develops, the general public will also get their chance to weigh in.

“There will be major public consultation in the fall, to draft the official plan,” Sweet said.

“I think you will get into the meat, of what is in the official plan, early next year.”

Sweet explained the Advisory Committee is a new way of dealing with development. In the past, developers have drafted the plan then held public meetings.

“The whole idea is that you get these interest groups, and people who are really keen, involved early so they can understand the processes,” she said adding;
“They get a better education, and in turn get to say something early on.”

In the end, the final decisions will be left up to council. Sweet explained finalizing the plan is not always an easy decision, and everyone will not be happy.

“If council listens to this group and other people as it goes through the process, they will get a lot of good feedback,” she said.

“But it is ultimately up to council, that’s where the rubber hits the road.”