Sustainable Development

Young people girls and boy volunteers outdoors helping nature planting tree together concentrated cooperation

Environment and Sustainable Development

The Northwest Regional Service Commission (NWRSC) oversees various environmental and sustainable development projects in the Northwest region. In fact, the NWRSC is the only Regional Service Commission with employees dedicated specifically to sustainability and environmental initiatives.

The team

Clémence Mercille

Sustainable Development Coordinator
c.mercille@csrno.ca

Valérie Pronovost

Sustainable Development Project Officer
v.pronovost@csrno.ca

Ongoing Projects

Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan

The NWRSC, in collaboration with Innov and Mount Allison University, is developing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan. The adaptation plan is designed for municipalities at the regional level, while also taking local specificities into account. Impacts, vulnerabilities, risks, and recommendations have all been carefully assessed. Residents, municipalities, and experts from various fields have been consulted.

For more information on climate change adaptation and climate projections, visit the “Preparing for the Effects of Climate Change” section.

Development of a Toolkit to Support Land-Use Planning and the Integration of Learnings for Biodiversity Conservation and Other Environmental Considerations in the Wolastoq Priority Area

The NWRSC is developing a toolkit for municipal planners and RSCs within the New Brunswick portion of the Wolastoq (Saint John River) watershed. This toolkit will assist planners in integrating biodiversity conservation and other environmental considerations into land-use planning. The toolkit will have three components: legal, planning, and geomatics.

Awareness and Education on the Zebra Mussel Issue

The NWRSC has been involved in awareness and education on the zebra mussel issue since its discovery in Lake Témiscouata in the fall of 2022. We work to raise awareness and educate the public and municipalities about zebra mussels, as well as to consolidate field data.

We collaborate with the Madawaska River Development Society, the Northwest Rural Planning Committee, the Saint John River Watershed Organization, the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

For more information on zebra mussels, visit the “Protect Water Bodies” section.

Sustainable Development Comity

A Regional Sustainable Development Committee met for the first time in the fall of 2024. This committee is composed of municipal representatives from Northwest communities and regional citizens. Its purpose is to guide the team by identifying sustainable development priorities for the region.

FoRCE Networking Group

The Northwest Environmental Collaboration Forum (FoRCE) was established in January 2018 to promote networking among stakeholders in the Northwest working in the environmental field, to raise awareness of these organizations within the community, and to share and optimize resources. The NWRSC organizes three meetings per year to encourage collaboration between regional organizations and thereby optimize resources.

“Unity is FoRCE”
Marc Fraser – ÉcoSanté Madawaska

Meeting Reports

Protect Water Bodies

Zebra Mussels: Stay Vigilant

The zebra mussel is an invasive aquatic species that causes significant damage to ecosystems and infrastructure. Juvenile zebra mussels (microscopic larvae) move with the current but can also be transported by boats, watercraft equipment, and fishing gear. Learn more about zebra mussels and their ecological impacts.

Colonies were discovered in the Madawaska River near Edmundston in August 2023. The region’s water bodies are therefore at risk of contamination. We ask the public to remain vigilant and follow best practices to limit the potential spread.

Clean your boats and all watercraft and fishing equipment when moving between water bodies. You can do this at a washing station, such as those at Lake Baker and Parc de la République, or at home by following the steps below.

Wash: Remove all vegetation, debris, and visible mud from the boat. Wash the propeller, hull, rudder, and any items that have come into contact with water (paddles, personal flotation devices, trailer). We recommend a hot water pressure wash [60°C / 140°F] at least 30 meters from any waterbody to ensure that water—and invasive species—does not run back into the water.

Drain: Empty the water from all compartments of the boat, including livewells, lockers, coolers, bilges, and the engine. Check all compartments and areas of the boat that may hold water.

Dry: Dry all equipment until no residual water is detected inside or outside the boat. This includes ropes, fenders, oars, paddles, and personal flotation devices (PFDs). For optimal drying, leave in the sun for 5 days. If this is not possible, make sure to thoroughly remove all remaining water.

Boat Washing Stations Map

See the map

Preparing for the Effects of Climate Change

Climate Data

What Is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term variations in global average temperatures and weather patterns, often caused by human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions.

According to an RCP 8.5 scenario*, which corresponds to a situation where greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise (“worst-case scenario”), here is what the Northwest region of New Brunswick can expect in terms of climate:

A general increase in average temperatures is expected for the region, particularly in winter. An increase in extreme heat events is also anticipated. In 2023, the region experienced an average of 16 heatwave days (days with a maximum temperature above 30°C) per year, while projections indicate this could rise to 52 days by 2080.

Finally, a lengthening of the growing season is expected, with an additional 48 days suitable for plant growth by 2080.

A general increase in total precipitation is expected, mainly in winter and spring. The number of rainy days is expected to remain stable, while the number of snowy days is projected to decrease. This means that a greater volume of precipitation is anticipated over a similar number of days, which could result in more intense rainfall events.

A freeze-thaw period is a day when temperatures fluctuate both above and below zero. A general decrease in the number of annual freeze-thaw days is expected, but with an increase in the number of such days during winter. This can impact infrastructure, such as asphalt roads, by increasing the formation of potholes.

Specifically, here is how the climate projections for the Northwest could translate into climate events:

Increase in spring flooding due to more intense rainfall events.
Increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (e.g., ice storms in winter and heavy showers in summer and fall).
Decrease in river flow and water levels during the summer and fall seasons.
Increase in summer heatwaves, which could affect public health and lead to greater demand for air conditioning.

Citizen Actions

It is important for society to prepare for the effects of climate change, a process known as climate change adaptation. Everyone can do their part, including provincial and federal governments, municipalities, industries, and individual citizens.

Here are some examples of citizen actions that can help your community or household adapt to climate change. Some of these habits are very easy to adopt, while others require a greater commitment of time and/or money.

Create a Rain Garden

A rain garden is essentially a dug flowerbed that collects rainwater. This retained water is absorbed by vegetation and returned to the groundwater rather than running off the surface or into storm drains (OBVBM, 2024). Rain gardens help mitigate extreme temperatures, whether during periods of excessive rainfall or drought. In fact, a rain garden can absorb up to 30% more rainwater than a traditional lawn and uses limited water more efficiently compared to lawns, which require watering during dry periods to stay healthy (WWF, 2024).

What Are the Benefits?

Reduces the risk of flooding.
Decreases overflow from sewer systems.
Helps replenish groundwater.
Provides water for plants.

Resources for Creating a Rain Garden at Home:

Plant Native Plants

A native plant is a plant that has evolved in a particular area or region over thousands of years, becoming an integral part of the local ecosystem. As a result, they have co-evolved with native wildlife, maintaining unique relationships. For example, many native pollinator insects rely on native plants to complete their life cycle, making them interdependent.

By cultivating native plants, you not only reduce the risk of introducing invasive species, but also help maintain and restore food webs, invite wildlife back into your garden, and contribute to biodiversity conservation (CCIS & NSISC, 2023).

Examples of Native Plants in the Maritimes:

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera)
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum)
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Resources to Learn More:

Help Pollinators

Pollinators are creatures—such as bees, flies, butterflies, wasps, certain beetles, and many bird species, particularly hummingbirds—that transfer pollen from one plant to another, contributing to the pollination process. They rely on flowers for their survival.

Unfortunately, many pollinators are now threatened by habitat loss, non-native plants, and pesticides. As essential species for the production of most of our flowers, fruits, and vegetables, it is important to take care of them. One simple way to do this is by planting native flowering plants (Government of Canada, 2024).

Resources for Creating a Pollinator Garden:

Other Pollinator-Friendly Practices:

Turn off outdoor lights.
Reduce mulch.
Leave piles of branches and small logs for insect breeding and overwintering.
Avoid using pesticides and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Do not dispose of leaves and other dead plant material.
Avoid mowing the lawn during the month of May.

https://parcs.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy/nature/conservation/pollinisateur-pollinator/pratiques-practices

Increase Your Food Resilience

It would be utopian to think that a few minutes of simple actions could make one completely self-sufficient in food, especially in a region with long winters. However, it is still possible to contribute to increasing food resilience, both in quantity and quality, through the following actions:

Have a vegetable garden.
Join a community garden initiative.
Sign up to receive a vegetable basket from Mangez Frais.
Keep animals, such as chickens.
Support local producers.
Eat seasonal foods.
Reduce consumption of meat and processed foods.
Preserve seasonal foods to extend their availability (canning, dehydrating, freezing, etc.).
Learn to cook all parts of the food.
Organize and inventory your fridge and pantry to reduce food waste.

Ressources to learn more :

Plant trees

Planting trees provides benefits on multiple levels. In addition to increasing biodiversity and enhancing aesthetics, trees create shaded areas, thereby reducing urban heat islands. An urban heat island is an urban area where temperatures are higher than in the surrounding rural region. These elevated temperatures can amplify health impacts on residents during heatwaves (Government of Canada, 2024).

A simple and cost-effective solution to counter this is tree planting and urban greening. Trees act as a natural air conditioner by providing shade during the day and releasing water as water vapor, helping to cool communities overall (Trees Canada, 2020).

Resources for Reducing Urban Heat Islands Through Tree Planting:
https://www.canada.ca/fr/services/sante/publications/vie-saine/reduire-ilots-chaleur-urbains-proteger-sante-canada.html
https://arbrescanada.ca/article/comment-les-arbres-gardent-ils-les-gens-et-les-collectivites-au-frais/
https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/publications/2839-mesures-lutte-ilots-chaleur-urbains.pdf
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/environnement/2021-06-07/planete-bleue-idees-vertes/planter-des-arbres-maintenant-pour-se-rafraichir-plus-tard.php

In addition to all these benefits, tree planting can help reduce fire risks. While this may seem counterintuitive, strategic planting of deciduous trees near cities and homes (between 1.5 and 30 meters) can lower the risk of wildfires, which are an increasingly real threat during extreme heatwaves. Unlike conifers, which contain more oil and dry needles, deciduous trees are full of water in the summer (LaPresse, 2024).

Examples of tree species to favor:

Poplar, maple, aspen, alder, and cherry

Examples of tree species to avoid:

Spruce, fir, pine, cedar, and juniper

Other Fire-Safe Practices for Your Home:

Assess your home’s building materials and consider replacing them with more fire-resistant materials.
Regularly maintain and clean corners and edges of your house and yard where conifer needles and plant debris accumulate. (Don’t forget to remove fallen leaves blown under decks, as well as any flammable debris from balconies and patios.)
Maintain a 1.5-meter non-combustible zone around your home and any connected structures, such as decks.
Choose landscaping with fire-resistant plants and shrubs—plants with moist, flexible leaves, minimal dead vegetation, and low sap or resin content that is water-like and low in odor.

https://arbrescanada.ca/article/soyez-intelli-feu-evitez-les-incendies

Collect Rainwater

Rainwater collection involves capturing rainwater and storing it for later use. The simplest way to do this is by placing a barrel under your home’s downspout to collect water, which can then be used to water plants and lawns. While a basic system, it helps increase resilience to seasonal or persistent water shortages, which some regions of Canada are increasingly facing. Collecting rainwater also reduces our reliance on municipally treated water, at no cost (CMHC, 2013).

Examples of Rainwater Harvesting Systems:

Rain barrel
Underground rainwater collection system
Rainwater cistern

https://dujardindansmavie.com/conseils-idees/recuperer-leau-de-pluie-au-jardin/

Examples of Rainwater Uses:

Watering plants
Flushing toilets
Washing cars

https://www.ecohabitation.com/guides/2557/recuperation-de-leau-de-pluie

Additional Resources:

Preparing for Heatwaves

The increase in summer heatwaves is driving up demand for air conditioning. Since this is not a viable solution economically or environmentally, it is necessary to find alternatives to cool homes. One option is to adapt your roof. A roof absorbs a lot of energy during hot summer days, so it is important to consider its composition to manage this energy effectively.

One approach is to have a green roof, also known as a vegetated roof. As the name suggests, it is partially or entirely covered with vegetation.

Plants help reduce the accumulation of excess thermal energy, which in turn lowers indoor temperatures (CQDE, 2024). While a green roof has many other benefits, it remains a relatively expensive option. For this reason, a second, more affordable option is available. Although it does not offer the additional benefits of a green roof, it can still reduce indoor temperatures: a light-colored roof. Simply choosing a lighter color when replacing shingles—or better yet, opting for a white roofing material—reflects a significant portion of solar energy, helping to cool the home (Écohabitation, 2020).

Additional actions to reduce indoor temperatures during heatwaves:

Install curtains to block sunlight during the day.
Use LED bulbs, which emit almost no heat compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Use fans and open windows in the evening to create airflow and cool the home.
Use a portable air conditioner to cool only the room in use.

Additional Resources:

Protecting Your Home Against Flooding

With the increase in intense rainfall events, flooding is becoming more frequent, so it is important to prepare your home accordingly. First, whether for a flood or another type of extreme weather event, it is essential to prepare an emergency kit and plan for your family in advance.

Here are some examples of preventive actions (permanent protective measures):

Store important documents on a higher level in your home, and consider making photocopies and/or scanning them.
Install a sump pump and a backflow prevention valve or device in your basement.
Ensure windows and doors at the base of your home are properly sealed.
Use water-resistant building materials for renovations below ground level.
Keep gutters and drains clear, and make sure they drain at least 2 meters away from your foundation.
Plant vegetation around buildings to help retain more rainwater.
Have a generator in case of power outages caused by flooding.
Do not house livestock in buildings, as this could trap animals inside; it is safer to keep them outdoors.
Consider elevating the building in areas prone to frequent flooding and/or grading the soil away from your foundation.

If, despite these preventive measures, flooding persists, here are some additional actions during a flood (temporary protective measures):

Place sandbags to limit water from entering your home. (A sandbag wall should be 2 to 3 times wider than it is tall.)
Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel in case evacuation is required.

Additional Resources:

Preparing for Emergencies

Climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (storms, floods, etc.). It is therefore becoming increasingly important to be prepared for emergencies. To do so, you should:

Have an emergency plan that includes all family members and pets. You can make your emergency plan online
Have an emergency kit sufficient for 72 hours, with supplies for adults, children, and your pets.
In case of an evacuation, you should:
Listen to the radio, watch television, or stay updated on developments via your mobile phone.
Stay where you are until it is safe or until you are given an order to evacuate.
If you receive an evacuation order, follow it. Authorities will not ask you to leave your home unless they have reason to believe you are in danger.
Follow your emergency plan.
Bring your emergency kit, wallet, identification for all family members, copies of essential family documents, and a mobile phone with extra battery and charger.
If you have time, notify someone outside the city of your evacuation plans. You can also leave a note at your home.
If authorities request it, turn off your water and electricity. Do not turn off natural gas unless explicitly instructed. When you turn off the gas, the company must restore it, which could take several weeks in a major emergency.
Take your pets with you.
Lock the doors of your home and follow the instructions of the authorities.
If you must go to an evacuation center, register at the reception desk.
Do not return home until authorities have declared it safe.

Health and Support Services:

Tele-Care: 811
Red Cross: 1-800-222-9597
Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization: 1-800-561-4034
Emergency Services: 911

Police:

RCMP—Saint-Léonard: (506) 473-3137
RCMP—Saint-Quentin: (506) 235-2149
RCMP—Clair: (506) 473-3137
Edmundston Police: (506) 739-2100

Fire:

Edmundston Fire Safety: (506) 739-2117

Hospital:

Edmundston Regional Hospital: (506) 739-2200