Alnwick & Arcadia, New Brunswick – Rural roots pointing to a sustainable future

By Lara Weron, Junior Lead, Summer 2024, QUEST Canada

Arcadia and Alnwick, two newly incorporated rural communities in New Brunswick, are at the starting line for taking action on climate change through the development of Community Energy and Emissions Plans (CEEP). Their journey towards sustainability is motivated by the desire to protect their natural environments, strengthen their local economies, and build resilience for future generations.

Both communities share a vision of a sustainable future through leveraging their unique opportunities while addressing the hurdles of being a newly incorporated community that is rural and has a large geographical footprint.

Tara Ross-Robinson, Chief Administrative Officer of Alnwick, reflects on the decision to embark on their CEEP journey: “It wasn’t a tough decision.” As a recently incorporated community, Tara mentions that Alnwick is focused on “developing many policies and plans since climate change and adaptation are important, and having these in place can unlock necessary funding.” Tara recognizes that these efforts are not only for securing funding, but a key step needed for developing a sustainable future for a rural community with little development and assets.

Monique LeBlanc, an Administrative Assistant also highlights the importance of taking action. “We need to maximize our industrial, residential, and municipal efforts towards reducing emissions and using the most sustainable and low carbon sources of energy.” Her vision includes using local resources for a thriving local economy that provides sustainable employment, while underscoring the need for community buy-in to drive long-term success.

Similarly, Dan Gilman, the CAO of Arcadia, is aware of the pressing impact of climate change on communities. He mentions that the key for sustainable development within communities is “making decisions based on the effects of climate, not just now but for future generations.” By prioritizing climate-resilient strategies, Arcadia can better protect its natural resources and foster ecological stewardship.

Although these first steps may seem daunting for newly incorporated and rural communities, the path forward can present unique opportunities. “It is as close as you can get to a clean slate,” says Tara, “there’s no brownfield, nothing to repair first.” The community’s natural environment, rich with greenspaces, water bodies, and rivers, offers both opportunities for potential renewable energy and a responsibility to protect these vital resources. Tara emphasizes, “Knowledge is power – power to do it right. Environmental protection can dictate what will be developed.”

QUEST Canada Community Energy Mapping workshops were held in Alnwick and Arcadia (photo), New Brunswick in October 2024. Hosted by QUEST Canada’s Senior Lead, Projects, Eddie Oldfield and Junior Lead Aaliyah Lahai (l. in photo), and (photographed by) Junior Lead, Nathan Dimitroff.

Some of the barriers to overcome are due to the rural and extensive geographic footprint of these communities, which can oftentimes make it difficult to think of a community as a whole rather than the small areas in which people live. “It’s getting people to think larger than themselves,” says Monique, “because of how dispersed the population is, there are pockets of communities rather than a cohesive identity.” Being a newly incorporated community, it may take time to cultivate that sense of togetherness.

Dan highlighted efforts to bring improvements in active transportation and recreational activities for Arcadia, which not only helps strengthen the sense of community but also contributes to the broader goal of net-zero. “Sustainability hasn’t been a core focus,” says Dan, but the community is beginning to take important steps in that direction.

Both communities are still in their early stages of their CEEP development, but when asked about their future ambitions, Monique mentions improving heating home efficiency and developing sustainable agriculture. “Converting historical homes to become energy efficient is a challenge,” says Monique, “We are still far away but at the starting stages of understanding the opportunities.”

When asked for advice for other rural communities getting started on their sustainability plans, Tara suggests they “have an honest look at what they have, be reasonable in what can be attained. Build it slowly and build it well, and have all new development be as environmentally friendly as possible. Notice what is sustainable and attainable.”

As these communities continue to develop their energy and emissions plans, they remain optimistic about their future and the opportunity for other communities to do the same. “Keep your eyes open for programs and initiatives, even if you’re not ready yet,” Tara advises. “Don’t be afraid to look five years into the future.”

Dan’s advice is straightforward: “You just have to start!” He emphasizes that sustainability initiatives are for the betterment of the entire community. “It is an initiative that everyone can accept.”

“QUEST Canada is giving us the jumpstart that we need,” adds Monique.

With dedicated community leaders and the early development of their CEEPs, both Alnwick and Arcadia are demonstrating that rural communities can lead the way on the path to net zero, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Although they are just at the beginning of their journey, these communities are fully committed to tackling the challenges posed by climate change. Their efforts today are laying the groundwork for long-term environmental benefits, ensuring a greener future for their residents and future generations.

À propos de QUEST Canada

QUEST Canada is a registered Canadian charity that supports communities in Canada on their pathway to net-zero. Since 2007, we’ve been facilitating connections, empowering community champions and advising decision-makers to implement energy use and emissions reduction solutions that best meet community needs and maximize local opportunities. We develop tools and resources, convene stakeholders and rights holders, and advise decision-makers — all with the goal of encouraging, assisting and enabling communities to contribute to Canada’s net-zero goals.