Controversial Shediac campground project up for debate again

The Southeast Regional Service Commission is recommending that Shediac offer an extension to developers seeking to build a campground in southeastern New Brunswick as it deals with a legal battle over land in the area.

Members of the planning committee for the Southeast Regional Service Commission recommended at a meeting on Monday that Shediac council vote to grant developers the extension.

"The campsite has been part of a legal battle, so the developer wasn't ready to invest tens of thousands of dollars until it is resolved," said the committee. 

"The case is still in court, so we think it is reasonable to give developers an extension."

Shediac council gave the project the green-light back in 2014, with the condition it was substantially underway within two years. 

Construction however, has yet to start, as the developers, which include Victor Boudreau, the Liberal MLA for Shediac-Beaubassin-Cap-Pelé, are in the midst of a legal battle over land lease. 

A trial date has yet to be set for a judge to decide whether the land can be leased to Boudreau by the Anglican Parish.

The 750-unit campground would be located on the wooded land between Parlee Beach Provincial Park and the road to Pointe-du-Chêne.

Parlee Beach water quality concerns

At the top of opponents' list of concerns with the proposed campsite is the issue of environmental sustainability.

"We're very concerned that elevating that land, excavating and filling that land, will result in more storm water runoff into the estuary, adding pollution to the Shediac Bay and all those bacteria will end up in Parlee Beach," said Brenda Ryan, an opponent to the proposed campsite.  

Ryan noted the water quality at Parlee Beach has been a big concern this summer, with more days rated poor than good during the last week of July and first two weeks of August.

She said she is also concerned about the estimated 3,000 to 4,000 additional people she says the campsite would add to the beach. 

"The number of people being added to the beach will also affect the water quality negatively," she said.

Many people voiced concerns about declining tourism in the area, saying visitors have many other choices of nearby beaches if water quality remains questionable at Parlee Beach.

Mayor responds to criticism

Warren Redman, who spoke at Monday's council meeting, accused Shediac council of making decisions prior to town council meetings.

"I've never witnessed such a lack of debate," said Redman. 

"While a number of members both in the previous and current council have expressed private concern, not one has argued against, much less voted against this development."  

Bill Belliveau said he had concerns that not all of the investors are known.

"Shediac taxpayers are being kept in the dark," said Belliveau.

"Why is the mayor or council afraid to open its fort and share this information with the public?"

Shediac Mayor Jacques LeBlanc responded to the criticism.

"People do really debate," said LeBlanc. 

"If people give the feeling that we're running a one-sided show, it's not really the facts."

LeBlanc said developers will have to follow a list of conditions, which include conducting an environmental impact assessment.

"They are very stringent conditions and I trust that they will not be pushed aside," he said.

LeBlanc said he listened to objections Monday evening, and that council will meet again next week for a second and possibly third reading to vote on the proposed project extension request.