Author: Tara Olesen

Sussex Council is seeking development proposals for a vacant parcel of land that the town of Sussex currently owns. The land can be identified as PID # 00267666, and described by a tentative address of a land parcel accessed off Main Street commonly known as 377 Main Street with an assigned acreage to this land parcel of 3,327 square meters.

This parcel benefits from significant public and private investments in the immediate vicinity, Including the Sussex Elementary School, Sussex Health Center, Sussex Regional High School, Sussex Middle School, Kiwanis Nursing Home and a multitude of access to the Sussex Industrial Park. The parcel also has direct and easy access to Main Street. The town of Sussex’s development goals for the site include maximizing the site’s development potential and contributing to the vibrancy of the town of Sussex area with a well-designed development that will bring employees, residents, customers, hotel guests and/or visitors to the area.

This parcel is currently zoned R3 , with Terms and Conditions under By-law 1350-10-33 and listed under Section 15 of the Town’s current consolidated Zoning By-law 1350-24 as an exemption and zoned R3 with terms and conditions.

The Town has developed and enacted Policy documents to attract and incentivize affordable housing development in Sussex. It is believed this land parcel would be an attractive site for affordable housing development. Copies of the Town’s T1 and T2 Policy documents are attached to this RFP as appendixes.

Proposals must be received at the town of Sussex not later than FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024 @ 2:00:00 P.M. – LOCAL TIME, at which time there will be a public opening. At the opening, only the names and addresses of the Proponents will be disclosed. No other information about the Proposal or its contents will be made public at this time. An informational meeting will be held: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., local time at the town of Sussex Town Hall, 524 Main Street, Sussex, NB E4E 3E4.

For those interested proponents seeking additional information and question can be directed to: S. M. Hatcher, P. Eng., CAO, town of Sussex at scott.hatcher@Sussex.ca or (506) 432-4553 direct to RSVP your attendance at the Pre-Proposal Informational Meeting.

Click Here to View the RFP

Sussex and area schools began classes on Tuesday September 3rd. Expect the unexpected! The excitement of the first day of school can add to the unpredictably, and kids can dart into traffic at any time. After their summer break, students will be excited to get back to school and may not be attentive when crossing streets. Please have a heightened alerts for the students and be extra cautious when driving in school zones.

Here are some suggested tips for school zone safety for drivers:

1. Expect the unexpected.
2. Respect the posted speed limits on Town streets.
3. Obey the school crossing guard at all times.
4. Do not pass other vehicles in a school zone.
5. Do not pull over blocking the visibility at a crosswalk.
6. Always stop for a school bus when its lights are flashing.
7. Learn and follow your school’s rules.
   

Here are some suggested tips to teach children the rules of the road. Students of all ages can benefit from a refresher on pedestrian safety and school bus rules. Remind them regularly:

a) Follow the rules of the road, and obey signs and signals.

b) Walk on sidewalks whenever available.

c) If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.

d) Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions before starting to cross. Continue watching for traffic as you cross.

e) Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.

Sussex has been advised by the New Brunswick Department of Health that the section of Trout Creek between Leonard Drive and Maple Avenue within the municipal boundaries of Sussex has shown signs of Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins, which may cause skin, eye and throat irritations. More serious health effects such as gastrointestinal illness can occur if toxins are consumed.

Being active and enjoying the outdoors has many benefits for your physical and mental well-being. Public Health New Brunswick encourages you to be active and enjoy the outdoors, but to be alert and take precautions. There are always things you can do to protect yourself while enjoying recreational waters.

Public Health New Brunswick recommends the following safety advice:
• Always supervise children and pets near recreational water. They may be more at risk of becoming ill.
• Always check the water and avoid swimming in areas where there are visible surface blooms, scum or benthic mats are present.
• Do not enter the water with open cuts or wounds.
• Always wash your hands before eating.
• Do not use water from areas with cyanobacteria blooms for washing, drinking or cooking. Boiling the water will not remove toxins. Always obtain drinking water from a clean and safe source.
• Fish caught from water where cyanobacteria blooms are present should have all their organs removed and be rinsed well with clean drinking water before being cooked and eaten.
• Even if no cyanobacteria blooms are present, it is recommended you shower with clean water after being in recreational waters.

Toxins can sometimes remain in the water for several weeks after surface blooms are no longer visible. As a precaution, it is recommended that recreational water use be avoided in areas where surface blooms are present.

If you begin experiencing symptoms or health effects you should seek medical advice from a health-care provider.

Protecting your pets

Why are cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) dangerous for dogs and other animals?
Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that could be harmful to a dog’s liver and brain. Dogs are attracted to the odour, and if ingested, they may:
• Vomit and be sick
• Have a seizure
• Experience breathing difficulties
• Have diarrhea
• Collapse and become unconscious
• Die

Call a veterinarian right away if you suspect cyanobacteria poisoning.

How can I avoid cyanobacteria?
• Always check the water and shoreline for blooms and mats.
• Do not let dogs drink or swim in water where visible blooms or mats are present.
• Do not let dogs eat benthic mats or vegetation floating in the water or along the shore.
• On hot days, consider walking your dog in the morning or evening.
• Always take fresh water on walks for you and your dog.

Cyanobacteria is the proper name for blue-green algae, because these organisms are actually bacteria and not algae at all! Cyanobacteria were the earliest known forms of life on earth. When first discovered, cyanobacteria looked similar to algae and can sometimes appear blue-green in colour – which is why the term blue-green algae was used.

They are a natural part of our environment and water ecosystems, and can be found in many ponds, lakes, rivers, and wetlands in New Brunswick. Blooms usually occur when temperatures get warmer, typically in the late spring and early summer sometimes appearing quickly or overnight. They are not normally visible, but under certain conditions (warm, slow moving, shallow water and lots of sunlight) and when there is lots of food (nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen), they can grow quickly and clump together to form surface blooms or benthic mats.

Some types of cyanobacteria can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Because of this, public health advisories may be issued. Advisories help recreational water users make informed decisions on water use in the affected area. They also help remind users to check the water for visible surface blooms, scum, and benthic mats, which pose the most risk. Since conditions may change in a matter of hours, it is important to be aware of local water conditions. Individuals should always check the water and scan the shoreline before engaging in recreational water activities such as swimming, wading, canoeing and paddle boarding, etc. Avoid swimming in areas with visible surface blooms or benthic mats.