News

On Friday October 25, members of the Royal Canadian Legion and Mayor Marc Thorne gathered for a solemn and significant event: the raising of the Remembrance Day flag.

This annual tradition marks the beginning of a period of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our veterans and those who continue to serve our country. From the last Friday of October through November 11th, our community joins millions across Canada in wearing the iconic red poppy. This small but powerful symbol, pinned close to our hearts, serves as a visual reminder of the courage and dedication of those who have fought for our freedoms.

The Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign plays a crucial role in this period of remembrance. Through the distribution of poppies and collection of donations, the campaign not only raises awareness but also provides vital support to veterans and their families within our community.

It’s heartening to see our local Legionnaires volunteering tirelessly, ensuring that poppies are available in schools, community centers, and businesses throughout our town. As they gathered for the flag raising ceremony, we stand united in our commitment to honor the past and hope for a peaceful future. We encourage all residents to participate in this meaningful tradition by wearing a poppy. Let us come together as a community to pay our respects, express our gratitude, and ensure that the memory of those who have served lives on.

On October 21, The Kings County Foster parents and staff participated in an annual flag raising of the “Kings County Foster Families” flag to recognize National Foster Family Week 2024.

National Foster Family Week shines a spotlight on the unwavering dedication of families who open their hearts and homes to children in need of safety and stability. In New Brunswick, the demand for foster families remains constant, with foster care playing a vital role in communities across the province.

Foster Families provide more than just a roof over heads; they offer emotional support and stability that significantly influence a child’s development and future well-being. Through fostering, these families cultivate a sense of security and exemplify positive relationships, which are crucial for healthy emotional growth.

New Brunswick is taking innovative steps to address longstanding challenges in its foster care system. The recently implemented Child and Youth Well-Being Act represents a significant overhaul of the Province’s child protection framework, extending support for children in care up to age 26 and emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural and familial connections. 

Despite these advancements, New Brunswick continues to grapple with a shortage of foster homes, with only 356 homes available for 660 children in care.

To our Sussex Foster Families and Staff – Thank you for opening your hearts and homes, for being advocates, mentors, and role models. Your dedication makes a profound difference in the lives of children and the community as a whole.

Click here for more information on Foster Care in New Brunswick.

Beginning Thursday October 10, 2024 Sussex engineering consultants have mobilized a drill to conduct subsurface assessment and collection of core samples relating to our flood mitigation project planning. 

This geotechnical investigation / work is expected to take approximately two (2) weeks to complete and these activities will provide valuable insight into the geotechnical conditions to assist the engineering consultants with design data to accommodate registration of the Flood Mitigation Project under the Provincial Environmental Impact Assessment legislation and as well as the Federal Impact Assessment legislation.

What are Geotechnical Conditions?

The term “geotechnical conditions” refers to the physical characteristics of soil and subsurface materials at a specific location. Prior to starting engineering projects, it is essential to assess and document these conditions. This assessment provides critical information that enables appropriate precautionary measures, necessary to move forward successfully.

Core sampling will be taking place along the proposed Route 1 crossing for the Trout Creek Diversion Channel.

The main diversion channel will extend from Trout Creek to the Kennebecasis River floodplain, crossing Route 1, while the second channel will link Parson Brook to Trout Creek.

RSW24 THEME: There is no ‘Undo’ button.

This week, we celebrate Rail Safety Week, an important initiative led by Operation Lifesaver aimed at raising awareness about the hazards associated with railway tracks and trains. As we continue to see incidents of trespassing and accidents at crossings, this campaign serves to educate the public and help prevent tragic events.

Alarming Statistics

Recent statistics reveal a troubling reality: around 2,100 North Americans are injured or killed each year due to unsafe behaviors near railway tracks. This statistic highlights the urgent need for education and awareness regarding rail safety.

So far in 2024 (January-June), an average of 10 Canadians per month have been seriously hurt or killed at crossings, or by trespassing onto federally regulated railways. That’s a 33% increase over the five-year historical average. 

Operation Lifesaver’s Mission

Operation Lifesaver is a national public rail-safety program dedicated to reducing these preventable tragedies. Supported by Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada, the organization works diligently to inform Canadians about the dangers associated with rail properties and trains.

Key Safety Messages

Railway safety experts emphasize several key points:

• Always expect a train, as schedules can be unpredictable.
• Never trespass on railway tracks; it is both illegal and extremely dangerous.
• Trains require significant distances to stop, often more than 2 kilometers when traveling at 90 km/h.
• Only cross tracks at designated crossings, adhering to all warning signs and signals.

Industry Collaboration

Major railway companies, including CN Rail, are collaborating with Operation Lifesaver to enhance safety awareness. Chris Day, Interim National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada, emphasizes that “rail safety is a shared responsibility” and encourages everyone to contribute to the goal of “getting to zero” incidents.

Looking Ahead

As Rail Safety Week progresses, the message remains clear: vigilance and education are essential in preventing accidents. By promoting a culture of safety and awareness, Operation Lifesaver and its partners aim to significantly decrease rail-related accidents and save lives across North America.

The town of Sussex has commissioned two new site-specific murals that will be created this September/October and will remain on public display for 5-10 years. These two new dynamic pieces of art will connect and engage with the community, transforming the sites into vibrant, inviting, and meaningful public places. The town recently passed a Public Art Policy which outlines the inclusive and open process for public art selection, and sees Sussex working closely with AX, the Arts & Culture Centre of Sussex (AX), a charitable non-profit organization that provides accessible, dynamic and inclusive cultural programming for the community.

The two locations chosen for this year’s murals are the Sussex Regional Library and a private residence on Needle Street. These have been selected as priority sites based on Sussex’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation efforts.

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The Sussex Water and Wastewater Department will be initiating its annual unidirectional waterline flushing starting on September 15. To reduce any inconvenience, the Department will carry out the Hydrant Flushing during the overnight hours, approximately from 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM each night.

The Flushing Program is designed to maintain water quality in the distribution system and to ensure that isolation valves and fire hydrants are operating effectively.

You may experience reduced water pressure or temporary discoloration of the water while the work is being conducted in your area. If the discoloration continues after the flushing has been completed, please contact the Town Office at (506) 432-4540.