about Corporate Services

Background

The Greater Miramichi Regional Service Commission (GMRSC), initially Regional Service Commission #5 (RSC#5), was formed on January 1, 2013. The GMRSC is a consolidation of the former Miramichi Planning District Commission (MPDC) and the Northumberland Solid Waste Commission (NSWC). The Regional Service Delivery model stems from the Government of New Brunswick Action Plan for a New Local Governance System in New Brunswick (2011). The Plan outlines the formation of 12 Regional Service Commissions for the main purpose of planning, facilitating, and delivering services to both municipal and unincorporated communities (Local Service Districts (LSDs)). Though not an exhaustive list, some desired outcomes of this model include:

  • Increased collaboration and service sharing amongst communities;

  • Stronger and more integrated planning on regional approaches to address public service needs; and

  • Reduced duplication through service delivery efficiencies.

Area Serviced

The Greater Miramichi Region includes the area delineated in the embedded map below. This is the area serviced by the Greater Miramichi Regional Service Commission (GMRSC). Please note that this interactive map is for informational purposes only. Please contact us if you would like to know if your property is within our jurisdiction.

Services

Planning & Building Services

The Greater Miramichi Regional Service Commission (GMRSC) currently provides Planning & Building Services to our Member Municipalities & Communities. View the respective section of this website for a detailed list of services offered.

Solid Waste Services

The GMRSC currently provides Solid Waste Services to our Member Municipalities & Communities. This includes the operation of landfills and transfer stations, the coordination of recycling pickup and household hazardous waste drop-off, and the promotion of waste management 'best practices' (e.g. composting, reducing and reusing).

other Services

Other services, as mandated under the provincial Regional Service Delivery Act, could include:

  • Regional planning;

  • Regional emergency measures planning;

  • Regional policing collaboration; and

  • Regional sport, recreation, and cultural infrastructure planning and cost-sharing.

Costs

Under the Regional Service Delivery model, each community will continue to pay for the services they receive, but through one service provider rather than a range of providers. Municipalities and the Rural Community are invoiced directly by the Greater Miramichi Regional Service Commission (GMRSC) for services they receive; the Province is invoiced for services provided to unincorporated areas, or Local Service Districts (LSDs). Every service provided by the GMRSC will be accounted for separately including a portion of general overhead. A key principle of the Regional Service Delivery model is that taxpayers only pay for what they receive.

Authority

The Greater Miramichi Regional Service Commission (GMRSC) is a corporate body under the enabling provincial legislation. Its authority includes the ability to:

  • Buy, hold, and sell capital assets;

  • Submit applications for borrowing to the Municipal Capital Borrowing Board;

  • Receive or apply for funding under various provincial and federal funding programs;

  • Collect fees for specific services such as issuing building/development permits;

  • To establish ongoing standing, ad hoc, and advisory committees.