Fredericton, N.B. – The Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) welcomes the Government of New Brunswick’s announcement that it will move forward with a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) framework for major development projects, and the provincial government’s creation of a vacant property levy.
In a 2026 resolution, UMNB members requested the Province develop a CBA framework alongside a municipal cost-recovery mechanism. The development of a Community Benefit Agreement, which can include both financial and non-financial aspects, is essential to the process of obtaining social license in communities and is critical to building partnerships between industry and community.
UMNB believes the vacant property tax levy is also a good first step; being optional, it lets each municipality decide whether it fits local needs and priorities.
The details will matter. UMNB looks forward to reviewing the framework, legislation, and regulation to see whether they deliver the outcomes municipalities have called for.
UMNB has long advocated for tools that give local governments the flexibility to respond to local conditions, because there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every community.
“UMNB has advocated for municipalities to enter into binding community benefit agreements that benefit residents and introduce vacant property levies to help municipalities encourage development,” said Brittany Merrifield, UMNB President. “But at this stage, we don’t have enough information to say how these frameworks will work in practice.”
UMNB will review the legislation and regulations closely, and engage its members and the provincial government on the questions municipalities need answered.
UMNB encourages the provincial government to consult with municipalities as it develops the regulations and to provide clear guidance before either policy takes effect.
Contact:
Alyson Samson – Communications Manager
alyson.samson@umnb.ca | 506-478-1695