Sussex, New Brunswick - 2023 International Finalist
Introducing SUSSEX; as of January 1, 2023, the Town of Sussex, amalgamated with the village of Sussex Corner and part of the local service district of the parish of Sussex to establish this new entity.
SUSSEX (population 6,000) is centrally located in southern New Brunswick, and is the regional service center, recreation and entertainment hub to more than 25,000 people in the surrounding communities. SUSSEX has a diverse mix of small local, regional and national businesses (agriculture, health care and manufacturing). Several new innovative businesses have chosen Sussex to build/ expand adding a spark to the community offering new services (ARK Health Collective Inc, Pleasant Valley Market, Michard Chiropractor/ apartment complex).
Situated along the Kennebecasis River, SUSSEX has an abundance of recreational facilities (hockey arena, indoor pool, Princess Louise show centre), and over 100 acres of parks and natural greens spaces. Notably the Nature Trail is a non-motorized multi-use 10 km trail, used year-round, that winds through natural forest along the Trout Creek. SUSSEX has a strong agricultural and military history that are captured in our two museums. The Agricultural Museum of New Brunswick is celebrating their 40th anniversary of displaying the area’s rich agricultural history. Canada’s oldest continually serving cavalry regiment, the 8th Hussars is celebrating 175 years. Collections from Camp Sussex (training center for WW1 and WW2), and UN/ NATO peacekeeping tours are displayed at the Military Museum, located in the historic Intercolonial train station. It has just been announced that as part of the 175-anniversary celebration Royal Highness Princess Anne will be visiting Sussex in May. The AX Centre is the hub of the acts and cultural activities, supporting local artists and showcasing unique exhibits. The Multicultural Association of Sussex (MAS) has been instrumental in supporting immigration to the community and educating the community about diversity and inclusion.
SUSSEX continues to implement the Flood Mitigation Plan and a second phase of the Sussex Urban Forest Management Plan was presented in April. Both projects will assist SUSSEX to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of changing climate in our region.
Many exciting new projects are planned including:
– Pedestrian Connection located in the downtown core to interconnect the town’s recreation campus to the main business street. The project also includes a river front park that will enhance the greenspace.
– Participation in the Upper Bay of Fundy Rural Regional Destination Development project to build the tourism opportunities in the region.
– Relocation/ expansion of the Coop Community Garden increasing the number of gardens by 50% including a deer fence, garden shed and raised garden beds.
The CiB committee is actively working to support this year’s theme, Plants Love You with the creation of our “Celebration Garden” sponsored by Kings County Auto Parts, hosting our annual plant sale and filling the downtown business area with colourful planters (Purple of course!) SUSSEX has been selected to participate in the Scott’s Miracle Grow awarding twelve prizes to community nominated residences/ businesses.
The entire community of SUSSEX is excited to have the judges visit and share our how we are “Growing Great Places Together”.
