Public Works Department

The following is a list of capital street improvements in the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield for 2023.

Location: Prosser Court (Entire Section)
Summary of Work: Work consists of road reconstruction, asphalt base repairs, asphalt resurfacing and site restoration.
Capital Investment: $80,000
Approximate Start Date: July 4, 2023
Approximate End Date: August 4, 2023

Location: Lacroix Drive (Route 102 to Windsor Street)
Summary of Work: Work consists of culvert repairs, road reconstruction, asphalt base repairs, asphalt resurfacing and site restoration.
Capital Investment: $295,000
Approximate Start Date: July 4, 2023
Approximate End Date: August 4, 2023

Only three things should go down your toilet … pee, poo and toilet paper – the 3P’s. Anything else can clog or damage the pipes in your home, business or the municipal sanitary sewer system.

Here’s how to avoid the problem. Do not flush any of the following down your toilet; put them in the garbage instead.

Wipes (all types)
Tampons and sanitary supplies
Condoms
Cotton swabs
Dental floss
Hair

Medication

In addition, don’t flush old medicine down the toilet. They can cause harm to the environment and aquatic wildlife.  Most pharmacies will accept these expired products and dispose of them properly for you.

Sink Drains

Warm fats, oils and grease (FOG) poured down the drain will stick to the inside of sewer pipes as they cool and harden. Over time, the grease will build up and can block the entire pipe – both on your sewer lateral and on the municipal sewer system which become subject to back-ups.

What can you do to help? Let the grease cool and harden, then scrape or wipe it, along with any food scraps from trays, plates, pots, pans, utensils, grills, and cooking surfaces, into your garbage.

Commercial operations, including food service establishments, must have grease traps installed to prevent grease from getting into the sewer system.

Household Hazardous Waste

Don’t forget, the following household hazardous wastes should never be flushed down the toilet or put down the drain.

Car and garage products (i.e., antifreeze, motor oil, window washer fluid)
Household cleaning products (i.e., cleaners, bleach, disinfectants)
Paints (including any solvent, remover or glue)
Personal care products (i.e. nail polish remover, perfumes, aftershave)
Pesticides and garden products

Visit HERE to learn more about residential driveways.

The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Works Department would like to make some suggestions as to how you can take a proactive approach to help prevent water problems during the winter months when the ground is frozen.

Please note, the steps listed below may or may not apply in each case.

1. Prior to winter, locate the foundation drain from your home and mark it with a long stick, metal rod, or pipe so it will be visible above the snow for ease of locating, if required. Please ensure the end of the drain is free and clear of grass, leaves, sticks, etc. Periodically inspect the drain to ensure it is free and clear, especially when the weather forecast is calling for a heavy rain. Foundation drains are the responsibility of the homeowner.
2. Homeowners with ditches and culverts should inspect the ditches to ensure nothing will block the flow of water such as crazy carpets, basketballs, soccer balls, sleds, toy trucks, etc.
3. Homeowners with a driveway culvert should, if at all possible when shoveling, try to avoid placing wet snow and slush over the ends of the culvert as the wet snow turns to ice when temperatures drop causing the culvert to become blocked.
4. In areas with catch basins, if possible, try to keep catch basins clear to allow surface water to enter.
5. If you suspect a problem with a culvert, catch basin, or ditch being frozen, please contact the Town at (506) 738-6422 as soon as possible to allow time for corrective measures to be taken.
6. If your home is in an area known for underground springs, try and control the sheeting of ice in the winter by directing it away from your home. If at all possible, locate the underground spring and pipe it away to the ditch or the storm sewer.
7. Do not bank snow up around your basement as it prevents water from draining away from your home.
8. Keep all snowbanks away from basement windows and basement entrances.
9. If your home has had water problems in the past, pay special attention to the weather forecast so you can be prepared for the heavy rains in the winter.

Any assistance residents can provide to control and/or prevent surface water or ground water from running down their driveways would be greatly appreciated. Depending on weather conditions, this water often freezes on the road causing a safety hazard to motorists and pedestrians. At such times additional workers and contractors need to be brought in to remove the ice buildup resulting in the Town incurring additional winter maintenance costs. Again, any assistance from residents in controlling this surface water would be greatly appreciated by the Works Department and the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield.

Questions, comments or concerns: Ward 1 residents 

For any questions, comments or concerns related to Ward 1 infrastructure such as roadways, sidewalks and crosswalks – please contact the Town Office via:

Phone: (506) 738-6400 (Option 3 for after-hours urgent matters)
Email: administration@towngbw.ca
In-person: 609 River Valley Drive, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Questions, comments or concerns: Ward 2 residents (a portion of the former Local Service District of Westfield West)

Ward 2 roads continue to be maintained by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. 
Website: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/dti.html 
Phone: 1-833-384-4111

Route 177 (River Valley Drive and Nerepis Road)

The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield remains committed to its strategic priority of Infrastructure and Climate Adaptation.

About Route 177

Route 177 (River Valley Drive and Nerepis Road) is a provincially designated highway in Grand Bay-Westfield.

The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield provides maintenance to the portion of Route 177, running through the Town, on behalf of the Province.

The Province of New Brunswick pays the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield to provide maintenance to Route 177, in both summer and winter. The amount the Province pays the Town is less than fifty per cent (50%) of the cost of maintaining the provincially designated highway. This significantly reduces the amount of maintenance the Town is able to provide to this highway.

While the Town does submit a list of capital work priorities to the Province, the approval of these capital priorities are solely up to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) on their time and their funding approval.

Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council continues to advocate with the local MLA and Union of the Municipalities of New Brunswick, for a new funding formula to provide annual cost certainty for capital and operations of Route 177, enabling the Town to apply good asset management principles.

Questions, comments or concerns?

For any questions, comments or concerns related to Grand Bay-Westfield infrastructure such as roadways, sidewalks, crosswalks and potholes – please contact the Town Office via:

Phone: (506) 738-6400
Email: administration@towngbw.ca
In-person: 609 River Valley Drive, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Resources

To view the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure and New Brunswick Municipalities Reference Manual visit HERE.

Performed yearly for 3-4 weeks, typically in October.

Why are you cleaning and inspecting the sewers?

The cleaning and inspection program keeps the sewer system operating efficiently by:

• helping prevent blockages and backups
• removing built-up debris, such as tree roots, grease, grit and sand
• determining the condition of the sewer so we can repair or replace as necessary

How do you clean the sewers?

We use a high-pressure nozzle to flush water down the sewer. The dirt and debris are sucked up through a manhole by a large vacuum truck.

Do I need to do anything before you clean/inspect the sewers on my street?

Yes. Occasionally during cleaning and inspection, air pressure in the sewer line can cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Please note: the water which may splash out is not from the sewer main but from the toilet bowl or the plumbing P-trap under your sink. Take the following precautions to prevent water damage in your home:

• Close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use.
• Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
• Remove all floor mats in bathrooms.
• Place an old towel around the base of toilets.
• If you have a float plug in your floor drain or a Backwater valve installed in your house, ensure that it is free of debris and operating properly.
• Wrap the cover of your basement floor drains with thick plastic (i.e., a freezer bag). Place something heavy over the floor drains to keep the plastic-covered floor drain covers in place.

Will I notice anything after you have cleaned/inspected the sewers on my street?

• Sometimes the sewer cleaning and inspection leaves an odour in the home. If so, run some water down the sink and bathtub drains, flush the toilets, pour a pail of water into each basement floor drain, and open the windows. After a short time, the odour should disappear.

Can I use the toilets and my water while you are cleaning and inspecting the sewer on my block?

• Yes, however, be careful as air pressure in the sewer during the cleaning and inspection can sometimes cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Remember to close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use, and insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.

There are steps you can take to protect your home against basement flooding, including:

• Install a backwater valve and sump pit drainage system
• Check and maintain your backwater valve and sump pit drainage system regularly
• Improve drainage around your house

For any comments, questions or concerns related to the Sewer Main Cleaning Program, please contact the Town’s Works Department via:

Phone: (506) 738-6400 (Option 3 for after-hours urgent matters)
Email: administration@towngbw.ca
In-person: 609 River Valley Drive, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield remains committed to providing safe and efficient snow and ice control throughout the winter season. Beginning in the 2023-2024 winter season, staff within the Town’s Public Works Department will commence the phased transition of snow and ice control operations.

Crews are prepared

The snow and ice control contractor is prepared for the winter season, and all equipment is operational and ready.

Town Works Department crews are also prepared. Residents are advised that sidewalks will not be serviced until after storms to allow crews to focus their full attention on widening roads and maintaining cleared access to Town facilities, such as fire stations.

Questions or concerns about snow and ice control?

Please contact (506) 738-2230.

Snow and Ice Control Plan

Visit HERE for the Snow and Ice Control Plan.

How residents can help

Residents are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel until after any storms;
Residents can assist snow and ice control efforts by parking in driveways and keeping roadways clear;
Please do not distract snow and ice control equipment operators while they are in the process of work that requires their full attention; and
Children should be reminded not to play on snowbanks or near the roadways, where snow and ice control equipment is operating.

For emergencies, call 911.

To report a power outage or downed line, please contact NB Power at 1-800-663-6272 or by visiting HERE.

The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield wishes to inform residents that 2016-2023 Snow and Ice Control Service is being provided on a contract basis by AVL Construction Inc. At the commencement of a storm, salt spreaders will place salt on the hills and at intersections; snow control operations begin when snow accumulation reaches 2” (4 cm).

Snow and ice control operations proceed simultaneously towards the following locations:

• Inglewood Dr., Woolastook Dr., Highland Rd., Brandy Point Estates
• Park Ave., Beverley Hills Dr., Valley View Dr., Leila St., June Ave.
• Fire Station #2, Mallard Dr., MacLean Rd., Sunnyside Dr.
• Route #177
• Hillandale Dr., Timberlee Manor Rd., Ononette Rd., Central Ave.
• Murray St., Thompson Rd., George St., Pamdenec Rd.
• Bayview Rd., Shannon Rd., Ash Glen Lane

The Town Traffic By-Law has the following regulations to assist Snow and Ice Control Service:

• No person shall park a motor vehicle on the streets of the Town between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 7:00 a.m. where such parking would impede snowplowing and snow removal.

Note: Illegal parking may result in motor vehicle(s) being towed at the owner’s expense.

• No person shall park a vehicle within an area so designated in front of or adjacent to the entrance of Fire Station No. 1 in the Community Centrum Building on Allan Street or in front of the vehicle doors at Fire Station No. 2, Nerepis Road.
• No person shall place snow or ice upon any street, sidewalk, or square in such manner that impedes or is likely to impede movement of traffic or pedestrians.

Parking on Murray Street may impede response times for emergency vehicles when responding to the Seniors’ Complex during winter storms.

Snow and Ice Control Tips

The following are helpful hints to assist with Snow and Ice Control Measures in our community:

• If shoveling snow from your driveway, place it on the bank “downstream” from your driveway entrance. This will mean less snow pushed into your driveway when the street is plowed. Our operators cannot “lift the wing” at each driveway; to do so would add significantly to the time required to plow the route.
• When plowing your driveway, please don’t put snow on the street or sidewalk. This is contrary to Town By-Law No. 80 and can create a hazard for motorists and pedestrians. (Note: It is an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act to remove snow from your driveway and push or blow it across a roadway.)
• Please don’t place garbage or garbage containers where they can be buried, damaged, or interfere with snow removal.
• Park your vehicle in your driveway, well off the road, until street and sidewalk operations are complete. This allows our crews to do their job and make the streets and sidewalks safe for everybody.
• Do not leave vehicles overnight on Town streets and roads during the winter season.
• Avoid unnecessary spinning of tires at intersections. This practice is dangerous and hazardous for other motorists. It also tends to “ice up” the intersection.
• Avoid installing mailboxes where they can be damaged by plowing operations. Canada Post can provide guidelines concerning the proper distances from road surfaces.
• Ensure your mailboxes are secure before the winter plowing operations being.
• Use coloured ribbon to mark hedges and fences, especially on sidewalk areas. This lets our operators know where they are. Driveway and lawn markers should be placed 4 feet back from the edge of the pavement. This allows the plow operator to push the snow off the driving surface.
• Please don’t distract snow removal equipment operators while they are in the process of hazardous work that requires their full attention.
• All concerns or requests relative to snow removal should be directed to the Contractor at (506) 738-2230, not to individual vehicle or equipment operators.
• The public should be aware that there are many factors which affect the snow and ice control service the Town is able to provide, including: snowfall accumulation rate, type of precipitation (i.e. freezing rain or “just plain” snow), and the time of day the precipitation occurs. Cleanup times will vary depending upon these factors.
• Sanding and plowing operations will be carried out on Saturdays, Sundays, as well as statutory holidays. However, snow removal operations are not typically performed on weekends or statutory holidays.
• To help prevent local flooding, try to keep the catch basin adjacent to your property free from ice and snow.
• If a homeowner engages a private plow truck to plow their driveway, please ask the driver not to plow snow across roadways or sidewalks so as to interfere with traffic flow or pedestrian usage.
• When plowing or shoveling your driveway, please try and avoid creating large banks at the entrance to your driveway. These banks can hinder your visibility, possibly causing an accident.
• If your home is susceptible to flooding during winter rain, you may wish to maintain drainage pathways along or across your property all winter and ensure they are open whenever it rains, which also allows easy monitoring to ensure pathways are clear.

To view the latest Street Condition Report, visit HERE.

Visit HERE for Grand Bay-Westfield traffic advisories.

Visit HERE for information on:

Your Well Water – A Safety Checklist;
Guidelines for decommissioning (abandonment) of Water Wells;
How to Chlorinate Your Well Water;
Monthly Summary of Water Resources;
Water Well Basics;
Well Construction and Well Water Testing;
Where I can have my well water tested in New Brunswick; and more.

Visit HERE for information on:

Septic System Guide;
Technical Guidelines for On-site Sewage Disposal Systems;
On-Site Sewage Disposal – Licensed installers;
Application forms; and more.