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SYS Statement: Special Investment in the Community

Dec 18, 2025 | News & Updates

Dear Residents of SYSRC:

On November 20th I had the pleasure of spending over two hours with the members of the Board of Directors of the Rusagonis Recreation Council (RRC) Inc. Their dedication not only to the Rusagonis Recreation Centre but to their fellow SYSRC residents is very impressive.

The mission of the RRC is to promote community engagement and recreation in the Wassis, New Brunswick area, by providing inclusive programs that foster a healthy and active lifestyle and enhance social connections. They achieve this by organizing community events, offering a variety of recreational programs for all ages, supporting youth initiatives, and partnering with local groups.

During our conversation, the Members of the Board presented a substantial list of needed upgrades that were important to them as they serve the population.  Items that touched on health and security as well as accessibility were of particular concern. They prioritized their list and their top priorities are as follows:

  • Air Recirculating Machine to prevent loss of heat, vacuuming of doors and septic odors when the grill fans are on
  • Wheelchair accessible ramp and mechanical door
  • Stand up freezer for storage of foods.
  • A new propane commercial grill and oven to replace the current aging unit as parts are going to become obsolete

As a result of the meeting, a special one-time investment in the RRC by SYSRC was agreed to.  This arrangement allows SYSRC to make an investment in this fiscal year (2025) with the aim of addressing pressing issues and to have the centre working to expand its reach in the totality of the community.

The agreement includes:

  • SYSRC utilizing a portion of its 2025 surplus to provide a $20,000 grant to the RRC
  • RRC formally applying for the above-mentioned grant from SYSRC, detailing the items to be purchased and SYSRC and RRC exchanging emails of commitment
  • RRC to use the grant to invest in the above-mentioned priority items (except for the accessibility issues, see next item)
  • The SYSRC Supervisor arranging for Ability NB to do a full assessment of the Centre in terms of accessibility for people with vision, hearing and mobility issues as well as age friendly access (Assessment was done on Tuesday)
  • Ability NB to prepare a report and present their findings to the Board of the RRC
  • Ability NB and the SYSRC Supervisor to provide linkages, support and assistance to the RRC in applying for Federal funding to address the needs identified in the report
  • SYSRC Supervisor contacting the Regional Development Corporate (RDC) to investigate Provincial funding options for other items on the larger list (This process has begun)
  • SYSRC Supervisor committing to assist the RRC in applying for RDC Provincial funding for several projects
  • The RRC assisting the SYSRC Supervisor in preparing and issuing a statement to the population about the partnership and investment

It is important to note that nothing in the foregoing commits the future council into anything on-going.

The board of the RRC is comprised of:

Abe Scott – President
Don McLaughlin – Vice President
Marsha MacLean – Treasurer
Patsy Hanson – Secretary
Jen Boyce – Scott – Director
Stephanie LaViolette – Director
Bill McLaughlin – Director
Maggie McDonald – Director
Sandra Emslie-Seeley – Director
Shawn MacLeod Hall – Director
Dale Mott – Director
Jenn Mott – Director

They are to be commended for their dedication to their community.

As an aside, the RRC has a monthly market (except perhaps January and February). My wife and I attended the last one of the year this past weekend. I would encourage you to visit it when you have a chance. The variety and quality in the products are impressive.  There is food, spices, sweets, crafts, gift items, clothes, pickles, and more.

The Center is a unique infrastructure in SYSRC and it plays a significant role in bringing people together with their activities and programming. Civil society of which they are part is an important component of community cohesion, affluence and population well being. I am very happy and proud to contribute to it on your behalf as it is a concrete example of how partnerships can benefit the community as a whole.

Don Ferguson
Supervisor SYSRC

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