New Maryland Urban Design Standards

UPLAND developed Urban Design Standards and Public Realm Guidelines for the Village of New Maryland, which is located just outside of New Brunswick’s capital city of Fredericton. Main streets play a pivotal role in the growth targets for an aspiring community like New Maryland: younger generations are increasingly favouring life in places where businesses and community amenities are situated within walking distance from their homes. Seniors have similar preferences and want to be close to community life and places of daily errands and needs.

With an increasing interest in development activity in this community of over 4,000 residents, Village Council decided to establish a clear visual identity and a set of design rules on their main street known as ‘New Maryland Highway’.

The results of this project have applications beyond the boundaries of New Maryland. Since there is currently very little development along the highway crossing the village, the design standards and public realm guidelines offer the opportunity to create a blueprint for an ideal main street, which can be adapted to the needs of other communities.

UPLAND facilitated two rounds of engagement activities with stakeholders and the public, which led to the overall vision for New Maryland’s main street. The concept was then translated into measurable metrics that can be applied and enforced through the permitting system. The new set of design rules for future development was adopted by Village Council in August of 2023 and has been tested in practice since.