A federal decision to slash economic immigration allocations by half for New Brunswick will hurt some key sectors, says the provincial minister responsible for immigration.

NB Power, elected officials facing demands to explain rising energy costs, while rates and consumer habits are unchanged

New Brunswick customers are demanding an explanation from N.B. Power officials after their energy costs significantly increased over the last billing period. 

The constituency offices of Western New Brunswick MLAs have been inundated with calls.

“I’ve collected data from dozens and dozens of people,” explained Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson. “We’ve heard from people who have done energy upgrades, and others who have tried to cut their consumption, and still their bills are through the roof. Something isn’t adding up.”

Woodstock-Hartland MLA Bill Hogan is hearing the same.

“I’ve received lots of complaints from people who said they received their highest power bill ever. It certainly seems to me that there has been an error in the reading of killowat-per-hour usage. My own bill has an increase of 1,000 kwh over last month and is the highest reading for the last 12 months,” said Hogan. “It would appear that this issue is widespread and suggests an error of some sort. I am hopeful that we can get to the bottom of the issue and get it resolved soon.”

After many MLAs demanded answers, NB Power officials will hold virtual information sessions with government officials on Monday, Jan. 20.

Holly Acheson hopes someone can explain what happened. She lives in a recently constructed, above-grade 2560-square-foot ICF (insulated concrete form) home in Woodstock.

“We have a forced-air heat pump. In the summer, it’s set to 70 and in the winter, it’s at 67. That never changes. Alex (her husband) is very serious about the thermostat,” said Acheson.

Despite her husband’s cost-saving measures, they’ve noticed drastic fluctuations in their power bills since the summer.

Last August, her NB Power bill said she used 3,650 kwh hours, compared to 1,331 kwh during the same month in 2023.

“My smart meter was installed in early summer 2024; that’s when I noticed my bills had escalated extremely. I do not have a hot tub, I am not running a grow op, and no I am not mining bitcoin. We have all LED light bulbs. NB Power’s explanation is that we built a garage, but that was 2021; that doesn’t explain the jump. And in the summer, we live at our camp two days a week. It doesn’t add up.”

Andrew Stephenson says things aren’t adding up at his shop in Connell, either.

“It usually stays consistent in the winter, and we took a week and a half off at Christmas so the thermostat was turned down over that period of time. It was unusual to be as high as it was. “

Despite his vigilance, the difference between his shop’s December and January power bills is dramatic: 2,686 kWh to 7,407 kWh — from $401.32 to a whopping $1,054.70.

“I have never had this high of a power bill or even close to this before,” added Stephenson.

N.B. Power spokesperson Dominique Couture responded to questions from the River Valley Sun seeking reasons why consumption costs rose dramatically despite little change in power usage from the same period last year. 

“We understand that affordability is a real concern for many customers, especially during the colder months when energy use for heating naturally increases, and are aware that some customers have raised questions about higher-than-expected power bills,” Couture told the River Valley Sun. “We are actively looking into these questions, and based on our initial review, the colder temperature in the month of December compared to last year seems to be a major contributing factor.”

Environment Canada meteorologist Jill Maepea said the Woodstock area experienced a colder December 2024 than the previous year but noted that last month was still warmer than usual.  

She said the December 2024 mean temperature of minus-5.7 Celsius was 1.3 degrees warmer than average. 

However, Maepae added that December 2023’s mean temperature of minus-2 Celsius was “the second warmest on record.” 

The high power bills in a population already reeling from rising costs across the board have resulted in complaints to the power corporation, MLAs and across social media. Consumers’ blame ranges from rate hikes and increased service charges to the switch to smart meters. 

Couture said a higher December bill is unrelated to any rate hike and has little to do with higher service charges. 

“The only rate change since April 1, 2024, was a reduction in December following the EUB decision,” she said. “Additionally, customers would have noticed a small adjustment to their monthly service charge, an increase or decrease of about $1, and a one-time credit or debit of approximately $11, to comply with the EUB decision.”

Couture added that smart meters do not affect power usage calculations, noting that the new, higher-tech smart meters collect the same information as traditional meters. 

“Bills are based on how much energy is consumed, not the meter itself,” she said. 

Couture outlined tips they share with customers to help them better understand their power bills. 

• Bill components: Customers can learn more about how their bill is broken down here – Reading a Typical Bill.
• Billing periods: These usually range from 28 to 33 days, and longer billing periods can result in higher charges.
• Energy use comparison: Bills include a comparison of electricity use to last month and the same month last year (excluding service charges, rentals, and taxes).
• Smart meter insights: For those with smart meters, online accounts provide tools to track and manage energy use. More details are here: Residential Usage Data

NB Power encourages anyone with ongoing concerns to contact our Customer Care team at 1 800 663-6272, noting advisors are available to investigate high bills and troubleshoot if there’s an issue.

(With files from Theresa Blackburn)

The post Soaring power costs energize soaring customer frustrations first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The slopes were closed for almost a month after mechanical problems with the lift's pulley and wheel system.

Subscribe now

A federal parolee has been located and arrested on an outstanding warrant for an alleged violation of his prison-release conditions.

The Fredericton Police Force issued a news release Friday evening, advising that Jesse Logue, 32, formerly of the Fredericton and Moncton areas, was being sought on a Canada-wide warrant.

It said Logue was considered unlawfully at large and was believed to be in the Fredericton area. The police force also noted that people shouldn’t approach Logue should he be spotted.

That social-media post about Logue was removed from Fredericton Police Force feeds Monday, and police spokesperson Sonya Gilks confirmed Logue had been detained.

She referred questions about the time, location and circumstances of his arrest to Correctional Service Canada (CSC).

The Fredericton Independent has reached out to CSC for that information and is awaiting a response.

Logue was sentenced in Moncton provincial court in 2021 to 8½ years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine.

Obviously, that sentence has yet to expire, indicating he was out of prison on parole or a statutory release, subject to conditions, and it means even when on conditional release, he remains under CSC authority.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

Subscribe now

NB Liquor (ANBL) and Cannabis NB have resumed taking debit and credit as they investigate a potential cyber attack.

CEO Lori Stickles said on Jan. 7, the company noticed “some anomalies” in the system.

It forced the closure of the corporate stores for at least two days, with Cannabis NB only accepting cash. ANBL eventually re-opened to cash.

“While our work toward business-as-usual is ongoing behind the scenes, we are pleased to be able to return to normal payment options for our customers,” a statement said on the website. “We know that it has taken some time to restore services, and your support and understanding have been greatly appreciated by our teams.”

ANBL and Cannabis NB stores operate during regular store hours.

A tourism accommodation levy could be coming to St. Stephen. 

Chief administrative officer Jeff Renaud presented the draft bylaw to the municipal council at its January committee of the whole meeting. 

The proposed levy is currently set at 3.5 per cent, the same as what accommodations in Saint Andrews charge.

“I think we do need to put something in place,” said Mayor Allan MacEachern, during the meeting. “We’ve always been putting this on the back burner because we didn’t have the big H beside us over there, the hotel.”

“But then I come to find out at a meeting with Saint Andrews, actually, there’s a lot of benefit to it, and it wouldn’t hurt to get this in place anyway because we’re going to have that soon.”

The accommodation levy bylaw would require those providing tourism accommodations to register with the municipality each year. It would then collect the tax from guests, and provide it to the town on a quarterly basis. 

Renaud said the money can then be used for tourism promotion, development, and fees required by the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission. 

“It’s becoming expected by the most travelling public,” he said. “If it is a way for us, one, to offset the cost we incur through the RSC, support tourists and tourism events that bring local dollars into the downtown without hitting the taxpayer at the end of the day … it certainly has a lot of benefits.” 

He said it would be critical to implement it in the right manner. 

Coun. Emily Rodas, who said during the meeting that she recently opened an Airbnb, said she was concerned the levy would be perceived negatively given there are no major hotels in the area, only small operators. 

“It feels frustrating because there is nothing else here so it’s almost like a deterrence to starting those types of things,” she said at the meeting. 

“So, when we have a hotel, it’s different. But when we have nothing here and then you’re kind of expecting the business owners who are running these smaller places to be able to offer accommodations, then it feels frustrating because there’s nothing else here. So, it’s almost like a deterrence to starting those types of things.”

MacEachern said this might not come into effect right away, but the municipality will need it when the town secures a major hotelier. 

Coun. Earle Eastman said the registration of business might actually help the municipality understand how much accommodation is available. 

“For the levy itself, being hard, all you’ve got to do is make sure your invoice is done right. Because if your invoice is done right, you’re going to put in HST anyways, and you’re going to frigging put the levy in there. So, it’s not that hard,” he said.

For Coun. Joyce Wright, St. Stephen is lagging behind other places. 

“While I understand the frustration of another step involved, I also think that we are lagging behind, it’s almost unheard of. I’ve never stayed anywhere recently where there is not a levy,” she said. 

Wright said she also appreciates it would reduce the burden placed on the taxpayers of the municipality by a tourism levy imposed on them by the RSC. 

Renaud said there has been no evidence, based on discussions with hoteliers in the past, that a tourism levy would deter it from building or operating in the community. 

Coun. Wade Greenlaw said he would like to seek feedback from businesses on the tourism levy. 

“I’m sure there’s good examples of it in Saint Andrews,” he said. “They can say it’s not much extra work for whoever the business owner is, or it is a lot of work for the business owner.”

The council will need to bring the bylaw to a regular meeting of the council. It must receive three readings, pending any amendments, and go for a final vote.

By Randy Thoms & Kevin Northrup, Acadian Broadcasting

Mark Carney has made it official.

The former Bank of Canada government announced in Edmonton his bid to become leader of the federal Liberal Party.

He becomes the first to enter the race to replace Justin Trudeau.

“I’m here to ask for your support. I’m here to earn your trust to lead that fight. I’m back home in Edmonton to declare my candidacy for leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister of Canada,” says Carney.

Carney sees himself as an outsider, having no political experience but plenty of experience to do the job with his former roles with the Bank of Canada and Bank of England.

“I don’t do a little leak. I don’t do a soundbite. I do a comprehensive plan that addresses all the aspects, and you’ll see that in the coming weeks.”

The economy, though, is at the forefront of his priorities.

“We can’t redistribute what we don’t have, and we can’t support the vulnerable in our society or defend this great country if we have a weak economy. I’m here to build the strongest economy for all Canadians together.”

“Canada needs change, but not just any change. We need change that works for people, and we’ve never needed it more.”

Carney warned against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, calling his ideas bad, naive and dangerous for Canada.

“In the UK, I saw firsthand what happened there after years of Conservatives shouting that their country was broken. Conservatives don’t run around saying Canada is broken because they want to fix it. They want a license to demolish and destroy, including many of the things on which we all and regular people depend.”

Carney also questioned Poilievre’s ability to negotiate with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.

Carney is expected to be joined in the race by former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

She is expected to make an announcement next week.

The Liberals plan to pick the name their new leader on March 9th.

Another Liberal hopeful

Chrystia Freeland is running for the federal Liberal leadership.

In a short release, the former deputy prime minister and finance minister says she’s running to ‘fight for Canada.’

Freeland’s official campaign launch will be Sunday.

She served as Justin Trudeau’s deputy from 2019 until last month, when she resigned due to policy disagreements.

Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney announced his intentions to run for the leadership on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Wilkinson announced on Friday that he will not be seeking the leadership.

New Brunswick is still under an Environment Canada weather warning as of early Monday morning. The overnight snow has resulted in some bad roads and school cancellations.

Jonathan Wilson, CEO of Crystal Cure, one of many cannabis operations that sprang up in the wake of legalization of the drug, says government lost an opportunity to help struggling companies become profitable.

A major project at Sackville's Mount Allison University will not be completed until 2030, a year later than previously announced, and the cost has risen by $10 million.

N.B. Liquor stores are  accepting credit and debit card transactions again after more than two weeks of cash-only sales.

A winter storm is moving into New Brunswick with heavy snow and gusty winds, with a big temperature drop to follow. Most of the province looks set to see totals in the range of 15-30 centimetres, with a little less in the northwest of the province.

Subscribe now

The RCMP says the presence of police and ground-search crews in Gagetown on Sunday stems from an ongoing effort to locate a missing man from the community.

The Oromocto detachment of the RCMP issued a news release Friday advising it was seeking tips from the public on the whereabouts of Brent Dawson, 30, of Gagetown, who was last seen in the village at about 1 a.m. Thursday morning.

An initial version of the release had stated he’d last been seen at 1 p.m. in Hanwell near Fredericton, but that was subsequently revised to be 1 a.m. in Gagetown.

In a followup Sunday, it noted searches were being conducted this weekend for Dawson.

“The RCMP and the New Brunswick Ground Search and Rescue teams are in the Gagetown area today conducting searches as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 30-year-old Brent Dawson,” it announced on social media Sunday morning.

Dawson is described as being about 6’1” (187 centimetres) tall, weighing about 130 pounds (59 kilograms), with blue eyes, brown hair and a full beard.

“He has tattoos on his left bicep,” the release said. “He was last seen wearing sweatpants and a light-coloured sweater.”

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call the Oromocto detachment at 506-357-4300.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

Subscribe now

A new exhibit has opened at Sunbury Shores by well-known New Brunswick artist Ann Manuel. 

The breathtaking display extends the length of the building on Water Street in downtown St. Andrews but is only a fraction of the entire piece. 

It came to Manuel during the final moments she and her family shared with her father. 

The breathtaking display extends the length of the building on Water Street in downtown St. Andrews but is only a fraction of the entire piece. (Nathalie Sturgeon/The Courier)

“In his last moments, the palliative care nurse called us in to just be close to him and breathe in and out with him,” she said in an interview. “That experience, although it was so painful, it was exquisitely painful, (was) profound. From that moment on, (I) wanted to work with breath.”

The art installation is designed to mimic a long inhale and exhale of breath. 

“It’s like this inhale of all your memories, and then this slow, long, meandering exhale, which is also the same pattern of breathing for the parasympathetic, like a calming breath.” 

In total, there are 4,000 pieces to the installation made of drafting film of different sizes. It also includes seedpods and dandelions representing Manuel’s mother. 

“When she was dying, one of her last wishes was for me to collect the seed pods from her garden,” she said. 

She said during the process of losing her father, she realized your life is really measured in breaths. 

“It’s the beginning, the middle, and the end, and your whole life is in those breaths,” Manuel said. 

It has taken her many years to bring the project from start to finish, she explained, having gone through the pandemic while making this installation. 

“I get goosebumps when I think about it,” she said.

Sunbury Shores is an art gallery located on Water Street in Saint Andrews. (Nathalie Sturgeon/The Courier)

The idea blossomed in 2002 and over time has been in both Fogo Island and the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton. However, Manuel said her dream was always to display it at Sunbury Shores. 

“When I came in, I felt a peace in here,” she said. “And it was at that point, long before me thinking about these little bits and pieces, I thought of an ascending garden in here, and it would be a place of peace.” 

The exhibit opens on Jan 17 and runs until Feb. 23 and is accompanied by a film by Matthew Brown in the Sunbury Shores Art Gallery at 139 Water Street.

New virtual care options at Sussex and Charlotte County Hospital emergency departments through the Horizon Health Network.

This one-year pilot project, powered by Teladoc Health Canada technology, offers an alternative pathway to care and potentially quicker access for those experiencing urgent, non-life-threatening medical issues.

Over 270 patients have been seen through the new virtual care at the two hospitals since late November 2024.

Health Minister John Dornan says this complements existing coverage and helps reduce wait times.

“We have had difficulties in some of our emergency departments maintaining staff, physicians and nurses, 24/7. There are competent, qualified, educated nurses and other healthcare providers, and respiratory therapists working there, but often times you need the help or the opinion of a physician. These centres are able to call a physician that could be anywhere in the country. They have video access to those patients, they interpret the results, and most patients are able to be treated adequately and go home.”

He adds it’s a way of keeping some of the smaller centres open, using team members that might not be on site, but respecting the ability of the team members that are on site.

Some of the examples of health concerns that may be treated virtually include:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Urinary tract infections
• Mild respiratory issues
• Mild aches and pains
• Rashes or allergic reactions
• Mild abdominal pain
• Minor infections

This type of service has successfully been implemented in other provinces across the country, including Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Pauls, who've been doing this for years, usually don't return home until after midnight, making their rounds through the woods, shelters and even along the highway.

A social media giant's decision to end fact checking on its platforms is a source of concern for two New Brunswick university professors.

Skate for Tate grew out of a cause that captured the hearts of an entire province. Last year’s event raised more than $15,000 to help all children play the sport Tate Hughes loved so much.

Frank and Connie Paul of Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation spend most of their nights driving their pickup truck around the Fredericton region, giving food, clothes and blankets to people struggling with homelessness.

Looking back at 2024 and forward to 2025

RVS: What were Hartland’s highlights in 2024?

TD: It has been a very busy year for Hartland. With the building and opening of the Day & Ross Community Centre, continued housing development and plans for waterfront development, we strive to provide citizens with a great area to live. 

RVS: What are Hartland’s challenges

TD: We have our challenges as well. Like many other municipalities, Hartland has an aging infrastructure. Equipment needs repairs or replacement, and streets need paving. With a tight budget, we recognize the importance of our strategic plan and use our resources and reserves prudently.

RVS:  Following Hartland and Carleton North’s failure to find support for a municipal police force, what are the town’s next steps? Can the RCMP deliver the needed coverage?

TD: We continue to communicate with the province and will also continue working with the RCMP to promote safe communities.

RVS: What are your biggest hopes for Hartland in 2025?

TD: In 2025, I see opportunity and collaboration—expanded programs and events through our recreation department. Festivals and celebrations throughout the year are organized and facilitated by faithful volunteers and staff. With a population of less than 4,000, our greatest asset is our PEOPLE. It is my hope that we gather, support and strengthen our community. Together, we are better.

The post Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant’s year-end Q & A first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Subscribe now

A special weather statement from the federal weather service warning of a significant winter storm Sunday night has been upgraded to a snowfall warning for most of the province.

On Friday, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special weather statement, advising that a major storm was possible beginning Sunday evening for just about every corner of New Brunswick.

But the weather service issued a new alert Saturday afternoon, issuing a snowfall warning, to be in effect from Sunday evening into Monday morning.

“An area of low pressure will track across Nova Scotia on Monday morning bringing snow to New Brunswick,” it said.

“Gusty, northerly winds will develop behind the low and combine with the freshly fallen snow to cause periods of reduced visibility in blowing snow during the day Monday.”

The warning indicated 15 to 25 centimetres is expected for all areas.

Not included in the snowfall warning were the Moncton, Saint John and Sussex areas, as well as the southern edge of the province.

The heavy snowfall can affect driving conditions, so the weather service advised caution.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

Fredericton police officers are investigating another instance of the oft-used and frequently successful “grandparent scam,” but this time, they’ve got images of a suspect.

The Fredericton Police Force released stills Saturday through social media from security footage depicting a suspect they’re seeking in connection with a fraud.

The footage is from a location on Venus Court, just off of Priestman Street in the city’s uptown area, from Jan. 6.

Police are hoping members of the public can aid in the effort to identify the suspect.

The dissemination of the images of the suspect come on the heels of a recent announcement by the Fredericton Police Force (FPF) about a spike in such fraud offences.

“One of the most recent and concerning scams is the grandparent scam, where fraudsters pose as a child or grandchild in distress, urgently requesting money. This scam targets the elderly, exploiting their love and concern for their family members,” the force said in a release issued Jan. 9.

“In 2024, FPF responded to more than 350 instances of scams and fraud of various forms, costing area residents more than $500,000.”

It also offered tips to ensure people don’t fall victim to such scam artists. It advised people to verify the caller is who they say they are by asking questions only they would know, to be aware police agencies never ask for money, to refuse to be rushed into making quick decisions in serious situations and to contact other family members to confirm the story presented by potential scammers.

“We urge everyone to connect with elderly, vulnerable individuals, or those who are not on social media,” the force said earlier this month.

“Regular communication can help them stay informed and less susceptible to scams. Share this information with them and encourage them to reach out if they receive suspicious calls or messages.”

Anyone with information about the pictured suspect or about potential encounters with scammers is urged to call the Fredericton Police Force at 506-460-2300.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.

Tipster can cite police file no. 2025-447 with regard to information about the individual seen in the photos.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

Subscribe now

A significant winter storm could bring heavy snow to New Brunswick early next week.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for much of the province.

Snow is expected to begin Sunday night and continue throughout the day Monday.

Forecasters said more than 25 centimetres is possible for nearly the entire province.

Areas along the Fundy Coast, including Saint John and coastal Charlotte County, are not included. However, St. Stephen and northern Charlotte County are under the special weather statement.

Environment Canada said snowfall amounts will be less in those areas as the snow may change to freezing rain or rain.

Meanwhile, gusty northerly winds are expected to develop behind the low and cause reduced visibility in blowing snow on Monday.

The municipal council in St. Stephen is considering a new bylaw to increase public participation strategically and deliberately. 

The town allows for a public comment period during the regular council meeting every month, but not at the committee of the whole. 

Regular council meetings are held monthly and allow for readings of bylaws, final votes, and some debate.

Committee of the Whole (CoW) meetings are more informal, where the council is able to discuss various topics, bylaws, and things in a productive way. 

A new bylaw would create a forum for public participation outside the council chamber, in possibly the form of a town hall, according to Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Renaud. 

“I think this a huge step for us,” he said during the meeting. “I think we’re going to have a much better product and with our goal setting for a path like this.” 

Renaud hopes a separate format will help take some of the burden of the regular meetings. 

Coun. Emily Rodas said she believes this is likely what the council has been missing all along. 

“I do find in our council meetings, we get feedback, but we don’t get in-depth feedback that we can actually implement and have the time and space to talk about things and actually move forward with citizens,” she said. “I find we get thrown a lot of information through social media or the podium but we don’t actually have the time to unpack it.” 

She said she knows, though, how busy the CAO office is and she appreciates there have been boundaries outlined in the policy for that public participation. 

“I feel that we’re moving in the right direction,” she said. “But we still have these certain topics that keep getting brought up and I think we need a better forum that’s structured to be able to talk about those topics and have that public engagement.”  

She suggested that perhaps there be a time frame around the engagement sessions. 

Rodas thanked Renaud for listening to the public and their concerns about waiting for a bigger forum. 

Renaud said in order to make it work, MDSS has to be deliberate about when they are seeking their opinions and when they are not. 

“We have to be strategic in which tools we apply in what situations,” he said. “I think if we’re very upfront about that with the public we’ll get (a) much better response and in my experience that’s where you get much more respectful meetings.” 

Municipal politicians have faced increased criticism, including in St. Stephen, through social media and other platforms – something which has created great concern from the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick. 

In recent months, MDSS has stopped requiring staff to attend regular meetings due to its inability to provide harassment-free working environments, according to a report from Renaud. 

Council, including Mayor Allan MacEachern, said they would like to continue having a public comment period during the regular meetings – the new forum would be in addition to it. 

Coun. Joyce Wright said residents always have the right to reach out to them about any issue they feel strongly about, but this formalizes the process.

“I also want to make it clear when you say it might reduce the need to have comments or certain things happen in meetings doesn’t mean we’re trying to eliminate it, this is a way to enhance that,” she said during the meeting. 

Wright hopes this will create better dialogue between the council and the public. 

“Sometimes it’s been a matter of timing that we haven’t been able to do as much as we want to do,” she said. 

Coun. David Hyslop said many things he brings up are concerns brought directly to him by constituents. 

“I’m sure everyone gets approached about a thing and say can you ask about this,” he said. “I’d like to see more people approach.” 

No date has been set yet to bring the draft policy to regular council for three readings, and pending any amendments, to be voted on.

A lawsuit filed in Maine claims that Cooke net pens are violating the U.S. Clean Water Act by allowing salmon feces, excess food and carcasses to fall to the sea floor. 

A new voice is taking over the microphone at the CBC Saint John radio studio on weekday mornings.

Looking back at 2024 and ahead to 2025

RVS: What were the Southern Victoria highlights in 2024?

CM: The Village of Southern Victoria experienced a year of progress, celebration, and community-building in 2024. Some of our achievements and milestones were our largest-ever Tough Muck Competition, the Hullabaloo Music Festival, the Gathering of the Scots, the Western Valley Summer Games, Winter Freeze Fest, our Eclipse celebration, and enhanced festive decorations in our Christmas park.

We also transformed our waterfront, commissioned our solar system, provided clean energy for our industrial park, upgraded the system and generated 159 MWh. This is the equivalent of energy for 14 homes and reduced CO2 emissions by 158 tons. We also secured a 12-year power purchase agreement for the P-A Electric Light Commission, and we installed new well filters in Aroostook, improving water quality for residents.

We were busy because we also saw a new residential housing development and commissioned a new electrical line for Perth, which will lessen the number of power outages on the Perth side. The village also conducted public consultations for our Recreation Strategic plan, enhanced services and programs related to Dangerous Premises Enforcement, Solid Waste and Recycling, and expanded our heat pump program.

The year 2024 was a year of meaningful progress and community pride for the Village of Southern Victoria.

RVS: What do you consider 2024’s biggest disappointment?

CM: Despite our dedicated efforts in 2024, addressing the critical need for a collaborative healthcare clinic in our community remained a significant challenge. Council members and the healthcare committee worked tirelessly to advocate for improved healthcare services, but tangible progress was limited.

However, regular year-end meetings with Horizon Health have given us renewed hope. These discussions have been productive, and we are optimistic that 2025 will bring meaningful advancements toward establishing the healthcare solutions our community urgently needs.

Our council and other communities are concerned about response times and the impact on volunteer fire department members who cover ambulance calls. Council members are working with UMNB on this issue.

RVS: What are your biggest hopes for Southern Victoria in 2025?

CM: The Village of Southern Victoria’s key goals for 2025 include:

• Securing funding for infrastructure improvements for the Aroostook water system.
• Advancing efforts to establish a collaborative healthcare clinic.
• Beginning construction on a new municipal service complex.
• Promoting residential construction to address housing needs.
• Completing an update to the Municipal Plan and finalizing the Recreation Strategic Plan.
• Taking delivery of a new fire truck.
• Enhancing street and crosswalk safety.

These priorities reflect the council’s dedication to fostering growth, safety, and well-being in our community.

RVS: What is the status of Southern Victoria’s hospital heading into the new year?

CM: Our community is strongly committed to ensuring that Hotel Dieu Hospital continues to provide all existing services throughout 2025. Our Council and healthcare committee will remain steadfast in advocating for the maintenance and expansion of services at the hospital.

By working collaboratively with stakeholders and our local healthcare providers, we aim to support the continued delivery of high-quality healthcare for our community.

Working with Horizon and the provincial government, we look forward to the greatly needed development of a collaborative healthcare clinic in our community in  2025.

RVS: Perth-Andover residents have relied on its own electric light commission for more than a century. It appears the town saw a few more power failures in 2024. Can the community still rely on its power supply in the future?  

CM: As the only village or town-owned electric utility in New Brunswick, Perth-Andover’s Electric Light Commission remains a cornerstone of reliable, green, and affordable power for our residents.

In 2024, the community witnessed only 9 partial outages for trouble calls on our system and one entire system outage in December. This longer outage in December was due to an issue with the NB Power transmission system, beyond the control of our local utility or the Tinker Dam. We had smaller, planned disruptions to accommodate the development of a new Perth feed line designed to better serve our customers.

These proactive improvements underscore our commitment to strengthening system integrity and ensuring resilience during future weather events.

The Electric Light Commission continues to focus on delivering dependable service, with ongoing upgrades aimed at minimizing disruptions and safeguarding the reliability of our network.

Perth-Andover customers can look forward to even greater reliability in 2025, with fewer outages and continued access to some of the most affordable power rates in New Brunswick. These advancements are a testament to our Council’s unwavering dedication to providing cost-effective and dependable energy solutions, ensuring our community’s trust and comfort for years to come.

Owning and operating our local utility empowers us to prioritize the needs of our customers, driving initiatives that benefit everyone. Together, we’re building a brighter, greener, more resilient future.

The post Village of Southern Victoria Mayor Cindy McLaughlin’s year-end Q & A first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Subscribe now

A convicted drug trafficker, on parole from federal prison, is being sought on a Canada-wide arrest warrant, police advise, and they’re looking for tips from the public to locate him.

The Fredericton Police Force issued a news release Friday evening, seeking tips from members of the public to locate Jesse Logue, 32, formerly of the Fredericton and Moncton areas.

Logue “is unlawfully at large and wanted on a Canada-wide warrant,” the release said. “Police believe that he may possibly be in the Fredericton region.”

Anyone who spots Logue is advised not to approach him, the police force said, noting people should instead call 911 or the Fredericton police at 506-460-2300.

He’s described as being about 5’10” tall, weighing 156 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair.

Logue pleaded guilty in Moncton in 2021 to conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and firearms-related crimes, earning him a prison sentence of 8½ years.

That term clearly hasn’t expired, so it stands to reason the Canada-wide warrant stems from alleged violations of conditions of his parole or statutory release from a federal institution.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

Subscribe now

More than a year after the Saint John police chief announced a review of his officers' conduct in the case of two men wrongfully convicted of murder, there is no sign of the promised report.

Subscribe now

Irked over a delay due to a missing document, a Court of King’s Bench expressed frustration Thursday over inherent problems in the district’s trial division and main court office being located in different communities.

Justice Thomas Christie was presiding over an application at the Burton Courthouse on Thursday brought by the provincial Attorney General’s Office against a defendant in a drug case.

At one point in the proceedings, government lawyer Patrick Wilbur referred to a supplementary affidavit that was filed with the Court of King’s Bench the day before the hearing, but Christie noted he didn’t have that document in the file before him.

The judge said he was going to take a brief recess for a couple of minutes to read the additional affidavit before continuing with the application hearing.

But those two minutes turned into 20, and when court reconvened, Christie said the issue was that the supplementary affidavit, which was filed with the King’s Bench court office at the Justice Building in Fredericton, never made it out to the Burton Courthouse.

Read more

A small island located in Grand Lake has sold at tax auction and the new owners say they hope to keep it accessible to boaters. 

Subscribe now

A “significant winter storm” looms large over the entirety of New Brunswick and could hit the province Sunday night and continue into Monday, the federal weather service advises.

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s weather service issued a special weather statement Friday afternoon, announcing that a major storm was possible beginning Sunday evening.

The weather statement is in effect for just about every area of New Brunswick.

“A low pressure system is forecast to pass south of the province bringing snow at times heavy to most areas,” the weather statement said.

“Gusty, northerly winds will develop behind the low and combine with the freshly fallen snow to cause periods of reduced visibility in blowing snow during the day Monday.”

Total snowfall for the Fredericton region is predicted to be in the range of 25 centimetres.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

Subscribe now

Members of the New Brunswick legal community are paying tribute to Wendell Maxwell, a longtime Moncton lawyer, known for his thundering style of oratory and ardent defence of “the ordinary person.”

Subscribe now

A Gagetown man hasn’t been seen since Thursday and was reported missing the same day, the RCMP advised, and police are seeking tips from the public on his whereabouts.

Brent Dawson, 30, was last seen Thursday at 1 p.m. in Hanwell, the Oromocto detachment of the RCMP said in a news release Friday, noting Dawson was reported missing to police the same day.

“Police have followed up on several leads to try and locate him, but have so far been unsuccessful,” the release said. “Police and his family and friends are concerned for his well-being.”

Dawson is described as being about 6’1” (187 centimetres) tall, weighing about 130 pounds (59 kilograms), with blue eyes, brown hair and a full beard.

“He has tattoos on his left bicep,” the release said. “He was last seen wearing sweatpants and a light-coloured sweater.”

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call the Oromocto detachment at 506-357-4300.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

Subscribe now

The University of New Brunswick has placed nasal spray naloxone kits around its campuses for emergency opioid overdose situations.

Ben and Nathan Cumberland won bronze at the STIHL Timbersports World Championship in France in November 2024, supported by their father Rod Cumberland. The family sit down with host Vicki Hogarth at the CHCO Studio to talk about their experience representing Canada on the world stage of lumberjacking.

Original broadcast Date: January 2025

Southwest Magazine is an original CHCO Television production taped on location at the CHCO-TV studio in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada.

New Brunswickers looking to hit the liquor store before the weekend may have to adjust their plans.

Moncton and Saint John are preparing to submit a joint bid in a couple of weeks to host the 2029 Canada Summer Games.

A significant amount of illness across the border in Calais, Maine, has led to school closures.

The Calais School Department announced that it closed all schools in the city on Friday.

CSD said student and staff attendance have been impacted by a “significant amount of illness in our communities.”

“We kindly ask you take advantage of this day to take care of our students’ and staff wellness,” the department said in a social media post on Thursday.

The news comes just one day after the Calais Community Hospital implemented mandatory masking in all clinical areas of the facility.

Hospital officials cited a major increase in respiratory illnesses among patients and staff, and a continued rise in respiratory illnesses within Washington County.

The directive applies to the emergency, inpatient, laboratory, radiology, surgery and respiratory departments.

Masks are optional in areas considered low-risk to more vulnerable patients, including the cafeteria, main lobby and hallways.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said overall respiratory illness activity in Maine is currently moderate.

St. Stephen council is considering a new bylaw that would require applicants to pay for painted crosswalks in the town. 

Jeff Renaud, the chief administrative officer for the Municipal District of St. Stephen (MDSS), said he’d done some research after an initial discussion on a crosswalk policy. 

“So, the work here is largely based on policies that had been inquired from municipalities across the country,” he said speaking to the council on Wednesday. “They’re trying to do things like this.” 

He said the key points are to ensure groups that want to undertake work could apply to the municipality for coloured or themed crosswalks in their neighbourhood. 

“It does require support from the surrounding area, we would require that in writing, and is at the cost of the applicant,” he said. “A small community group could gather some money to fund that installation.” 

Coun. Marg Harding said she felt it would be a good first draft of the policy. She said someone from the legion had approached her and another councillor and wondered if that type of thing would fall under this new policy – should it be voted on by the council. 

“It’s council policy,” Renaud said. “Not all scenarios will fit this policy, if it is near and dear to the council’s heart and they wish to do something regardless of the policy, it always has that ability.”

Renaud explained this sets general rules for any applications that come in for a coloured or themed crosswalk. He did clarify that not all applications would come to the council, they would first be vetted by the town administration. 

Coun. Earle Eastman applauded the draft policy, saying to the council that it really narrows the focus and onus on the individuals who want this done. 

He also said it is good the policy now includes parameters about maintaining the crosswalk. 

Coun. Emily Rodas suggested the council could require a non-profit number or limit to community groups and organizations for applications for crosswalks. 

“Maybe it is a group of veterans, or the legion itself, coming forward and then proposing it,” she said. “It would just be a lot easier for us to go through policy and approve if it’s already got support.” 

There is a requirement that 60 per cent of the neighbourhood would need to sign a petition for any crosswalk application to be considered, Renaud explained. 

He said there is no need for formalization at this point, so people wanting to do something nice in their neighbourhood can still happen, with the majority of support from the residents. 

“We want to make it accessible to the grassroots folks who want to do something good,” he said. 

No date has been set yet for the policy to come to the council. It will require passing through first, second, and third readings pending any amendments before finally being voted on.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said the premiers in Canada are unified in trying to eliminate potentially significant and damaging tariff threats from incoming U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. 

“We talked through the strategy for that and how we’re going to go forward,” she said speaking with reporters. “We continued to share information about the allies and the relationships we’ve been developing and advancing in the US.” 

Holt was part of a meeting between the Canadian premiers, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc on Wednesday. 

She said there is ‘deep concern’ over the damage the tariffs could create. 

“My counterparts in the neighbouring states, in Maine, in New Hampshire, and Connecticut, and beyond, all share the same feelings that we do, that these tariffs are going to hurt their economies,” she said. “It’s going to hurt their people and their workers. It’s going to make life more expensive. And that’s the same thing Canadians are saying.” 

Trump has threatened not only to implement 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports but has mused about using “economic force” to take over the country, making it the 51st state. 

She said the federal and provincial governments have developed a strategy, which could include retaliation. 

“The strategy is ready, and we have a plan for counter-tariffs should we need to use it,” she said. “The number one goal is to prevent the tariffs, but we are ready to act to lift them as quickly as possible with a strategy of retaliatory tariffs on imports.” 

Holt said Canadians are proud of their identity. 

“We don’t appreciate the threats that are coming from President Trump to that effect,” Holt said. “I think he’ll realize how integrated our economies are, how closely we have been as allies, neighbours, and friends, and how damaging to his economy that these tariff measures will be.” 

She has also met with several big businesses in New Brunswick, including J.D. Irving, Limited, Irving Oil, McCain, several agricultural producers and lobster producers, and Cooke Aquaculture, all of which export goods to the U.S. 

“We’re getting together again for an additional meeting this week, and we hear deep concern from those companies because of how much they sell into the US and the impact that these terrorists will have on their businesses,” she said.  

In 2022, New Brunswick exported nearly $21 billion in product to the United States, according to the Eastern Border Transportation Coalition. 

“We’ve been working actively with the businesses in New Brunswick, and we will continue to do so … (and) we’re preparing and a response to these tariffs recognizes the impacts that they’re going to feel.”

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sworn into office on Jan. 20.

— with files from Brad Perry, Acadia Broadcasting

Silent Blaze is a two-part investigation by The Courier and CHCO-TV. This is Part II. 

More than 19 months after a forest fire near Saint Andrews, an after-action report promised by the government is still not finished, according to the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

However, the department has confirmed to The Courier that it would release the report once it has been completed.

Kyle Leavitt, the director of the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (NBEMO), said in an interview that these reports are done to help understand what happened during an event and what lessons were learned. 

“Communication is always something that we can do better and making sure that we have the right connections to the right individuals,” he said. “The biggest thing for me was always trying to make sure that we understand who is on the ground because not all the time do you have the same people that you think is going to be there and when you don’t, being able to adapt and be able to connect, and be able to get the process going as quick as possible.” 

Leavitt said communication is always an area the organization hopes to improve when it comes to emergency situations. 

While a local government could ask, the only organizations in charge of issuing emergency alerts in New Brunswick are the RCMP and NBEMO – and all requests must go through them. 

The Department of Justice and Public Safety did not provide The Courier with criteria about the issuing of Alert Ready messages in New Brunswick for the various situations that can arise here.

Leavitt said the alert is only issued if there is an imminent threat to life or limb. 

The fire destroyed one home and burned more than 500 hectares. (Patrick Watt/CHCO-TV)

“Because of the intrusive nature of it, it really has to meet the criteria that there is an immediate danger – an imminent threat to life and limb,” Leavitt said. in an interview. “So, it has to meet that criteria. That’s why the local officials and authorities on the ground are best positioned to make that call. Once they determine (if) this meets that criteria, then we need to know where the zone is and we need to know what needs to be told to the listeners of the alert or the warning.” 

An Alert Ready ready was never sent during the forest fire in May 2023 near Saint Andrews. 

The RCMP does provide a rough outline for what it considers for the use of the Alert Ready system, including: 

• emergent firearm/weapon related offences
• active shooter/immediate action rapid deployment (IARD) incidents
• terrorist attacks
• chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) incidents with an established criminal nexus
• civil disobedience/rioting
• dangerous animal incidents

“During a significant incident, we continue to assess the situation to determine if an alert is appropriate, and that an alert would not place the public and/or responding emergency personnel at greater risk,” it said on its website. “Risk assessments during an incident are ongoing and, as more information is received or if the situation changes, an alert can be issued, updated or cancelled at any time.”

An Alert Ready message can be targeted to a specific geographical area, or even sent provincially or nationally, depending on the type of situation. 

According to the documents obtained by CHCO-TV, the main form of communication about the fire was through social media, mainly Twitter (now known as X) and Facebook. 

“We can always do better at how well we communicate and how we establish connections beforehand,” said Leavitt. 

Kevin Quigley is a professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax who specializes in risk governance and critical infrastructure protection, focusing in particular on public sector responses to rare and high impact events.

Then-Premier Blaine Higgs and St. Croix MLA Kathy Bockus visited with firefighters during the blaze. (Patrick Watt/CHCO-TV)

Quigley said in an interview with The Courier that all disasters are different and the variables between them are considerable, including when the emergency happens, at what time, and whether this is common to the area. 

“So, if you’re dealing with the kind of disaster that people are not as familiar with, then there are other kinds of risks,” he said.

For example, in the case of a hurricane, he said we usually have a 72-hour lead time, and we have become better at preparing for them and knowing what to do when one strikes.  

Quigley said for areas where wildfires aren’t common, there are other jurisdictions to look to for advice and planning, to be better prepared for the future. 

“If you’re talking about a rural community wildfires, this is something, if we’re not already kind of learning our lessons, we should be,” he said. 

The professor said he believes New Brunswick’s emergency management team is very good, having known and learned from some of the top officials at NBEMO. 

Single points of failure 

Quigely explained there are many single points of failure in a rural setting like the Saint Andrews area. 

“(In) the Maritimes, we have a lot of vulnerable populations. We have single road access, which is a real challenge, because with risk, you need redundancies to build into a system.” 

He recalled the Halifax wildfires in 2023, which were coincidentally happening at the time as the fire near Saint Andrews, saying colleagues of his pointed out that people were driving toward the fire on roads needed by emergency services. 

“The problem with the people with the car is (people) who thought they could jump in the car and drive away and say, ‘Oh, I’m just driving into Halifax.’ It’s like, ‘No, you’re driving away from Halifax because we have one road and emergency services coming in from that road,’” said Quigley.

Quigley explained after several high-impact events in Nova Scotia, including the 1998 Swissair Flight 111 crash and Hurricane Juan in 2003, it became clear the need for emergency officials to be in the same room very quickly. 

However, he said in some cases, no one is quick to rush on owning decisions that are made in the midst of a crisis.

“When there’s a crisis, are people willing to put their hand up right away and say, you know, ‘I did it, it’s my fault,’ you know? Or if they didn’t handle it well? Probably not,” he said. “I guess what you really want to see is you want to see a commitment to learning. You want to see transparency. Really an open account of what happened and how we can improve and who is going to be accountable for that improvement. How they’re going to report back to us and tell us how they’ve improved, not just let it drift away into the next wildfire.” 

He said it is correct to suggest you have to have a lot of information in order to issue an emergency alert that informs the public accurately. 

“Not to just say there’s a fire, but there’s a fire, and this is what you need to do about it,” he said. “Give people some action to actually respond. It’s an important part of risk communication.”

Subscribe now

An elderly defendant will stand trial in a year’s time after denying summary charges of sexual assault and breach of probation Thursday.

Brian Joseph MacKinnon, 72, of Route 615 in Springfield, about 40 kilometres west of Fredericton, appeared in Fredericton provincial court in custody Thursday, having been picked up on an outstanding warrant of arrest.

A judge issued the warrant last week after he failed to appear in court as required.

Read more

The Moncton region had the second highest population growth rate of all metro areas across the country, estimates released by Statistics Canada on Thursday show.

As senior-targeted scams become increasingly harder to catch, the RCMP gives tips on how to keep your loved ones out of harm’s way.

Residential development of manor-owned land along Deakin Drive to include single-unit, multi-unit and townhouses

The Carleton Manor board of directors and the town of Woodstock expressed support for a residential housing development outlined by the New Brunswick Housing Hub team for a parcel of land along Deakin Drive. 

After delivering a presentation and gaining approval from the manor board earlier in the day, Housing Hub Senior Development Manager Shane Thompson delivered the same presentation at the Woodstock regular council meeting on Jan. 14. 

Thompson explained the background of Housing Hub’s involvement in planning the development of a 23-acre parcel of land stretching along the opposite side of Deakin Driver from the Carleton Manor Nursing Home. 

He explained that during the spring and early summer of last year, the Housing Hub became engaged with the town and board to study the feasibility of the residential development and present a vision if possible. 

Thompson said the town and manor entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last spring and then engaged Housing Hub N.B. in June to “provide capacity and a development strategy.” 

Meanwhile, in the summer, the board and town developed their vision for the project and surveyed the broader community for input. 

Thompson explained that earlier that day, the manor board approved Housing Hub’s “site plan concept and phased development proposal.” 

Following Thompson’s presentation, Mayor Trina Jones noted the manor board’s approval to move to the development’s next phase, noting that the town’s role now is to determine potential community involvement. 

“If we build it, is this something we know we can fill and accommodate, and also see the capacity for the non-profit side. There’s a lot of outreach that can be done.” 

Jones explained that the town’s role is to continue the MOU currently in place with the manor, apply for funding support where available, and develop partnerships to proceed. 

Jones acknowledged the town could explore other options besides residential development, citing a potential home for a proposed new fire hall as an example. 

“Fundamentally, that might not be the right space and home for the fire hall in particular because I think there’s so much opportunity to have housing that’s critically important in that exact location and it’s walkable in nature to so many of our amenities,” she said.  

Thompson’s plan didn’t include a fire hall but offered a variety of residential options to meet Woodstock’s accessibility needs. 

He explained that the needs assessment data indicates a growing need for affordable housing options, including subsidized homes, and increasing demands for age-appropriate housing. 

Thompson explained that the site plans unveiled to the council would be subject to change, noting that access from Deakin Drive to the residential development must ensure traffic and pedestrian safety. 

He added that the proposed concept considers the buffer zones required for the brook running through the proposed development area. 

Thompson’s presentation included examples of proposed residential buildings, such as a multi-unit apartment building, row houses, and duplexes, including those designed for senior living. 

He explained that a sustainable vision should include affordable rentals, market rentals, market-sale building lots, and affordable ownership options. 

Thompson said a successful outcome would require the collaboration of several partners, including CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation), RDC (Regional Development Corporation), Housing N.B., Housing Hub N.B., the municipality, the private sector, and non-profit organizations. 

Thompson exhibited an organization chart that listed Carleton Manor as the owner, with the town providing staff and an annual budget. He explained that the Housing Hub would serve as project manager, providing civil engineering and financial analysis. 

He said the project will require the development of partners from the private and non-profit sectors. 

With the Carleton Manor approval and the town’s endorsement in place, Thompson said the next step is to schedule public engagement. 

Following public engagement, he said planners would need to submit a Phase 1 infrastructure request to RDC and secure development agreements. 

Subsequent steps include securing development agreements, finalizing a subdivision plan, issuing civil tenders, registering lots for sale and securing funding for non-profit development. 

The post Carleton Manor board, town support Housing Hub development vision first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Looking back at 2025 and looking forward to 2025

RVS: What were Nackawic-Millville highlights in 2024?

TF: We had a busy year in 2024 with the Destination Nackawic Smallmouth Open in May, with 76 teams from Ontario to Nova Scotia participating, an announcement for $6.8 Million in funding from the provincial government’s Housing for All strategy towards infrastructure for our new housing development, and co-hosting the Pan Am Black Bass Championship in September with 54 teams representing seven countries and two First Nation groups.

RVS: What do you consider 2024’s biggest disappointment?

TF: We had hoped that we would see some progress by the province in fiscal reform for municipalities to help with additional stability and adequately fund municipalities for long-term success.

RVS: What are your biggest hopes for Nackawic-Millville in 2025?

TF: We have established substantial momentum in growing our community.  We hope to build on that momentum and progress on fire hall replacement for our Dumfries Fire Station, expansion of Health Centre facilities and completion of the 1st phase of our housing development.  In early 2025, the Council will be sharing a strategic plan with the community that will provide direction for growth and development of the municipality over the next five years.

RVS: Plans for the new residential development appear ready to take significant steps in 2025. What should residents expect to see?

TF: Construction work began in December 2024 and will continue through the summer of 2025 for the first phase of the housing development project.  The first phase will provide opportunities for up to 109 doors through a combination of apartment rental units, garden home/townhouse units and single-family residential units.  We anticipate that some housing construction will begin before the infrastructure construction is fully completed in September 2025.

RVS: Where is the current situation involving plans to establish a Credit Union in the former Scotiabank location?

TF: Work continues to meet the criteria and standards required by the regulators to form a new Credit Union.  We hope to see this initiative take shape by the summer of 2025.

RVS: Nackawic-Millville has taken huge strides in its waterfront development in recent years. Should residents and visitors expect anything new this year?

TF: Part of our strategic plan development will identify project initiatives around the community, which will include the waterfront master plan that had previously been adopted by the Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation.  Having established credibility and success in hosting major fishing events, we are talking with different organizations regarding hosting potential fishing events for 2025 and beyond.

The post Nackawic-Millville Mayor Tim Fox’s year-end Q & A first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Zakkary Reed’s first-degree murder trial in Saint John has taken an unexpected break due to a 'medical issue' with one of the participants. 

Municipal District of St. Stephen Committee of the Whole meeting for January 2025 on CHCO Television.