Saint Andrews Council Moves Ahead with Wharf and Square Refurbishment Despite Divisions

A special council meeting for the Town of Saint Andrews was held on July 29, 2025, at the W.C. O’Neill Arena Complex and broadcast gavel-to-gavel by CHCO-TV. After years of discussion and debate, council voted to move forward with a long-debated plan to refurbish the town’s Market Wharf and Market Square — a project that has stirred both excitement and apprehension in the seaside community.

An Engineer’s Critique

The meeting opened with a presentation from local engineer Steve Saunders, who delivered a sharp critique of a recent environmental study by GEMTEC, the consulting firm commissioned by the town. A specialist in computational fluid dynamics, Saunders warned that GEMTEC’s reliance on two-dimensional modelling was inadequate to fully predict how currents, sediment, and debris might behave around the proposed armour rock wall.

“My comments here amount to what might be considered a peer review,” he explained, noting that the 2D mesh used in the modelling relied on cells up to 10 meters wide. “That’s too coarse to properly assess sediment transport.”

To underscore his point, Saunders presented drone footage of decaying seaweed piled near comparable coastal structures. He cautioned that the current design risked producing similar buildups of algae and debris around the Wharf — potentially creating both environmental and aesthetic concerns.

A Divided Council

The testimony fueled an already tense debate that has simmered for years: whether the refurbishment would bolster the local economy or saddle the town with unanticipated environmental costs.

Councillor Steve Neil was outspoken in his opposition, citing both accessibility concerns and the accelerated pace at which the project was moving.
“For those reasons and all the reasons I’ve outlined before, I am not in favour of sending this to tender,” Neil said, drawing nods from several members of the public gathered in the chamber. His stance echoed the unease of residents who fear the town may be rushing toward a costly mistake.

On the other side, councillors argued that the process had already included multiple consultations and revisions, and that continued delays could threaten the economic lifeblood of the community. With Saint Andrews’ tourist season compressed into just a few short months, they stressed that businesses reliant on summer visitors could not afford further setbacks.

“Our tourist season is a short period of time, and we have many businesses that rely on that very short period of time to make their money,” said Councillor Annette Harland. She and others framed the refurbishment not simply as an infrastructure project, but as an investment in the town’s long-term economic vitality.

The Vote

When the matter finally came to a decision, council voted 6–1 in favour of issuing the tender, with Neil casting the lone dissent. Councillor Darrell Weare abstained, a move that under council rules counted as a vote in favour.

The outcome marked a turning point in a debate that has stretched across multiple council terms, yet the evening’s discussions made clear that tensions remain unresolved. During the public comment period, residents voiced concerns ranging from the ecological impact of the project to whether the final design would truly serve community needs.

As Market Wharf and Market Square move closer to refurbishment, supporters see a chance to renew two of the town’s most iconic gathering places, while skeptics warn of hidden costs and unintended consequences. What is certain is that the decision will continue to shape both the character and the economy of Saint Andrews in the years to come.