Mayor Brad Henderson Discusses Infrastructure, Housing, and Tourism Updates for St. Andrews

In a recent interview on Your Town Matters, Mayor Brad Henderson provided an update on the latest developments and ongoing projects in St. Andrews. Hosted by Vicki Hogarth, the interview covered a wide range of topics including infrastructure improvements, housing projects, and the upcoming tourist season.

One-Way Streets and Infrastructure

Mayor Henderson began by discussing the extension of the one-way street on Water Street. This year, the one-way will start at Elizabeth and end at Augustus. The extension is intended to accommodate a new development at Princess Royal, ensuring smooth traffic flow despite ongoing construction. "The corner of Augustus Street and Water Street will have a four-way stop to manage traffic," Henderson noted. He also explained why the one-way system is seasonal, citing the need for different snow plows during winter.

New Developments and Business Expansion

The conversation then shifted to the new commercial and residential development across from Drewhaven Town and Country on Water Street. This project, which includes commercial space on the ground floor and condos above, aligns with all town bylaws, eliminating the need for council approval. Henderson emphasized the importance of commercial activity in the downtown area, stating, "We only have limited opportunities to expand the footprint of our business district."

Algonquin Resort's Big Plans

One of the most exciting announcements was the Algonquin Resort's plans for a new Nordic spa and improved staff lodging. The spa, a two-story facility, aims to make the resort a year-round destination. Additionally, the O'Brien House, a now condemned former employee residence, will be replaced with a new building offering 20 high-end units for managers. "This is good news for St. Andrews," Henderson said, highlighting the potential for this project to free up more units in the community for others seeking affordable housing.

Wharf Refurbishment and Market Square Expansion

Henderson provided an update on the much-anticipated wharf refurbishment set to begin this fall. The project, funded primarily by the federal government but also by the province and the municipality, aims to enhance climate resilience. The expansion of Market Square, a part of this project, will create more community space. However, the relocation of the Island Quest building remains a topic of debate. "One thing's for sure, we have to do this project," Henderson stressed, citing recent storm damage as a pressing concern.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

The mayor also touched on the Compass Housing project, which aims to provide 42 affordable housing units by November 2024. The Town provided the developers of the project a $500,000 grant to keep the rent locked in at an affordable for the first decade. Henderson expressed optimism about the project's impact, noting that many leases have already been signed by those in need, including single parents and seniors. He also mentioned other housing developments in the area, which together should add over 200 units to the community.

Challenges with Federal Funding

Despite the town's proactive approach to housing, Henderson expressed frustration over being left out of the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. "The fact that not a single community in our region got a dollar from a multi-billion dollar programme, it doesn't make sense," he lamented. He called for greater transparency and more support from higher levels of government to address the housing crisis.

Support for Seniors

Henderson highlighted the recent grand opening of the Charlotte County Senior's Resource Centre, which aims to help seniors stay in their homes longer. The centre, located inside the Wellness Centre at the WC O'Neill Arena Complex, offers various resources and programmes to assist seniors with everyday challenges. "We're best in class as far as being age-friendly," Henderson said, emphasizing the importance of supporting the elderly community.

Tourist Season Outlook

As the interview concluded, Hogarth asked about the upcoming tourist season. Henderson, who also serves as the marketing director at Kingsbrae Garden, expressed optimism. "We are anticipating a busy summer," he said, citing the various attractions and events planned for the season. However, he voiced concerns about the high cost of living potentially affecting tourism. Despite this, he remained hopeful that local day trippers would offset any decline in long-distance visitors.