Saint Andrews Council Meeting Highlights Leadership Transition, Wharf Debate, and Housing Concerns

At the June 2, 2025, regular council meeting in the Town of Saint Andrews, councillors and staff tackled infrastructure priorities, honoured long-term service, and marked a leadership change.

The meeting opened with a presentation from Caroline Davies of Passamaquoddy Lodge, who addressed the growing need for affordable housing to help recruit and retain staff. “We've been looking at affordable housing primarily because we've had trouble attracting and retaining staff,” Davies told council. She noted that the Lodge is exploring potential housing developments as a long-term workforce solution.

Mayor Brad Henderson presided over the meeting for the final time. His resignation was formally accepted later in the session, with council and staff offering tributes to his leadership. Following the Local Governance Act, Deputy Mayor Kate Akagi was named as his successor.

Council also recognized Chief Administrative Officer Chris Spear for two decades of service. When asked if he wanted a commemorative gift, Spear replied with a grin, “No, just a pin, your worship.” The light moment drew laughter and underscored the value of continuity in town administration.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the ongoing Market Wharf and Market Square redevelopment project—a topic of continued public and council debate. Kevin Simmonds, a waterfront business owner, spoke in favour of moving forward. “The wharf is an economic driver for this town, and we really need to look forward,” he said.

Environmental concerns, however, remained a sticking point. Councillor Steve Neil, an aquaculture technician with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, raised caution. “We have not had that expert consultation,” he warned, opposing further development without additional assessment of potential ecological impacts.

In response, Mayor Henderson proposed a middle ground: investing $25,000 in a coastal study before proceeding to tender. “I'd much rather delay it potentially two months to find a compromise to make sure we can all go ahead,” he said, emphasizing the importance of preserving access to the town’s $5.4 million in secured funding while ensuring responsible planning.

Elsewhere on the agenda, council approved a motion to initiate a judicial review at the Court of King’s Bench in response to a recent tribunal decision affecting town governance. Councillor Annette Harland introduced the motion, explaining, “It is recommended based on their decision that the town should move forward with a judicial review.” The motion passed without amendment.

Mayor Henderson closed the meeting by reflecting on the evolving role of public participation in municipal decision-making. “You have to be aware of [public input] because they're going to become a bigger and bigger thing in influencing the way that council and democracy works going forward,” he said.

Council is expected to revisit the Market Wharf project at a future meeting, pending the outcome of the proposed coastal study.