Development, Festivals and Remembrance Shape St. Andrews Council Agenda

The regular meeting of St. Andrews Town Council on September 2, 2025, was held at the W.C. O’Neill Arena Complex and broadcast by CHCO-TV.

One of the evening’s key decisions was the formal acceptance of Adaline Lane as a public street. The roadway, part of the Van Horne Garden Homes development, was built to municipal standards. Councillor Mark Bennett, who introduced the motion, explained that the developer will provide a one-year warranty on the infrastructure, including water and sewer mains. Council’s approval finalized the transition of the lane into the town’s public road network.

Council also considered a request from the St. Andrews Paddling Club for municipal support of its Dragon Boat Festival. The club asked for barricades, picnic tables, and waste receptacles. The request prompted debate about whether Public Works staff could manage the additional workload. Councillor Marc Blanchard, who moved the motion, stressed the value of the festival to the community but noted the strain on town staff, estimating the effort would require four employees.

The town’s memorial bench program is also set to relaunch after being paused in recent years. Residents had previously donated benches for installation in public spaces, but the aging wooden models became difficult to maintain as replacement parts grew scarce. Chief Administrative Officer Chris Spear recommended a shift to composite materials, which are expected to last two decades or more.

Councillors further discussed how to boost public participation in consultations on the town’s draft municipal plan. While notices have been circulated, Councillor Lee Heenan raised concerns that many were discarded, citing examples from the downtown post office. The exchange underscored the ongoing challenge of engaging residents in long-term planning conversations.

Looking ahead, Council confirmed plans for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2025. The commemoration will be held at the Point and include a community walk. Residents are invited to participate and bring drums as a gesture of remembrance for Survivors of residential schools and for the children who never returned home.