St. Stephen Council Approves Cross-Border Fire Agreement, Considers Health and Budget Plans

At a special meeting and Committee of the Whole session on August 13, 2025, the Municipal District of St. Stephen council approved a mutual aid fire agreement, received updates on health care services, and began early planning for the 2026 municipal budget.

A key decision was the approval of a tripartite mutual aid agreement for fire response with neighbouring U.S. counterparts in Washington County, Maine. The measure comes as wildfires continue to pose risks across New Brunswick, including a recent blaze in Baileyville, Maine, raising concerns about regional preparedness. The agreement is designed to provide legal protection for firefighters while enabling coordinated cross-border support in emergencies.

Council members also discussed wildfire risks closer to home, emphasizing the need for public cooperation with fire safety regulations. Officials urged residents to remain vigilant, noting that adherence to rules is essential to preventing small incidents from becoming major fires.

The Committee of the Whole portion of the session focused on community safety and mental health resources. Councillors highlighted the 988 suicide prevention line, a federal service available at no cost to residents, and reviewed an ongoing community safety survey. The survey is intended to collect local feedback and support provincial discussions on emergency mental health services, helping to shape resources where they are needed most.

Health care delivery was another priority. Deputy Mayor Ghislaine Wheaton outlined the province’s move toward family health teams, a model that attaches patients to a group of health professionals rather than a single physician. The approach aims to improve continuity of care and better meet the needs of a growing local population.

Cultural heritage also received attention, with an update on preservation efforts at the world’s oldest basketball court. Officials highlighted plans to protect the historic site while engaging younger residents in learning about its significance to the community.

Finally, council turned to preliminary discussions on the 2026 municipal budget. Early conversations centred on identifying community priorities and inviting public input to guide financial decisions in the months ahead.

The session, attended by residents and broadcast on CHCO-TV, reflected council’s focus on emergency preparedness, health care, infrastructure, and heritage while setting the stage for long-term planning and community engagement.