St. Stephen Council Reviews Finances and Advances Municipal Planning Changes at August 2025 Meeting

The Municipal District of St. Stephen’s August 2025 regular council meeting, broadcast by CHCO-TV, addressed financial reporting, planning bylaws, public awareness proclamations, and infrastructure matters. The session began with a presentation from Peter Logan of Teed, Saunders, Doyle & Company, who delivered the 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements. The district reported total revenue of $15.95 million, down from $18.33 million in 2023, with the decline attributed largely to reduced conditional government transfers for capital projects. Property tax revenue, however, rose to $8.98 million from $7.9 million the previous year. The statements showed a public sector deficit of $17,000 but a funding surplus of $644,000 in the general fund, supported by a prior surplus.

Council approved minutes from earlier meetings and then turned to new business. Members voted to adjust the dates for upcoming Committee of the Whole and regular meetings, and directed planning staff to incorporate revisions into draft municipal plan bylaw M4 before it returns for a second reading. Certain municipal lands were also declared surplus. Mayor Allan MacEachern issued proclamations recognizing September 9 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day and September 14 as Terry Fox Day, both intended to raise awareness of national and community causes.

Public comment brought forward concerns on several issues. Residents questioned potential amendments to the municipal plan and the relocation of the community skate park. Celia Morgan of Ward 2 asked that council ensure public consultation if the park is moved. Another resident raised concerns about discussions to repurpose a former arena site, cautioning against housing homeless residents near an elementary school.

Infrastructure and utility management were also addressed, with council discussing amendments to water and sewer rates designed to stabilize billing cycles and improve cash flow until a full electronic system is implemented. Councillor Joyce Wright described the revisions as a key step in modernizing utility management. Later in the meeting, council considered correspondence and routine administrative matters before concluding with a closed session, which covered negotiations of an agreement and a potential litigation issue.