Visitors welcome in St. Andrews - and other news highlights

The Town of Saint Andrews marked entering the Yellow Phase of New Brunswick's COVID-19 Recovery Plan by officially opening the downtown commercial district. Mayor Doug Naish, Deputy Mayor Brad Henderson and Chamber of Commerce President Katy MacDonald held a socially distant ribbon-cutting ceremony on Water Street in honour of the occasion. The town will also hosting a Public Information Session via Zoom on June 1 about a proposed pilot project for Water Street that could potentially turn the business district into a one-way street for the summer with reduced parking to allow for increased social distancing for pedestrians and to give businesses the opportunity to expand their use of outdoor space in front of their establishments. Mayor Naish recently stopped by the CHCO-TV studio to discuss how the town plans to navigate the busy summer season in St. Andrews, which will include the launch of a full-time sanitation team.

"A while ago I was telling people not to come to town, and now I'm encouraging people to visit Saint Andrews," said Mayor Naish.

Groundwork preparations have begun on 93-room Best Western Plus in St. Stephen. The hotel will include many amenities including the first Starbucks in Charlotte County. Local proprietor Tom McFarlane plans to work with local contractors and tradespeople on the exciting new project, which he plans to have completed by next summer.  McFarlane believes the hotel, alongside the Garcelon Civic Centre, will give St. Stephen the full capacity to become a major venue for concerts and high-profile sports events.

Karen Ludwig has stepped down as the Liberal candidate for the New Brunswick legislature's St. Croix riding. In an online post, Ludwig wrote, "I notified Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers that I accepted an opportunity to once again contribute in advanced education and will be stepping down as candidate for Saint Croix. I look forward to rejoining Yorkville University in a senior role as the Vice President for Growth Initiatives." The byelection that was originally scheduled to take place in June has been postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19. Another local convention will need to be held to determine a new candidate for the Liberals although a date has yet to be set.
 
The town of Saint Andrews organized a parade over the weekend for residents and staff of the Passamaquoddy Lodge. Town residents of all ages walked with signs and drove decorated vehicles to both say thank you to the staff and send well wishes to residents who watched the parade from the windows, and some from the front porch. Residents have been unable to have visitors inside the Lodge since March due to safety precautions in place across the province at longterm care homes due to COVID-19. Hundreds of town residents came out in an outpouring of love and support.