Saint Andrews Council Balances Tradition, Progress, and Climate Action

At the April 22 council meeting in Saint Andrews, a mix of small but meaningful motions, grassroots advocacy, and neighbourly pragmatism filled the agenda.

Held in the council chambers of the WC O’Neill Arena Complex and broadcast live on CHCO-TV, the meeting touched on everything from zoning bylaws to climate change. But at its heart, it was about what matters to the people who live here—what gets built, what gets celebrated, and what gets lit up in purple.

Shining a Light on Fibromyalgia

Among the evening’s first motions was a request to illuminate Town Hall in purple—part of a national awareness campaign by the Fibromyalgia Association of Canada. Councillors gave unanimous support, agreeing that recognition of this often-invisible condition was long overdue.

Fencing in the Historic Core

Things got more textured when Councillors Annette Harland and Lee Heenan proposed an amendment to Zoning Bylaw Z-22-11, revisiting rules about fencing materials in the historic business district. The debate reflected more than just aesthetics; it was about preserving the town’s heritage while keeping bylaws practical.

After some back-and-forth over materials and wording, the consensus was to revert to the original bylaw language—an alignment with the town’s secondary municipal plan and, more importantly, with public sentiment.

Local Safety, Local Faces

On the topic of public safety, Councillors Mark Bennett and Steve Neil recommended renewing Mike Shannon’s role as animal control officer. But the discussion extended beyond a simple reappointment. The motion included expanding animal control services to neighbouring areas—part of a quiet but important strategy to strengthen regional partnerships.

Economic Investment, Grassroots Growth

Councillors Jamie Hirtle and Darryll Weare brought forward a motion to sponsor the 2025 Southwest New Brunswick Business Summit with a $2,500 contribution. In a town where small businesses and tourism drive the local economy, council’s support signals more than just funding—it shows faith in the entrepreneurial backbone of Saint Andrews.

From Trails to Legacy Walls

Council also accepted the resignation of Anne McKay from the Trail Advisory Committee and reappointed Dr. David Johnson, reinforcing the town’s commitment to its growing trail system. Plans for a St. Andrews Sports Wall of Fame were also floated—a future tribute to the town’s athletic past and present.

A Climate Gesture with National Resonance

Later in the meeting, council signed on to Elbows Up for Climate, an open letter urging federal support for renewable energy and community-led transition plans. Over 120 municipalities across Canada have signed. Now, Saint Andrews is one of them.

Lean Government, Open Dialogue

Deputy Mayor Kate Akagi sparked one of the meeting’s more forward-looking discussions: Should council shrink in size? Fewer councillors, she suggested, could mean more efficiency and less strain on public resources. The conversation is just beginning, but the principle of cost-effective governance resonated.

As is tradition, the meeting ended with an open question period—residents asked about animal control, local wildlife, and other daily realities of living in a small coastal town.