Balancing Progress and Preservation: How Saint Andrews Grapples with Growth and Infrastructure Challenges

Translate video
To translate this video to French or another language:
  1. Start playing the video
  2. Click CC at bottom right
  3. Click the gear icon to its right
  4. Click Subtitles/CC
  5. Click Auto-translate
  6. Select language you want

Balancing Progress and Preservation: How Saint Andrews Grapples with Growth and Infrastructure Challenges

In a recent interview on Your Town Matters with host Natalie Sturgeon on CHCO-TV, Mayor Brad Henderson of Saint Andrews shed light on the civic challenges and opportunities shaping the town’s future. From aging infrastructure to evolving policies on water consumption and emergency preparedness, the conversation underscored the complexities of governing a small but growing community.

At the heart of the discussion was the redevelopment of Market Wharf, a cornerstone of Saint Andrews’ economic and cultural identity. However, the project has encountered significant obstacles due to environmental regulations, resulting in escalating costs. “Do people want a wharf or not? If we want a wharf, this is the process we have to do,” Henderson remarked, emphasizing the difficult decisions ahead. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) rejected the town’s initial proposal over concerns about fish habitats, forcing officials to explore costlier alternatives. “If we don't spend the money this year, it's off the table, and there's no guarantee that we get it back,” the mayor cautioned, highlighting the urgency of the project.

Another contentious issue is the town’s transition from a flat-rate water billing system to a consumption-based model—an effort to promote conservation and ensure equitable pricing. The shift has drawn both praise and criticism, with some residents facing unexpectedly high bills. Speaking from personal experience, Henderson admitted, “In my case, I knew it was going to go up. I didn't know my water bill was going to more than double.” The change reflects a broader push for sustainable resource management, but also raises questions about financial strain on households.

Saint Andrews is also facing critical decisions regarding emergency services infrastructure. The need for a new fire truck has become increasingly pressing, especially as the town sees more multi-storey developments. “If you think about a fire in the downtown, it might be the difference between losing a whole block or putting it out,” Henderson noted, underscoring the importance of preparedness in a historic town with tightly packed buildings.

These challenges illustrate the delicate balance between growth, environmental responsibility, and fiscal prudence. As Saint Andrews navigates these pressing issues, its leadership—and community—must weigh short-term costs against long-term sustainability.

Comments

We encourage comments which further the dialogue about the stories we post. Comments will be moderated and posted if they follow these guidelines:

  • be respectful
  • substantiate your opinion
  • do not violate Canadian laws including but not limited to libel and slander, copyright
  • do not post hateful and abusive commentary or any comment which demeans or disrespects others.

The Community Media Portal reserves the right to reject any comments which do not adhere to these minimum standards.

Add new comment

CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Video Upload Date: February 3, 2025

Charlotte County television is New Brunswick's only source for independent community television. Since 1993, CHCO-TV has been providing  Southwest New Brunswick with locally-produced content made by community it serves.

The mission of CHCO-TV is to promote community media and to encourage, educate and engage residents in Southwestern New Brunswick, to use new media and technology, to improve civic involvement, learn new media skills and enhance the culture, the economy, health and quality of life in New Brunswick.

Maritimes
-
Charlotte County NB

Recent Media