CHCO-TV NewsBreak26 with Vicki Hogarth and Nathalie Sturgeon: October 18, 2024

A recent report by NB Lung reveals that of 327 radon tests reviewed in Saint Andrews, about 10.4% showed radon levels above normal. Radon, a naturally occurring colorless, odorless gas, is the cause of 16% of lung cancer cases in non-smokers.

Vicki Hogarth – Local Journalism Initiative

Melanie Langille, Executive Director of NB Lung, explained that more than 530 radon test kits were distributed in Saint Andrews, following an initial event that drew over 400 residents. Some test results were excluded from the study due to unmet criteria or unreturned kits. Health Canada classifies radon levels over 200 becquerels per square meter as high, while roughly 40% of Saint Andrews tests showed levels around 100 becquerels—below the high-risk threshold but still recommended for mitigation.

Langille explained that radon levels in homes can be reduced through radon mitigation, involving ventilation systems installed under the house slab to safely expel radon outside. She noted that increased energy efficiency, which tightens a home’s air circulation, can inadvertently trap radon indoors.

The organization is urging provincial support to offset the cost of radon mitigation systems. Mayor Brad Henderson expressed slight relief that Saint Andrews’ average radon levels are below the provincial average but emphasized the need for education and support for affected homeowners.

Henderson highlighted that the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick is also pushing for the removal of HST on radon mitigation costs. Langille recommended regular testing every five years to monitor and reduce the risk of radon-related health issues in communities like Saint Andrews.

Chamcook and Bayside Residents Concerned Over Possible Mill Rate Hike

Residents in Chamcook and Bayside are voicing concerns over a possible mill rate hike as part of recent municipal reforms that amalgamated their areas into the Town of Saint Andrews. With this change, residents in these areas will vote for the Saint Andrews mayor and council and receive municipal services.

Town staff released an update indicating that the province has proposed raising the mill rate for these new wards by nearly 19%, bringing Chamcook and Bayside closer to Saint Andrews' rate. Chamcook resident Matt Betts expressed concerns, explaining that Saint Andrews’ mill rate sits around 1.2, compared to 0.9 for Chamcook and Bayside before amalgamation. “Our mill rates are going up, and Saint Andrews' rate is going down,” he noted.

Mayor Brad Henderson acknowledged the community’s frustrations and recalled raising these potential impacts when municipal reforms were first discussed. He assured residents that the province’s proposal is not necessarily the route the town will take, adding that Saint Andrews’ current wards might see a rate decrease, while maintaining the existing rate in Chamcook and Bayside remains a consideration.

Other residents, like Gerald MacEachern, expressed frustration over limited public input during the reform process. He also raised concerns about tax revenue from the Bayside port and the environmental costs borne by local residents.

Saint Andrews council will continue budget discussions in the coming weeks, ultimately deciding on the final mill rate adjustments for the newly expanded community.