Eastern Charlotte Council Weighs Policing, Parks, and Public Concerns

RCMP officers from J Division opened the September Council Meeting for the Municipality of Eastern Charlotte with a report on what they described as a busy summer.

Members highlighted their presence at local festivals and Canada Day celebrations, as well as several drug seizures, including a late-night operation they believe likely prevented a series of break-ins. Officers also confirmed that body-worn cameras are now in use across the district, equipped with a visible red light to indicate recording and a 30-second buffer to capture events before activation.

Traffic enforcement remains a priority, particularly near ferry routes and school zones. ATV use in St. Stephen was identified as an emerging safety concern, with residents encouraged to report reckless behaviour. Staffing levels are improving, with a newly promoted corporal assigned to St. George and cadets scheduled to arrive in the coming months.

The meeting also turned to community recreation. Volunteer Fred Stuart presented a plan to restore Beaver Harbour’s ball field, originally donated in 1945 to honour Second World War veterans. His proposal includes clearing brush, installing a gate to prevent vehicle damage, and replacing fencing with a more cost-effective four-foot design. Council agreed to forward his request for $1,840 in materials to the Finance Committee. Volunteers also expressed interest in creating a skating pond for winter use.

Committee reports covered a wide range of issues. General government updates noted ongoing water and wastewater projects in Blacks Harbour and St. George, with drought conditions prompting conservation requests. Arena upgrades are nearly complete, with ice being installed and a new Eastern Charlotte logo set at centre ice ahead of the Sept. 22 opening. Riverside Park’s grand opening is scheduled for Sept. 28.

Planning officials reported 69 permits issued so far in 2025, representing roughly $6 million in construction activity. Council also approved extending Carlton Street beside the cemetery to support future housing development. Fire services responded to 79 calls in August, including 32 medical incidents. Councillors confirmed plans to meet with Ambulance New Brunswick to address the increasing number of medical calls.

Council passed the final reading of Bylaw EC-15, which requires mayoral reporting to the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission, and discussed allocating up to $300,000 from capital reserves to replace aging public works and emergency vehicles.

During the public input session, speakers proposed further enhancements at Riverside Park, raised concerns about sidewalks and crosswalk signage, and asked how potential changes in community status might affect taxes, bylaws, and rural traditions.

The meeting closed with reminders of upcoming events and a call for residents to stay engaged as council continues to focus on water, roads, recreation, and housing.