Grand Manan Charts a Course Forward Amid Healthcare Gains and Fiscal Challenges

In a recent episode of Your Town Matters, Mayor Bonnie Morse of Grand Manan joined host Nathalie Sturgeon at the village office to talk about the island's current issues.

A major focus of the conversation was the island’s air ambulance service, which plays a critical role in emergency care—especially during the winter months when weather can disrupt ferry travel. “We need to give a big shout-out to the Voyager staff and Ambulance New Brunswick for their commitment to keeping that plane here,” Morse said, commending the dedication to ensuring consistent medevac services. For island residents, the service is far more than a convenience—it’s a lifeline.

The conversation also touched on healthcare improvements, including the recent conversion of the former Scotiabank building into a health hub that now offers optometry, dental, and other essential services. “For residents of the nursing home who can’t easily travel, this is huge,” Morse noted. The facility aims to reduce the need for off-island travel, saving time and money while improving local access to care.

Island winters continue to test local infrastructure. Morse acknowledged the challenges but praised the public works team for their efforts in keeping roads clear and accessible through difficult conditions. “We learned that we can still have a really bad winter on Grand Manan,” she said. Talks with the provincial government are ongoing to secure better support for snow clearing and long-term road maintenance.

Environmental sustainability was also on the agenda, with Grand Manan preparing to launch a long-awaited recycling program this spring. The initiative will include bi-weekly curbside pickup and a drop-off location at the transfer station. “People have been looking for some recycling for a while,” Morse said, describing it as a meaningful step forward in reducing landfill use and building a greener future for the island.

Despite positive developments, financial pressures persist. Morse pointed to the municipality’s dependence on property taxes and the need for diversified revenue. “We’re more reliant on property tax because we’re not getting other streams of income,” she explained. Local officials are involved in ongoing discussions about reforming how municipalities are funded in New Brunswick.

Tourism, a key part of the island economy, was another topic of discussion. A proposed tourism levy could help pay for infrastructure improvements without raising taxes for residents. Morse also emphasized the importance of replacing the aging Grand Manan 5 ferry to maintain dependable service for both locals and visitors. “Grand Manan is a tourist destination,” she said, highlighting the island’s growing appeal.