St. Stephen Charts Its Future: Growth, Governance, and Grassroots Action

St. Stephen Council Discusses Development, Environment, and Healthcare at March Meeting
By [Author Name]

The Municipal District of St. Stephen Council held its March 2025 meeting in the Moosehead Room of the Garcelon Civic Centre. Recorded and broadcast by CHCO-TV, the session addressed key local issues while setting a course for the town’s future growth.

Charting the Town’s Future
Planning Director Alex Henderson from the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission delivered a detailed presentation on the proposed municipal plan. Key priorities included affordable housing, industrial development, and environmental protection.

“When you look at land development, all kinds of things are related to it,” Henderson said, highlighting the plan’s role in fostering long-term, sustainable growth. He also touched on economic initiatives, such as attracting hotel developers and launching a façade improvement program to boost the town’s visual identity.

More than a policy framework, Henderson emphasized that the plan is rooted in public input. “We’re trying to achieve what the public are saying back to us,” he noted, underscoring the importance of community feedback in shaping municipal priorities.

A Young Voice for the Environment
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came from ten-year-old environmental advocate Lydia Stubbert, who spoke passionately about her annual community cleanup campaign.

“This cleanup is important to me because you won’t have to worry about people or animals getting into something that can hurt them,” she said, encouraging residents to take part in the initiative on April 26. Stubbert’s leadership offered a powerful reminder of the impact young citizens can have in promoting environmental responsibility.

Addressing Infrastructure and Healthcare Gaps
The council advanced several key initiatives, including a town rebranding project supported by grant funding from Minister Aaron Kennedy. Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Renaud reaffirmed the district’s commitment to recruiting healthcare professionals, stressing the urgency of remaining competitive in the healthcare sector.

“If you’re going to be in the game, you might as well play to win,” Renaud stated, referencing the growing demand for medical services in the region.

Public safety also came into focus, with ongoing concerns about a hazard at 11 Milltown Boulevard. Councillor Earle Eastman called for immediate action, noting that existing barricades were obstructing traffic and creating safety risks.

Public Participation and Transparency
Residents were invited to share their concerns, voicing questions around fiscal responsibility and neighborhood safety. St. Stephen resident Chandra Best commended council members for their openness, stating, “The opportunity to correspond and to find out more information is there.”

As the meeting wrapped up, council members looked ahead to implementing the newly adopted medical recruitment policy and announced that the next council session would be rescheduled to April 30.