The June 2024 regular Council meeting for the Municipal District of St. Stephen, held at the Garcelon Civic Centre, covered a wide array of topics from board renewals to pressing community concerns.

Library Board Renewal
The meeting commenced with the unanimous approval of Jane Lindsay’s renewal to the St. Croix Public Library Board for another one-year term, reflecting the council's support for continued leadership in the library’s governance.

Redesign of Rotary Park
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the potential redesign of Rotary Park, particularly addressing access and parking issues due to the Legion's intent to fence off their parking area. Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Renaud presented two conceptual layouts for new parking areas to ensure continued access to both the ball diamond and the soccer pitch.

“This is what we’re working on as a mitigation plan right now,” Renaud explained. “We believe that it is important that the public have access to this green space if we’re going to maintain those fields as the only field owned and operated by our offices.”

Councillor Joyce Wright supported the larger parking lot concept, emphasizing the need for adequate parking space to avoid future issues.

Community Concerns Highlighted
Several community members voiced their concerns during the public comment period, particularly regarding the drug situation in the town and recent fire incidents. Judy Whittingham, a resident of Union Street, expressed her gratitude towards the fire department for their swift action during a recent fire but urged the council to address the underlying issues of derelict properties and drug-related activities.

“If that ladder truck hadn’t been there, I really feel we would have lost more buildings,” Whittingham stated. “The drug problem is still plaguing our community and we need to do more for the citizens of this area.”

The council acknowledged these concerns, with Renaud detailing the challenges of the Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Act, particularly its lengthy timelines for enforcement. He encouraged residents to contact provincial representatives to advocate for legislative changes that could expedite the process.

Recreation and Youth Activities
Ashley McSorley and Shonda Sealey, representatives from the St. Stephen Minor Baseball Association, addressed the council regarding the potential impact of the Rotary Park redesign on youth baseball activities. They emphasized the importance of maintaining accessibility to the park for the safety and engagement of the town’s youth.

“Recreation is extremely important with the drug use and crime that we have in town,” McSorley said. “We need to keep our youth busy and involved.”

The council reassured them that they are considering all options to ensure continued access to the park facilities. Councillor Joyce Wright suggested that while the new parking lot is necessary, efforts should be made to maintain open communication with the Legion to find a mutually beneficial solution.

Future Steps and Strategic Planning
The meeting also included a presentation of the draft annual report, highlighting the town’s financial status and ongoing projects. Renaud mentioned that the final report is pending the completion of audited financial statements, which are expected soon.

Looking ahead, the council is preparing for potential changes in asset management planning as required by new provincial regulations. These changes aim to improve transparency and accountability in managing the town’s infrastructure and resources.

In closing, the council agreed to seek a meeting with the Legion to discuss the parking situation further. Mayor Allan MacEachern stressed the importance of being good neighbours and finding a compromise that benefits the entire community.

“We all have to be good neighbours and work together to find a solution,” Mayor MacEachern remarked. “We need to ensure that our community spaces remain accessible and safe for everyone.”

The meeting adjourned with a commitment to continue addressing the community’s concerns and working towards sustainable solutions for the future of St. Stephen.