The Municipal District of St. Stephen held its regular council meeting on April 30, 2025, at the Garcelon Civic Centre, covering developments in housing, public policy, and infrastructure as part of its ongoing municipal governance. The meeting was recorded gavel-to-gavel by CHCO-TV,

St. Stephen Council Meeting Highlights Local Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure

The Municipal District of St. Stephen held its regular council meeting on April 30, 2025, at the Garcelon Civic Centre, addressing a wide range of topics from housing and infrastructure to public policy and community engagement. The meeting was recorded in full by CHCO-TV.

A revised draft of Municipal Plan Bylaw M-4 received its first reading and will now go to the district’s Planning, Review, and Adjustment Committee for further consideration. A public hearing is scheduled for May 21, and Councillor Marg Harding stressed the importance of resident participation. “The final version of this bylaw should reflect the priorities and concerns of the people who live here,” she said.

Council also adopted two administrative policies: the Non-Union Full-Time Employee Vacation Policy and the Reserves Management Policy. Councillor Joyce Wright described the reserves policy as essential to maintaining long-term financial sustainability, especially as the district sees modest but steady population growth.

In Barter Settlement, council approved renaming Duret Drive to Potter’s Lake Road. Deputy Mayor Ghislaine Wheaton said the change honours the area's historical identity and was made in response to community feedback. It’s part of a broader municipal effort to restore culturally and geographically relevant place names.

Infrastructure discussions focused on public safety and water service reliability. A community safety survey is underway, and several councillors raised concerns about water system maintenance and the need for a revised rate structure. Deputy CAO Sean Morton confirmed that an updated rate model is in the works, aiming to balance fairness and cost recovery.

A major highlight of the meeting was the introduction of a 20-unit housing development on Milltown Boulevard, located at the former chocolate factory site. Alex Henderson, senior planner with the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission, presented the project as a key step in addressing St. Stephen’s affordable housing needs. Due to its location and potential to serve a diverse range of residents, the project has attracted local attention.

Council also acknowledged the success of a recent town cleanup initiative, led by elementary school student Lydia Stubbert. Despite weather challenges, volunteers collected more than 50 bags of litter. Mayor Allan MacEachern praised the initiative and encouraged ongoing civic participation to keep shared spaces clean and welcoming.

The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss confidential matters, while the open portion underscored the municipality’s focus on long-term planning, fiscal responsibility, and responsive local governance.

The next major opportunity for public input will be the May 21 hearing on Bylaw M-4, where residents are invited to help shape the future direction of St. Stephen.