Your Town Matters: Mayor Henderson Discusses Growth Pressures, Policing, and Planning in St. Andrews

In a recent episode of Your Town Matters on CHCO-TV, St. Andrews Mayor Brad Henderson addressed the growing pressures facing the town—from policing costs and council reform to housing challenges and regional disparities in government support.

RCMP Costs Raise Questions of Local Control

A central issue in the interview was the town’s contract with the RCMP. While the police service remains a cornerstone of public safety, Henderson expressed frustration over the lack of local input into policing priorities, despite St. Andrews footing the bill.

“If you’re the one paying the bill, I think you should have a voice at the table,” Henderson said, echoing a concern shared by many rural municipalities in New Brunswick. Without authority over staffing or strategy, towns like St. Andrews are advocating for more influence in how police services are delivered and managed.

Crime Down, Patrols Up

Henderson did, however, note recent improvements in community safety, particularly in relation to theft and speeding. He credited increased RCMP visibility for helping curb property crime. “Their engagement in the community is a lot more,” he said. “You see the cruisers a lot more.” Council has also been targeting repeat offenders and stepping up enforcement in residential areas.

Council Size Under Scrutiny Post-Amalgamation

St. Andrews' municipal government has expanded since absorbing the neighbouring areas of Chamcook and Bayside under provincial reform. With a larger council now in place, some residents have raised concerns about efficiency and cost. Henderson acknowledged the issue: “We’re significantly over-indexed for the amount of councillors we have per population.” While a reduction in council size is under discussion, any changes would aim to preserve fair representation for the newly integrated communities.

Property Assessment Freeze Sparks Budget Concerns

The provincial government’s freeze on property assessments has triggered mixed responses. While it offers short-term financial predictability for homeowners, Henderson cautioned that it could create long-term budgeting challenges for municipalities. “We’ve been hit harder than a lot of them,” he said, referencing the region’s sharp property value increases prior to the freeze.

Infrastructure and Housing: Growth Outpaces Investment

Despite a population growth rate exceeding three percent in recent years, Henderson said that provincial and federal investments have not kept pace with local needs. “Other levels of government haven’t given this region the attention that other regions have got across New Brunswick,” he noted. As new construction continues and housing demand rises, the town’s ability to manage sustainable growth will depend heavily on outside support and coordinated planning.

Strong Tourism Season Ahead—But Balance Needed

Looking to the summer season, Henderson expressed optimism about tourism, with popular events like Paddlefest and attractions such as whale watching and Minister’s Island drawing visitors. Still, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the community’s character amid rising tourism. “Growth is great, but preserving what makes St. Andrews special is just as important,” he implied.