Megan Lucas

The Committee of the Whole discussed feedback collected during the recent election campaign, including resident concerns regarding deer population, fireworks, cost of living, connectivity, road maintenance, and lack of information on council activities. The council reviewed the importance of aligning individual resident concerns with the overall satisfaction with town services. Additionally, the meeting included a debriefing on the recent orientation and training sessions for council members, with discussions focusing on the value of regular check-ins and the overall transition into the new term.

The council meeting addressed various community and administrative matters. Key discussion topics included land acknowledgments, the introduction of council members and the senior leadership team, and the importance of strategic planning, infrastructure investments such as water and wastewater expansion, and long-term community growth. The Mayor highlighted Pride season events, upcoming high school graduation ceremonies, and the importance of ongoing partnerships with provincial and federal governments. Additionally, the external auditor presented the town's 2025 audited financial statements, covering revenue sources, expenditures, reserve funds, and the town's debt service ratio.

The committee discussed a subdivision application for Queensberry Heights, specifically regarding the creation of a residential lot and a public utility easement. The proposal was reviewed for its suitability and alignment with subdivision bylaws, with staff highlighting the importance of land control for water management and infrastructure maintenance. The committee recommended that the council grant access for the proposed subdivision plan. Additionally, the committee received information regarding a past council meeting.

The meeting included a land acknowledgement and brief remarks from the Minister of Local Government and Service New Brunswick. The outgoing mayor reflected on 15 years of service, highlighting community achievements in infrastructure, recreation, and public services, as well as the importance of resilient leadership and collaboration. Following these reflections, the ceremony proceeded with the official swearing-in of the newly elected mayor and several councillors, which included taking the oath of office and signing required documentation.

The council discussed and approved the award of a street upgrading tender to Galbraith Construction Limited. Further discussions involved the potential application of a seal coat on Riverfront Crescent, pending staff review and budget availability following the completion of current construction projects. The meeting also included reports on building inspection services, indicating a strong valuation for construction permits despite a lower number of permits issued compared to the previous year, and the approval of appointments to the Kennebecasis Public Library Board and other municipal committees.