Hartland bridge slated for rehabilitation work in 2027
During a regular council meeting on May 27, Hartland CAO Julie Stockford updated council on the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s (DTI) 2025 Road Ahead Plan.
Stockford noted the plan shows the Hugh John Fleming Bridge scheduled in the complete removal and reconstruction section under 2027.
Coun. Wayne Britton wanted more information on what that entails.
“What are they going to do take that whole bridge out of there?” asked Britton.
“I’d like to know why. I mean is there something wrong with the bridge?”
In an email to the River Valley Sun, DTI Communications Officer Jacob MacDonald said the bridge previously saw rehabilitation, and work is now planned for below the bridge, with the project expected to be tendered in 2027-28.
“As this project is still in the early stages of planning, an exact date for tender has not yet been identified,” said MacDonald.
World’s longest covered bridge to get historical signage
The town of Hartland is partnering with Craig Manufacturing to install signage at the entrances of the world’s longest-covered bridge depicting the structure’s history.
Doris Kennedy presented the council with an update on the project to install signs at the entrance of the world’s longest-covered bridge to depict the structure’s origin.
Kennedy said Craig Manufacturing approached the bridge committee about the endeavour. She said the sign shows the making of the bridge in 1901, with the communities on both sides of the river coming together.
“It kind of depicts a pictorial picture of the community around the turn of the century,” said Kennedy.
CAO Julie Stockford told River Valley Sun that the manufacturing company had “expressed interest in enhancing the visual appeal of the newly installed height barriers located at each end of the covered bridge.”
Stockford noted the barriers are permanent fixtures and were installed following a reduction in the structure’s weight capacity, ensuring the bridge will remain open to private passenger vehicles.
“We are currently collaborating with Craig Manufacturing on a design concept that features an arch structure mounted atop each height barrier,” said Stockford. “This design aims to blend functionality with aesthetic value, preserving the historic character of the bridge while meeting safety requirements.”
2024 Financial Audit shows $4.4 million surplus
Maaike Brewster of Lenehan McCain & Associates presented the council with the 2024 financial audit.
Brewster said the general operating fund had a surplus for 2024 of $16,191, while the utility operating fund showed a surplus of $22,879.
The town saw a surplus of $4.4 million, which Brewster credited to revenues from the town’s new arena complex.
Brewster said total revenues for the town were $8.9 million, which was down from 2023, and financial assets of $1.8 million, with a net debt of $2.3 million.
Council approves funding grant applications for community events
Council approved a motion to apply to the Federal Community Diversion Grant for $53,900 in funding toward an $86,200 project to celebrate the town’s historic bridge.
Hartland Director of Communication and Development Michelle Derrah said the funding would go toward an event in 2026 to mark the 125th anniversary of the world’s longest covered bridge, which first opened in 1901 as an uncovered bridge.
“This application would include a piece of public art, some historic interpretive signage, decorations, children’s activities, volunteer clothing, live music and equipment rentals,” said Derrah.
Derrah said the application is for an arts and heritage grant.
“We’re trying to tie it with arts and celebrating our heritage at the same time so this event would coincide with Big Bridge Fest and Hartland Culture on the Green which is a perfect combination with the artists theme.”
Derrah noted that if the application is approved, the town could apply to the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) to see if it can contribute $16,400 eligible through the provincial portion.
The council also approved a motion to apply for a community investment fund of $1,000 toward a $5,000 volunteer recognition event for town volunteers, firefighters and employees.
CAO Stockford said town staff settled on holding the event during Municipality Week, which is set for September.
Public hearings to be held for zoning by-law amendment
Council approved a motion to hold public meetings for a zoning bylaw amendment via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3 and at the town hall on Tuesday, July 8.
Derrah said the town received a rezoning application for a property on Rockland Road adjacent to the Hartland Community School, which is currently zoned R2 Residential Mix.
Derrah noted the current zoning allows up to four units, while the proposed development is for a 62-unit four-story apartment building and a self-storage building.
“The planning director with the Regional Service Commission has advised that it would require a new zoning for that many units because we don’t already have something suitable for that in our zoning bylaw,” said Derrah.
Town’s fire protection bylaw amended for clarification
Council passed a motion during a June 10 meeting to amend the fire protection and prevention bylaw to clarify the number of non-firefighting members.
CAO Stockford noted the number of staff in the bylaw was four, but the department has two non-firefighting members: the treasurer and secretary.
Also changed was the clarification of public safety committee elections, which are held every four years in November after a municipal election.
“The CAO would go and monitor their elections and we’ve changed that to the CAO and the mayor,” said Stockford.
Stockford added that a special election will need to be held this November for two department positions, one for fire chief following the passing of late chief and town councillor Mike Walton.
Town updates residential development incentive policy
Hartland Treasurer Tina Pelkey presented a proposal for amendments to the town’s residential development incentive policy to more clearly define the commercial portion of the policy.
“We changed the definition of 37 and a half per cent to the year one total local tax as invoiced under the real property tax notice,” said Pelkey. “We removed – under the grant application process – the requirement for a building permit, same as we did with residential application.”
Also updated is a section requiring a letter of reference from an OSFI-approved bank to confirm the owner’s good financial standing.
Another change is a requirement for applications to be submitted on or before June 30, be paid prior to December 1, and applications post-June 30 to be paid the following year. The amended policy requires applicants to pay within two months of council approval.
Pelkey noted these changes were the same as the town’s residential policy.
