Capital plan changes, budget news, and a new public works pickup and plow
Provincial roads and Capital Plan changes
A letter received by the Town of Hartland from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) confirmed municipalities may now suggest provincially owned roads or assets for inclusion in the 2027–28 capital investment plan.
“If we had something on our list for them to consider,” explained Mayor Tracey DeMerchant at the Oct. 28 council meeting, “even though it’s not technically ours, [we could pass it along].”
Council discussion focused on Route 105, specifically the section between Northampton and the town limits.
“It’s a two or three km stretch… that we’ve lobbied for in the past as a community, and we should continue to,” said Stewart Fairgreive, Deputy Mayor.
DTI crews have recently been seen ditching along that stretch – “a good indication something might be on the horizon,” he added.
The Deputy Mayor then explained that provincial highways receive different levels of maintenance.
“The four lane highway gets the highest level of maintenance,” he said. “Next is the old Trans-Canada – which, for the most part, through our municipality and jurisdiction, has been resurfaced and bridges have been maintained as well. Then major routes (such as) Route 3, Route 8 to Miramichi.”
Next are the 100-series roads, followed by the 500-series roads, such as Route 575, and then locally named roads like McBurney.
Economic development and communications news
Hartland’s Director of Communications and Development, Michelle Derrah, reported that Brad’s Auto Repair opened on Oct. 6 in Coldstream across from Coldstream Convenience.
Brad Adams is the proprietor, having bought the station from Larry Foster this summer.
“It’s great to see Brad’s new shop taking its place,” Derrah said. “Having access to these services in our rural communities is so important.”
Due to the Canada Post strike, the number of printed newsletters has been reduced; future issues will primarily be distributed digitally through the town’s website. The public was informed through Facebook and the town’s notification system.
Hartland’s AED (Automated External Defibrillator) funding application, initially declined last year, has now been approved by the Heart & Stroke Foundation, covering 75 percent of the costs of an AED and its supplies.
Work continues on Pavilion Park improvements, including landscaping, and “as much as we’ve been able to fit into that small piece of land”, said Derrah. Bids from local landscapers are pending. If delayed by weather, the project may be extended into spring.
The WAWA (Watercourse and Wetland Alteration) permit for waterfront development has been approved, clearing the way for RDC (Regional Development Corporation) and ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) to submit funding applications. “They are hoping this week to have a response,” Derrah told the council. “We are getting close on that one. In the winter, we will be doing a lot of planning, but it’s going to be weather-dependent on how much we get acccomplished [before winter].”
Financial news
Hartland Treasurer Tina Pelkey presented updates on new provincial fiscal reform funding. Hartland will receive $76,423 in budgetary capacity financing for 2026, which will largely offset the former equalization funds. However, the amount is expected to drop to approximately $50,000 by 2027.
A new Capital Renewal Fund will provide $177,871 in 2026 for infrastructure projects, separate from gas tax funding.
“We need dollars to help us renew our existing infrastructure,” said Pelkey. “We still have questions as to what level projects will be available.”
Hartland is still projected to have a year-end deficit, but this has improved by $49,000 as of September, thanks to increased sponsorship revenue and grants.
RCMP cost figures are still pending before the 2026 budget is finalized.
“We are starting to see some small gains on our restructuring… that CAO Julie Stockford has been working diligently towards,” added Pelkey.
Hartland’s Public Works Department updates
“I’m pleased to announce our Provincial-Municipal Highway Partnership program (PMHP) project has been completed,” said Jeb Gibeerson, Acting Director of Public Works.
“Welcome to Hartland” signs have been repaired, and new street-name signs have been installed. Residents have called to thank the town for the fixes. “It was very nice to hear, very good calls to have.”
The PMHP program also included road work and new line striping.
Winter sand and salt deliveries begin this week, supplied by Tom’s Heavy Equipment. Fall cleanup is now complete, except for the concrete flower boxes. Equipment repairs have been completed on the 2017 salt and sand truck, as well as other machinery.
Deputy Mayor Fairgrieve inquired about road salting, asking which side streets receive the treatment.
“Main drags, which would be Main Street, Orser, Rockland, High Street, McLean Avenue and Hillcrest, are salted when we are actively in storms,” said Giberson, “but we don’t salt side streets until the storm is over.”
He added that main roads get done at an inch of snow, while side streets are allowed to get up to three to four inches before salting.
Community updates and new quad trail
Staff reported a strong turnout for the Haunted Trail event with about 150 visitors. ValuFoods is sponsoring public skating, and Christmas events are planned for Dec. 6 (tree lighting) and Dec. 12 (Skate with Santa).
Discussions continue with Quad NB and Trans Canada Trail representatives regarding the addition or extension of a five km multipurpose trail and potential ATV access.
While discussions with the community have suggested a ten-kilometre addition, finding access points to the trail at that distance may prove challenging.
“If we did the five km that would take us just down below town, and give a good stretch just above the Upper Brighton Church,” said Councillor Jason Smith.
“I think it would be appropriate to do whatever we need to do to allow the bikes, and whatever (else) travelling through there for the eight to nine months,” he said.
Council will review policing, liability, and public education before implementing any changes.
Fire department news
Hartland Town Council reviewed statistics showing that 11 burn permits were issued, and 10 fires occurred without permits, including two during fire bans, and a “third-alarm” issue. Enforcement and fine collection under the Fire Bylaw were also discussed. Administration will review fine levels and collection options for the next agenda.
Councillor Sam Walton asked if the fire department is required to respond to every “medical assist”, creating a lengthy discussion on required responses and possible fines for “repeat offenders”.
The department replied that it continues to refine its response protocol with Ambulance NB to limit unnecessary medical calls.
New Public Works truck
The council approved submitting a borrowing application for a 2025 Chevrolet 2500 series pickup with plow, valued at $80,182, taxes included.
Using $20,857 from reserves, the town will finance $62,000 over five years through the Municipal Capital Borrowing Board.
Treasurer Tina Pelskey outlined the financial details, stating that the final bill would cost the town about $13,000 per year.
