Hartland Town Council awarded a 125th Covered Bridge anniversary mural commission to Fredericton artist Bailey Hanson at the town council meeting Feb. 10.
Bailey will receive $5,620 for the project. The artwork will depict a historic view of the bridge from 1901 on one end and a present-day perspective on the other, with “Sal the Salmon” jumping over the centre. The town will install the 4-by-16-foot mural on the library’s north side in mid-July, ahead of the August celebration.
Director of Communications and Development Michelle Derrah confirmed the town will retain the rights to the mural design.
“We’ll have the rights to reproduce it commercially as well,” Derrah said.
“That’s good to know we have that option,” Deputy Mayor Stewart Fairgrieve said.
Council received an invitation to participate in the New Brunswick Day Covered Bridge Market and the 125th anniversary celebration of the Hartland Covered Bridge on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.
“This event draws thousands of visitors and residents,” said the invite, “and celebrates our shared heritage, community spirit and enduring traditions.”
The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., and organizers requested town representatives offer remarks.
“This one will be a really big one at 125 years of the anniversary of the bridge,” Mayor Tracey DeMerchant said.
Capital Investment Plan Revised
Council adopted a revised five-year capital investment plan for the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) for 2024–2028, reflecting a shift in funding priorities.
Treasurer Tina Pelkey explained that the change followed provincial advice to reallocate certain capital renewal components, freeing up gas tax funding for other projects.
“The biggest projects included here are our portion of funding for major infrastructure: street work, lagoon curtain and aerator construction, and our booster station pump,” Pelkey said.
Pelkey added the revised plan also includes generators for the well and booster station — a priority previously identified by council.
“This is the only way we can get funding for those generators,” she said, emphasizing that council approval was necessary before any funding could be released for the projects.
Bailey Hanson, selected to produce the 125th Anniversary of the Covered Bridge celebration mural
(photo courtesy of Town of Hartland)
Second Building Inspector Designated
Council appointed Daniel Johnston as an additional building inspector under the Western New Brunswick Service Commission, expanding capacity for building permit administration and inspections.
CAO Julie Stockford said the move was prompted by the addition of Woodstock to the commission’s service area.
“He will work alongside our existing inspector,” Stockford said.
Park Use Approved For Art Event
Council granted approval for Hartland Culture on the Green to use Charles R. Allen Park on Aug. 3 for its annual art event.
Stockford noted the request followed the same format as previous years and that no issues were raised by council.
Knowlesville Fair Grant
Council approved a $250 municipal grant for the Knowlesville Art and Nature Centre to help cover musicians’ fees for the Knowlesville Country Fair in October 2026, along with $250 for in-kind promotional support.
In response to a question from Councillor Sam Walton, Stockford said the in-kind support would be promotion assistance through the recreation department and town website.
Youth Employment Plan Ratified
Council ratified the town’s Student Employment Experience Development (SEED) application for four summer positions — two in recreation and two in labour for public works tasks.
Councillor Lee Patterson asked about age requirements for applicants.
“They have to be going into Grade 10,” Stockford said. “As long as they’re entering Grade 10 by the end of the school year, they qualify.”
Reserve Funds Tapped For Town Hall, Library Work
Council approved the transfer of $40,000 from the general operating reserve to the general operating fund to cover the town’s share of capital improvements at town hall and the library.
Pelkey said the total cost of the combined project is about $96,000, with reimbursements expected through funding partners and energy audit rebates.
“We didn’t complete these projects in 2025, so we moved the funds forward,” Pelkey said. “Now that the work is scheduled, we’re asking to move $40,000 back so we can pay our share without impacting the 2026 capital budget.”
Council announced its next regular meetings will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24 and Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m., in council chambers.
