ALMAG program highlights and community grants also discussed at Feb. 24 meeting
Councillor Chala Watson read correspondence received from Marci Gould, Director of the Capital Planning Branch for the province.
Gould advised that, starting this year, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will assume responsibility for crack sealing all provincial-municipal roads and will prioritize crack sealing across the entire provincial highway network.
The province has increased its budget to cover this maintenance. As a result, funding for crack sealing will no longer be available under the Provincial-Municipal Highway Partnership Program.
Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery updates
Deputy-Mayor Karen Hargrove read a letter from Jennifer Stead, Executive Director and Curator for the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery. Stead gave the council an update on the gallery’s operations and programming.
Small Works Gallery: The annual Christmas arts and crafts show was a solid success, raising over $52,000, an increase of $3,000 from the previous year.
After paying the artists and operational expenses, the show raised over $6,000 for the gallery. A total of 23 volunteers, who cumulatively served 465 hours, were vital to the show’s success.
Art in the Classroom: Demand for Art in the Classroom packages has increased by 110 per cent since the program started in 2021.
The gallery now serves 35 elementary and middle schools across the Anglophone School District-West, and demand is outpacing supply. They are seeking funding for three new packages to help meet the demand.
Art Education Programs: Stead reports that these, too, are at capacity and workshops at the River Art Centre have waiting lists.
The gallery is creating second sessions for select programs so they “don’t turn interested community members away.” The gallery has also started offering art activities for students on professional development days. These are being offered in partnership with the District of Carleton North’s Recreation department and Carleton North High School seniors.
Upcoming Exhibition: The next show at the art gallery opens on March 28 and features Dr. Clay Marco’s private collection of Inuit and Haida art.
“[Dr. Marco] has a wonderful collection of contemporary carving, textiles and other works which we are very pleased to be sharing with the community,” Stead wrote.
The gallery expects to host several school classes to see the exhibit.
Beautification Grant recipients
Councillor Ryan Dickinson announced the recipients for the 2026 Community Beautification Grant Program.
“The District of Carleton North recognizes the importance of community-based initiatives that enhance the visual appeal and livability of the district,” he told council. “In accordance with the community beautification policy A-04, funding is provided to non-profit community organizations and community groups to support their beautification projects.” Council has approved 17 projects, totalling $8,500.
Community-Based Groups: Beechwood Community Park, By The Lake Community Centre, Glassville Community Centre, Juniper Community Centre, Juniper Recreation Association, Mount Pleasant Community Centre, Stickney and Area Recreation Council, Upper Kent Recreation Centre.
Fraternal Groups: Bath Lions Club, Centreville Elks Club#529, Centreville Legion #84, Florenceville Legion #37.
Tourism, Heritage & Culture: Carleton Boarderview Trailmakers Association, Carleton County Toy Run, Mountainview Trailmakers, New Brunswick Potato World Museum.
Annual Operating Grant recipients
Councillor Angel Connor announced the recipients of the 2026 Operating Grants.
“The District of Carleton North recognizes the importance of supporting community based and non-profit organizations to to enhance tourism, recreation, and cultural programming in the District,” she said.
Connor added that the operating grant is designed to support programming and operational costs. For the 2026 Community Investment Operating Grant program year, a total of 24 community organizations were selected:
Community-Based Groups:
• Argyle Church Hall c/o Lakeview Church – $2,000
• Beechwood Community Park – $3,000
• By the Lake Community Center – $3,500
• Glassville Community Centre – $3,500
• Juniper Community Centre – $3,500
• Juniper Recreation Association – $3,500
• Mount Pleasant Community Centre – $3,500
• Stickney and Area Recreation Council – $3,500
• Upper Kent Recreation Centre – $3,500
Fraternal Groups:
• Bath Lions Club – $3,500
• Centreville Elks Club #529 – $3,500
• Centreville Legion #84 – $3,500
• Florenceville Legion # 37 – $3,500
• Kin Club of Florenceville – $3,500
• Knights of Columbus – $3,500
Tourism, Heritage & Culture:
• Carleton County Toy Run Association – $2,000
• New Brunswick Potato World Museum – $10,000
Recreation:
• Aberdeen Snowmobile Club – $2,000
• Carleton Borderview Trailmakers – $2,000
• Florenceville Curling Club – $7,500
• Mountainview Trailmakers Snowmobile Club – $2,000
• Skedaddle Ridge Trails – $2,000
• Valley Outdoor Centre – $2,000
