Discussions centre on animal protection, climate adaptation, social media, fundraising
Don Metcalfe, Chief Animal Protection Officer for the New Brunswick SPCA, provided an update on the services that they provide. Currently, the NBSPCA has 19 officers in the province serving five different zones.
The District of Carleton North is in Zone 1, which encompasses Madawaska through Fredericton. Currently, they investigate animal welfare issues, provide animal protection and dog control, and operate multiple shelters throughout the province.
Metcalfe advised that their officers are considered peace officers under the Criminal Code and have authority, including the ability to detail people.
“Though we do try to pass that off to the RCMP or local municipal force,” said Metcalfe. With their authority, they can enforce both provincial and municipal laws. Metcalfe shared that the NBSPCA receives approximately 5000 calls per year. In 2025, 186 of those calls were from the District of Carleton North, most of which were dog-related.
Metcalfe explained that during “dogs at large” calls, the animals are picked up, scanned to see if they are chipped or if owner information can be located, taken to their shelter, and, if unclaimed after 72 hours, put up for adoption. “Which happens more than you would think,” said Metcalfe.
Metcalfe also informed the council that for those who are homeless or are facing low income and struggling to afford appropriate care for their animal(s), the NBSPCA runs a program called “Happy Tails” for pet owners who make less than $25,000 per year. They can apply on the NBSPCA website, and if approved, the organization will pay for their animal’s care.
Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Thomas Lewallen, a representative from Dillon Consulting Ltd., gave a presentation to the council, outlining the ongoing efforts to develop a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the District of Carleton North.
Lewallen shared that the Province of New Brunswick has required all local governments to have a climate change adaptation plan in place by the year 2030.
The plan is required due to projected climate change, which is expected to result in increased extreme heat, heavy precipitation, and extreme weather events, as well as fewer days below 15 °C during the winter months, increasing risks to property and infrastructure.
Lewallen discussed that the objective of the plan is to “identify vulnerabilities, community infrastructure assets and services, develop adaptation measures that will increase the district’s resilience to climate change impacts, and identify funding opportunities towards infrastructure development and maintenance.”
There is also a goal protecting the “health and safety of residents” by ensuring that “future growth and land use decisions are grounded in scientific data rather than reactive measures.”
The plan was developed through a variety of measures, including a review of the scientific literature, evaluation of flood zones, interviews with key stakeholders, a vulnerability assessment, and a public online survey.
Lewallen shared examples of possible climate change solutions, including road surface upgrades such as using high-heat resistant asphalt, ensuring secondary roads are above flood level, ensuring adequate water access for fire services during droughts, the installation of dry hydrants, upgrading building envelopes, installing vegetative buffer stripes to reduce sediment transport, and improved vegetation management, including petitioning NB Power to ensure adequate branch trimming near power lines.
A full copy of the action plan will be available online in the near future once the final copy has been approved.
Heart & Stroke Foundation Campaign
Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove read a letter received from Xavier Shannon, Manager of Operations and HR for the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation, informing the council that their annual canvassing campaign will take place from April 2026 to September 2026.
The money raised during these months allows the foundation to continue funding its mission of preventing heart disease, saving lives, and promoting recovery.
The Foundation is active in New Brunswick, running programs and initiatives in schools, workplaces, and communities to help people live active, healthy lifestyles.
Shannon advised that they were writing to inform the council and local residents that Foundation volunteers will be canvassing door-to-door throughout the communities over the coming months.
Social Media Policy Update
Councillor Chata Watson reviewed the District of Carleton North Social Media Policy with the council members.
The policy “reflects the District of Carleton North’s interest and willingness to initiate appropriate social media opportunities with the goal of building strong relationships with key audiences and enhancing the District of Carleton North brand with residents, agencies, stakeholders, the business community, and visitors.”
It serves to establish the “acceptable guidelines for the personal and professional use of social media as it pertains to the District of Carleton North.”
The full policy may be viewed on the District of Carleton North website at https://carletonnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/A-07-Social-Media-Policy.pdf
NB Trails Update
Mayor Andrew Harvey offered an update on the status of the NB Trails application. He advised that, per a recent meeting attended by MLA Margaret Johnson, the government is currently weighing the data and input received.
Currently, the Province is focused on “looking for different ways to accommodate active transportation users in the downtown cores, including Bath, Bristol, and Florenceville,” said Harvey.
Harvey advised that one option being considered is extending the hub applications, which are “highway usage permits” which allow ATV users to use a limited stretch of highway to connect from one portion of the trail to another. Currently, these stretches are limited to approximately 1.5 km. However, the government is considering expanding that to 5 km.
“At the end of the day, it’s the government’s decision,” said Harvey. “Everybody is trying to find the best solution for all the user groups.” Harvey noted that they are trying to respect all user groups while opening the trail in a way that ensures the safety of all users.
