Election and expansion of library/art gallery also among items discussed at June 23 meeting
Mayor Andrew Harvey opened the council meeting with nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor.
“While I feel very blessed working with all the councillors, we do need a Deputy Mayor,” said Harvey.
The floor was opened for nominations, with Councillor Scott Oakes and former Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove being nominated.
By a show of hands, Karen Hargrove was re-elected as Deputy Mayor, with a vote of 5-3.
Andrew & Laura McCain Library & Art Gallery expansion
Elspeth Hagan, a member of the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery Board of Directors, presented to the council on the proposed expansion of the library and art gallery.
“The art gallery has outgrown its space,” said Hagan, who explained that there are multiple areas of identified needs, which include aging infrastructure. Hagan said the expansion will deliver a “bright and more accessible building, properly sized spaces for each user group, outdoor programming space, and will be a welcoming cultural destination. Key benefits to the District include increased community engagement, tourism, population growth, support of seniors, welcoming outreach to multicultural populations, and walkable community spaces.”
Since the building is owned by the District of Carleton North, Hagan said the project needs the council’s support to apply for grants. They are also seeking initial capital from the District to move forward with design consultations.
Councillor Ryan Dickinson supported the project while also stating that he has concerns about insufficient land at the current location to support expansion, especially regarding parking. “It will be a unique challenge,” said Dickinson.
Hagan said that both the library and the art gallery are willing to be flexible with their design plans.
“We are committed to finding a way. We know that compromise is going to be part of the collaboration,” she said.
Mayor Harvey commended the art gallery and library on their cooperation and expressed his support for the project. He stated that he feels district staff, particularly their CAO and Director of Operations, need to be involved through ongoing consultations. “As long as our staff are on this journey, I think we should move ahead,” said Harvey.
Ad hoc committee created
Given the challenges posed by the proposed Andrew & Laura McCain Library & Art Gallery expansion, Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove proposed creating an ad hoc committee to oversee the project and “work with the architect and engineers during the development process.”
Council agreed to the ad hoc committee, which will consist of council members, District employees, and library and art gallery board members.
Those chosen include: Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove, Councillor Laurel Bradstreet, Councillor Tammy Nicholson-Kirkland, Chief Administrative Officer Amy McIntosh, Director of Operations Josh Fox, Chair of Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery Elspeth Hagan, Chair of Andrew & Laura McCain Library Jane Burke, and Regional Director of NB Public Libraries Patrick Provencher.
Unsightly Premises Act
CAO Amy McIntosh advised that the property at 129 Riverview Drive in Florenceville-Bristol has been found to be in violation of the Unsightly and Dangerous Premises by-law.
The structure was damaged by fire and demolished by the fire department. Despite multiple notices, including a registered notice requiring compliance by June 1, 2026, the owner has not removed the debris as required.
“We had many files brought to our attention last year,” said Mayor Harvey. “Most people complied, but this particular file has been out there for a while,” Harvey explained.
If the council votes to move ahead with enforcement, a bid will go out for the cleanup, the work will be completed, the district will pay the bill, and then send the bill to the landowner. If the landowner refuses to pay, the province will reimburse the district and place a lien on the property.
Council voted to move ahead with all necessary steps to bring the property into compliance, including cleanup, removing the basement, and filling the space with gravel.
DCN bursary recipients
In 2025, the District of Carleton North developed the District of Carleton North bursary, a “new initiative…created to support local students who are continuing their education.”
A total of six students are selected each year, one for each ward plus one at large. The prize amount is $500 per student. The recipients are chosen by the scholarship committee at Carleton North High School.
Councillor Angel Connor announced the 2026 recipients:
Abigail Wolverton
Jorden Martin
Gracie Broad
Ivy MacDonald
Sarah Harvey
Neonika Kumar
“This is money well spent for six well-deserving students,” said Mayor Harvey.
