Recreation programs growing while town prepares new waterfront dock
Hartland Town Council met on Feb. 24 to review a range of municipal issues, including road priorities, infrastructure planning and community programs.
Province to handle highway chip sealing
“Hartland controls its residential streets,” said Deputy Mayor Stewart Fairgrieve, as the council discussed a provincial notice regarding maintenance of designated roads.
Members were advised that municipalities will no longer be required to contribute to chip-sealing on shared highways.
“The only main thoroughfare that has provincial designation in Hartland town limits is Main Street,” Fairgrieve continued. “Outside the town, everything is the province, with the exception of the four-lane highway, which is a contracted job.”
The deputy mayor also spoke about sections of Route 105 and Route 103 that have been priorities in previous years, including a 2.3 km stretch that has not been resurfaced.
“The work on the 105 was done over a four-year period, and it started in 2005. It’s been a while,” said Fairgrieve, adding that council plans to request a meeting with the provincial Department of Transportation to review work and priorities.
Councillor Jason Smith raised concerns about roadwork on the old exit to Highway 130.
“That section has become questionable and a concern of many.”
Treasurer outlines municipality’s debt position
“The province wants to see no more than 20 percent of your gross expenditures servicing debt,” said Treasurer Tina Pelkey. “We will keep this year at 8.1 percent.”
She added that the revised capital funding plan has been approved by the province and that municipal debt remains well below provincial thresholds. Projections show municipal debt peaking this year before gradually declining in later years.
Public Works update covers winter repairs and equipment
“Cold patching has started. We’ve gone through a pallet and a half so far,” said Director of Public Works Jed Giberson, referring to late winter road maintenance.
The department also repaired a water leak discovered on Rockland Road after staff noticed excessive ice buildup.
“We did find the cause of our leak,” he said. “We dug that up and were able to repair that to stop our leak.”
Other updates include LED lighting upgrades at town hall and the library, planning for the installation of new heat pumps, and repairs to the John Deere payloader.
Fairgrieve asked about the condition of town equipment heading into spring.
“We have one of the four tractors inoperable at this point, but the rest is good to go,” said Giberson, adding the tractor under repair should be ready by spring.
Recreation programs continue drawing strong participation
CAO Julie Stockford reported that recreation programming and facility use remain strong at the community centre.
“Ice rentals remain a major revenue source for February,” she said. “Rentals are projected at just under $18,000.”
Stockford said Valu Foods donated funds so Friday public skates stay free for the community.
Senior programs are also seeing steady participation.
“Senior cards regularly average about 15 participants with peak attendance reaching 24,” she said, adding that a partnership with Nursing Homes Without Walls is helping bring more senior programs.
Pickleball continues to draw strong interest, with Sunday sessions often attracting 16 or more players. Staff also discussed March Break programs, including a three-day camp and free skating.
Dressing room use at arena under discussion
“We can’t allow (three teams) to take up three of our dressing rooms,” said Councillor Sam Walton, as the council reviewed dressing room usage at the ‘new barn.’ “With the amount of girls playing we have to have girls’ dressing rooms.”
Stockford explained that three dressing rooms at the Day & Ross Community Centre are permanently assigned to specific teams, limiting flexibility during tournaments and busy weekends.
“It’s not standard in other arenas,” she said.
Mayor Demerchant stressed that it’s not about the teams, whom she praised, but fair accessibility.
Council will consider revising the policy to improve access during events and ensure a dedicated dressing room for girls.
Tourism and Community Development updates
Communications and Development Director Michelle Derrah provided an update on tourism and community initiatives.
“Bailey Hansen has been commissioned to paint the mural to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the bridge,” she told the council.
Students from Hartland Community School are also expected to take part in a spring project to paint decorative fire hydrants throughout the community, for the big anniversary.
Derrah reported that the town has been approved for a $9,500 grant for a solar-powered crosswalk at Rockland Road and Hawthorne.
“I thought we were not going to get it,” said Derrah, “so that’s really good news that we did.”
The crosswalk system is expected to be installed this spring.
The Covered Bridge Golf Club’s “Covered Bridge Smoke Showdown” barbecue competition will take place on May 8 and 9.
The event will feature five divisions — brisket, pork shoulder, pork ribs, chicken, and a master category that includes all four meats — with a total of $6,000 in prize money.
Registration ranges from $100 to $500, depending on the division, and the fee includes all the meat. Organizers are partnering with several local groups, including the River Valley Cancer Support Group, We’ve Got Your Back River Valley, and the Woodstock High School Backpack Program.
Fire Department reports monthly activity
Fire Chief Philip Brown reported that the Hartland Fire Department responded to 13 calls during the reporting period, including five alarms, six motor vehicle accidents, one fire and one assist call. The department also conducted regular training, with 12 members taking part in first-aid updates, while two firefighters are currently working toward Level 1 certification.
Brown also expressed appreciation to Gary Dickerson, Lola, and family, noting that Dickerson joined the department in 1969 and has served the community for many years.
Council approves new waterfront floating dock
Council approved a contract for Hanwell’s Dock Outlet to install the town’s new waterfront floating dock and gangway system. There were 12 companies that submitted proposals with 23 different design options. The recommended design features an aluminum floating dock system with an accessible kayak launch.
“It’s a fully ADA compliant aluminum floating dock system selected for its superior accessibility, durability and long-term value,” said Derrah, adding the dock is Canadian-made.
Mayor Tracey DeMerchant noted the dock carries a warranty and that the company will handle spring installation and fall teardown. However, she added, a winter storage location has not yet been decided, but she is working on it with Giberson.
Council awarded the project for $80,442.25 plus HST.
Physician recruitment committee established
Council established the Hartland Physician Recruitment Steering Committee to support health care recruitment and retention.
“(Approximately) 65 per cent of New Brunswickers have a primary physician,” said Fairgrieve. “That puts New Brunswick lower than every other province in Canada except for P.E.I and the Northwest Territories. Nova Scotia is 81 per cent. Ontario is 88. Manitoba is 88. Recruitment has been neglected for decades, so we certainly have our work cut out for us.”
Council approved a $5,000 operating budget for the committee’s first year.
Next council meeting
Hartland council will meet next on March 10 and March 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers. The public is welcome to attend.
