Trail updates, climate adaptation concerns and fundraising yard wrap up the council’s last session before election
Mayor Andrew Harvey told the District of Carleton Council on April 28 that he had met with the Minister and Deputy Minister of Natural Resources on April 15 on April 15, and that he had taken them for a drive along the NB Trail, where he showed them “how it intertwines with our communities.”
Harvey said he showed the Ministers 12.7 km of trail, starting in Bath and going downriver, below Florenceville.
Harvey said he felt it was important for the Ministers to actually see the trail system and how it interacts with the communities in the District of Carleton North before making any decisions.
During their meeting, Harvey advised that options were discussed but that there are “no decision points right now.”
At the end of the meeting, the Minister asked Harvey to facilitate a meeting between residents and stakeholders who submitted feedback on the shared use of the NB Trail system, so that he could speak with them directly.
That meeting will be set at a future date.
Concerns with Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove addressed concerns regarding the recently developed Climate Change Adaptation Plan. She noted that she wanted it on the record that, “I am a little disappointed with Dillon Consulting,” said Hargrove. She expressed concern that the survey was poorly conducted, with only 28 respondents from a population of 9,800.
Multiple council members echoed Hargrove’s concerns. Councillor Chala Watson noted that 28 respondents are essentially “zero representation of the District of Carleton North.” She felt that the lack of responses should have been a “red flag” to the consulting company and that they should have been prepared with “another avenue of getting this [survey] out to the people,” so they would have better insight.
Councillor Ryan Dickinson agreed, noting that it was “irresponsible” of Dillon Consulting not to utilize a paper survey to ensure they had a better representation of the District. “It was poorly executed,” said Dickinson.
Hargrove agreed to send the concerns to Dillon Consulting, hoping for clarification. Mayor Harvey also felt that the “new council should weigh in on this,” before anything is adopted.
Upcoming fundraising yard sales
Councillor Ryan Dickinson shared that the new Margaret A. Keenan Learning Centre was hosting a yard sale on May 9 at 12 Dickinson Drive in Florenceville-Bristol. The money raised is being used to purchase “essential classroom equipment” for the Tiny Steps Daycare and the Step Ahead Preschool.
Councillor Laurel Bradstreet shared that a yard sale will be held at the Kin Club of Florenceville on May 18, 2026, with proceeds supporting Cystic Fibrosis. Bradstreet advised that they, too, are seeking donations of yard sale items. He asked that people with donations contact him directly at 506-425-7510 or message the Kin Club through their Facebook page.
Municipal thanks
Mayor Harvey noted the upcoming municipal election on May 11 and extended his gratitude towards the council and staff for their support and hard work over the last few years.
“It’s been a pleasure to serve with this council and staff. We’ve come a long way in three years. We’ve come together as a community,” said Harvey. “It’s been a really pleasurable experience, and I hope it’s one we can continue.”
The swearing in of the new District of Carleton North council will take place at the Western Valley Multi-plex on May 26.
