Sheriff Winslow House to be demolished
It’s been more than five years since fire destroyed the historic Sheriff Winslow House in Upper Woodstock. Since the blaze, the home has sat untouched, with holes in its roof, further adding to its deterioration.
The house was initially built as a rectory in 1878 and was rebuilt around 1882 after a fire destroyed much of downtown Woodstock. Owners renovated the home and ran a bed-and-breakfast out of it for a time before a fire destroyed it on Oct. 10, 2020.
After trying to encourage the owners to demolish it under the Dangerous and Injurious Premises bylaw, the town has given notice to the owners—their deadline to comply passed on Oct. 24, with no appeal received.
The most recent inspection confirmed that the building remains a hazard. The council made the difficult decision to request a qualified contractor to demolish the property and remove the debris for safety reasons.
Although the town will undertake the work, it will eventually be reimbursed for the job by either the property owner or the province. If the province reimburses them, the Government of New Brunswick will also place a lien on the property.
Councillors took a few moments to reflect on the loss of a piece of the town’s history.
“It’s really sad that it’s come to this,” said Councillor Christa McCartney. “I know there’s been interest in the past for people to purchase it, and it has not been entertained. So, this is where it’s at, and it’s a hard one.”
Mayor Jones agreed that it was a shame that attempts to acquire and restore the property while it was still salvageable never succeeded, noting that the building is now too far gone to save.
Councillor Julie Calhoun-Williams recalled efforts to look after and protect the property over the years, only for it to end in this way.
“It’s heartbreaking. It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” she said.
Covered Bridge Potato Chips plant update
At the Nov. 12 Woodstock Town Council meeting, CAO Allan Walker provided an update on his meeting with the management of Covered Bridge Potato Chips company. He said the company is expected to submit a development permit for its fencing before installing it.
“We emphasized that the full five-metre buffer is to be maintained around the full perimeter of the industrial zone,” Walker told council. “Properties on this site and particular the buffer zone on the Ralph Street side must be restored as per our bylaws.”
Walker said Covered Bridge Potato Chips informed him that they intend to plant some evergreen trees in the buffer zone this fall and hope to plant even more in 2026.
“I do know they have reached out to get some consultation with some of the neighbours,” he added.
Councillor Jeff Bradbury emphasized the importance of keeping the affected residents informed throughout this process. A sentiment shared by Mayor Trina Jones, who promised to keep this issue on their agenda until they are satisfied that it is properly resolved.
Shortly after the Town Council meeting ended, the group ‘Our Town, Our Voice,’ which represents residents affected by the Covered Bridge Potato Chip plant, put out a poll on their Facebook page asking if Covered Bridge had actually contacted any residents in the last couple of weeks to discuss the buffer zone replacement. As of Nov. 20, two residents said they have been approached, and 11 said they were not.
Potential rezoning of 733 Main Street
An application was submitted to change the zoning of the former law office from one- and two-unit residential to low-rise residential, allowing it to be used as a boarding house. The new owner’s plan would convert the building into a six-room residence capable of housing up to 10 people, providing an affordable housing option.
“The application provides a needed housing stock for Woodstock,” said CAO Allan Walker.
New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) sent a letter to Woodstock Town Council, encouraging rezoning where possible to provide their students with affordable housing near the school.
“With current housing supply challenges impacting students seeking affordable accommodation near their places of study, NBCC encourages the Planning Advisory Committee to seriously consider re-zoning requests that help to ease these challenges and increase available student housing in Woodstock,” NBCC’s President and CEO, Mary Butler, wrote.
Another letter to the town council from Woodstock High School Principal Nicole Giberson echoed those sentiments. In her letter, she expressed how she had experienced the lack of suitable short-term housing options while trying to help multiple individuals find places to live over the years. She recounted a recent case in which it took two months of searching to find housing for someone moving here from France for a 10-month mentoring position.
“There is no doubt that our town has many people coming in and out on a short-term basis, and having well-maintained, reasonably priced, and fully furnished rental properties would be a significant asset to Woodstock,” wrote Giberson. “I believe that zoning 733 Main Street for furnished residential rental would not only support the needs of those individuals but also contribute to the overall growth and vitality of the community.”
The council agreed that, given the clear need for this kind of housing and its ideal location, it was worth further consideration. For now, the town has referred the bylaw to the Planning Advisory Committee and scheduled a public hearing for Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the AYR Motor Centre.
Beardsley Hill Nature Preserve
For the last 10 years, the Nature Trust of New Brunswick has maintained the Beardsley Hill Nature Preserve. The group has created trails and parking at no cost to the town. Now that their lease is nearly up, the trust has requested a 10-year renewal that expands to adjacent properties.
Beardsley Hill is home to wetlands and some of the few remaining stands of Appalachian forest, making it a site they are keen to preserve for the future. The council voted in favour of the renewal and agreed with the trust’s expansion plan.
“This has been a great partnership,” Mayor Jones said, praising the organization and her desire to continue to use the area for educational purposes.
“It has the potential to become a really tremendous trail, over time.”
