Heritage and Bylaws Take Center Stage at St. Andrews Council Meeting

St. Andrews Council Addresses Heritage and Bylaw Updates in November Meeting

The Town of St. Andrews held its second regular council meeting for November on November 18, 2024, at the W.C. O’Neill Arena Complex. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Mayor Kate Akagi in Mayor Allan MacEachern’s absence due to illness, was recorded for broadcast by CHCO-TV and focused on heritage designation decisions and ongoing bylaw updates.

Historic Designations Removed

A key agenda item was the motion to remove local historic place designations from two properties: 106 Parr Street and 134 Carlton Street. Councillor Jamie Hirtle explained that both property owners had requested the removals. The council voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Heritage Conservation Bylaw Advances

The council also addressed the second reading of Heritage Conservation Bylaw 24-04, developed by the town’s Heritage Board over the past year. The bylaw aims to formalize and strengthen the town’s approach to preserving historic sites.

“The Heritage Board of St. Andrews developed this bylaw to ensure the town’s historical essence is protected,” said Councillor Darryl Weare. The initiative reflects the town’s commitment to safeguarding its architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Public Feedback and Bylaw Adjustments

Procedural aspects of the bylaw were also discussed, including a public hearing for objections in early October and the first reading on November 4. The second reading proceeded during this meeting, with plans for a third and final reading.

Senior Planner Xander Open, from the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission, confirmed that feedback from residents had led to minor adjustments in language and clarity. "There are no substantial changes, just some wording tweaks to aid public understanding," Open explained.

Deputy Mayor Akagi and Town Clerk Paul Nopper emphasized that the council could move forward with the second reading, as further amendments could still be made before the final reading.

Legal Matters and Closed Session

Councillor Weare introduced an additional agenda item concerning legal matters, which were addressed during a closed session following the public meeting. The specifics of the legal discussion were not disclosed, as permitted under the Local Governance Act.

Conclusion

The meeting underscored the council’s dedication to preserving the town’s heritage while ensuring transparent and inclusive processes for bylaw development. With a third reading of Heritage Conservation Bylaw 24-04 on the horizon, St. Andrews continues to prioritize its historical and cultural legacy.