St. Andrews is wrestling with big questions about growth, safety, and infrastructure as the council navigates the path forward in 2025. At Monday night’s council meeting, held at the WC O’Neill Arena Complex and recorded by CHCO-TV and streamed online, Mayor Brad Henderson and his team confronted a slate of pressing issues that reflect the delicate balance between preserving the town’s historic charm and addressing its evolving needs.

Fencing Regulations and Wildlife Concerns
One key item on the agenda was a proposed amendment to the town’s zoning bylaw, aimed at simplifying fencing regulations. While this might sound routine, the debate revealed deeper anxieties about how residents cope with a burgeoning deer population.

"Over the past couple of years, the primary item on the Planning Advisory Committee agenda has been variances for fences for owners addressing the large deer population in town," said Chief Administrative Officer Chris Spear. "The planners recommend we raise the heights of the allowed fences but ensure a level of transparency through them to maintain the character of the town so that most of the property can still be seen."

The council moved to consult with the Planning Advisory Committee, setting a public hearing for February 18.

Investing in the Town’s Workforce
Equally significant was a unanimous vote to approve a 2.5% annual cost-of-living adjustment for town employees. The increase, aligned with federal pension indexing, reflects a broader commitment to worker well-being at a time when small towns across Canada face challenges in staffing public services.

Borrowing for Strategic Development
The council also tackled financing for two major initiatives: the long-awaited Market Wharf and Market Square project, and the acquisition of a new ladder truck for the fire department. Mayor Brad Henderson sought to reassure residents about the prudence of borrowing funds from the Bank of Nova Scotia for these ventures. “This isn’t a decision we take lightly,” he emphasized. “We’ve had extensive discussions.”

In order to go ahead, the Market Square Wharf Project now requires offsetting, which adds to the expense that the municipality must cover (most of the funding for the major project, however, will be covered by a federal grant for climate change adaptation).

"We ran into a challenge last fall in identifying a suitable remediation project, as required by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)," said CAO Spear. "Thanks to the assistance of Mark Sorenson, a dedicated citizen and local engineer, we were able to get in touch with Ducks Unlimited, who helped us pinpoint a project that meets the specific conditions set by the regulator, while still being financially viable. Before you tonight is an opportunity to discuss this further and provide direction to staff, through a couple of potential resolutions, to update the Recreation Master Plan. In addition to Councillors Blanchard and Gumachel, staff has been working closely with a consultant to gather current data and develop a comprehensive plan for the upcoming public consultation phase."

Infrastructure and Public Safety
Public safety and accessibility were central themes in discussions on new traffic regulations and facilities upgrades. Councillor Steve Neil advocated for lowering speed limits and adding crosswalks to protect pedestrians, particularly children and seniors. Meanwhile, Councillor Mark Bennett championed renovations to Town Hall washrooms as a way to enhance both resident satisfaction and the town’s tourism appeal. “Improving our public facilities enhances the experience for both residents and tourists,” he said.

Regulating Public Spaces and Economic Activity
Balancing economic vibrancy with quality-of-life concerns, the council debated a new bylaw regulating peddlers, buskers, transient traders, and food trucks. Councillor Jamie Hirtle noted the need to preserve public spaces while also fostering a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs. “We want to strike a balance between supporting local businesses and ensuring public spaces remain accessible and enjoyable for all,” she explained.

A Call for Civic Engagement
Mayor Henderson closed the meeting with an impassioned appeal for public participation, urging residents to attend upcoming hearings and share their perspectives.