On a recent episode of Your Town Matters on CHCO-TV with host Natalie Sturgeon, St. Andrews Mayor Brad Henderson tackled some of the town’s most pressing issues, from the future of the historic courthouse to traffic concerns and tourism challenges.

What’s Next for the Courthouse?

The show kicked off with a discussion about the fate of the town’s historic courthouse. The Mayor praised the St. Andrews Civic Trust for its detailed proposal on how the space could be used, calling it a strong vision for a community hub. But he didn’t shy away from the bigger question: Should the town take the lead on this, or is it better handled by a private group? It’s a debate that’s still wide open.

Traffic Concerns: Is Speeding as Bad as It Seems?

Speeding complaints in St. Andrews are nothing new, but the Mayor pointed out that perception and reality don’t always match. “If someone’s going 50 km/h, people think they’re speeding,” he said, adding that enforcement data often tells a different story. That said, he acknowledged the need for clearer traffic strategies and stronger enforcement in key areas.

The RV Parking Problem

St. Andrews’ popularity as a tourist spot comes with its own set of challenges—one of them being where to put all the RVs. With campgrounds filling up fast, some visitors have started parking overnight in less-than-ideal spots. The Mayor made it clear where he stands on the issue: “I don’t think they should be at the Vincent Massey Elementary School parking lot.” The town is now looking at ways to accommodate tourists without disrupting everyday life for residents.

Emergency Services: Time for a Review?

The conversation turned to emergency services, with the Mayor voicing strong support for a review of Ambulance New Brunswick’s contract. “A hundred percent, I support that,” he said, emphasizing the need to make sure the town gets the level of service it needs. With healthcare demands increasing, this issue isn’t going away anytime soon.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, the Mayor remains optimistic about the town’s future. He highlighted the success of sports tourism in boosting the economy during the winter and is hopeful for a strong summer season, even with global uncertainties. “I’m optimistic it’s going to be a great season,” he said, encouraging New Brunswickers to keep supporting local businesses.