RIVER VALLEY SUN
Right to Information request reveals four years of patient and family concerns
By Judy Cole
The Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) in Waterville has received 157 complaints about the delivery of health care at the facility in the past four years.
Under a Right to Information Request (RTI) filed by the River Valley Sun, Horizon Health Network released its record of complaints related to care at the URVH from 2020 to 2024.
There were 37 complaints about the hospital emergency department between 2020 and 2022. Within that number, 24 pointed to problems with quality of care or wait time. Eight complaints were about the behaviour and attitude of staff, including medical and nursing staff.
Three complaints were about hospital policy on visitation and wearing masks during the pandemic. There was one complaint about communication and confidentiality, while one patient visiting emergency was critical about their expectations not being met.
Horizon Health records indicate all of the complaints were handled internally by the head of the emergency department, an attending physician, a nurse
manager, an executive and administrative director or a facility manager.
Another 13 complaints were filed between 2020 and 2022 about various other departments in the hospital, again mostly about quality of care and staff behaviour and attitude.
“Feedback and concerns are addressed on an individual basis and assigned to different levels of leadership, depending on the patient/ families’ expectations,” said Janice Melanson, access to information coordinator for Horizon Health. “In all cases, the manager or the administrative director, or the chief of staff is made aware.”
Melanson explained that several actions can be taken to resolve a complaint, including interviewing the staff member involved, reviewing documentation, peer evaluation, mentoring, staff education, and ongoing monitoring of care.
“Changes resulting from concerns or feedback are dependent on each case and each department. Each case gives Horizon an opportunity to serve future patients and families better and provide con-
ciliatory closure with previous patients and families through transparent communications.”
Laura Russell of Canterbury disagrees. She has been waiting nine months for her concerns about URVH to be resolved and says communication with healthcare officials has been less than transparent.
After the death of her loved one at URVH in April of 2024, she confronted hospital staff, wrote letters, and contacted the provincial Department of Health to request a review of medical care being delivered in Waterville.
In August, Russell met with a patient advocate with Horizon Health in Fredericton to discuss her concerns but received no reply despite her follow-up calls and emails.
In October, Russell wrote to Margaret Melanson, the president and chief executive officer for Horizon Health, again with no reply. She noted Melanson was the patient advocate she met with in August.
“There are questions to be answered and issues to be addressed about the de-
livery of healthcare in Waterville,” Russell said. “I have been unable to get any answers.”
Most of all, Russell wants to see the results of a CAT scan given to her loved one, whom she was told had terminal cancer. She acknowledged she was not named next-of-kin on his medical file, but she had written consent from the next-of-kin to be informed.
Between 2022 and 2024, records show URVH received 107 complaints, 62 of which were about the emergency department. YEARMAYORS
URVH received 157 complaints about health care delivery since 2020
A River Valley Sun Right to Information request to Horizon Health Network revealed 157 complaints about health care delivery at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville. (Stephen Chisholm photo)
URVH
Continued from page 1
Again, the majority of complaints were about quality of care, wait time and the behaviour and attitude of staff. The information indicates most cases were resolved.
Russell said her family member was a patient in the emergency department before being moved upstairs to medical/surgical/palliative care and then to the alternative level of care (ALC) unit for seniors, where he died.
The records from URVH indicate there were 11 complaints filed
about medical/surgical/ palliative care on 2 East (floor) in the past two years.
Five complaints were filed about the ALC unit on 2 North (floor) within the same period. One complaint referred to patient/family expectations. However, the outcome section is left blank.
Russell said she had no knowledge about whether her complaint was officially filed with Horizon Health, but she was not surprised by the total number of complaints received about URVH.
“I’m surprised the
numbers are not a lot higher,” said Russell. “There are lots of things that don’t get reported. To me, quality of care does not exist at that hospital.”
Within the RTI package from Horizon Health, information was also provided about various hospital policies, including the management of patient and family feedback and concerns.
This policy states there is an “escalation process” for patients and families who are not satisfied with the investigation of their complaint, noting they can go to the
Ombud NB or the NB Seniors Advocate for further assistance with their case.
Horizon Health also shared policies on patient safety and “harmful incidents,” which outline definitions for an apology from a hospital and the disclosure of information by healthcare providers.
The policy on patient safety states: “employees, medical staff, students and volunteers are accountable to ensure patients and families are partners in care leading to improved health, quality of life and well-being.”
Woodstock Living Free Alcoholics Anonymous
The local AA group “Living Free” meet at the St. Luke’s Parish Hall at 104 Church Street, Woodstock at 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information, please call 1-800-340-4966 or email meetinglist@district5aa.ca
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Help for DRUG ADDICTION
Addictions & Mental Health 506-273-4701 Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Health Mobile Crisis Unit 1-888-667-0444 - 7 days a week from 2 to 10 p.m.
Inpatient Detoxification Services: access by self-referral only; all admissions are voluntary. The detoxification unit provides inpatient treatment for the withdrawal from mood-altering substances such as alcohol, cocaine, opiates and other drugs. Fredericton Detoxification Unit 506-452-5525 Located at 65 Brunswick St., Fredericton, NB. A 10-bed unit that provides medical support, education, and recovery planning for substance abuse and gambling. Phone 506-452-5525; accepts messages only, calls are returned to plan admissions Mon-Fri. Miramichi Detoxification Unit 506-623-6175 Located at 500 Water St., Miramichi. NB.
Moncton Detoxification Unit 506-856-2333 Located at 81 Albert St., Moncton, NB.
Ridgewood Addiction Services 506-674-4300 Located at 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB provides a range of services for individuals, youth and family members affected by substance abuse and gambling.
Other Residential rehabilitation facilities
Ridgewood Centre (Saint John) 506-647-4300 Located at 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB. Campbellton Regional Addiction Services 506-789-7055 Located at 53 Gallant Dr., Campbellton, NB.
Rising Sun Treatment Centre (First Nations) 506-627-4626 Located at 31 Riverview Rd., Eel Ground, NB.
Portage Atlantic 1-888-735-9800 Located at Cassidy Lake, NB, is a non-profit organization established in 1995, operates a residential drug addiction rehabilitation centre for Atlantic Canada youth (14-21) in New Brunswick.
Early Recovery Group, Woodstock - each Wednesday (unless school is closed due to weather) from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Bicentennial Boardroom (1st Floor), 200 King Street, Bicentennial Place, Woodstock, NB.
Early Recovery Group, Perth-Andover - each Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Mental Health and Addictions at 35F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, NB.
Harvest House Woodstock MAMA Meetings (Mothers Against Meth Addiction) on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. This is a women-only group, providing a safe place for women struggling with family members whose lives are being destroyed by drug abuse. For more info, contact Natasha Smith at (506) 323-9315. Harvest House also offers other recovery programs. For more information, contact them at (506) 594-5000.
*IN AN EMERGENCY,
Cleanup continues after major fuel spill at Murray’s Irving
Nearby Tim Hortons remains closed as crews work around the clock to mitigate diesel release at Woodstock truck stop
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Amonth after it occurred, details about a significant diesel spill at a popular gas station, truck stop, and restaurant in Woodstock began to leak.
A spokesperson for Irving Oil confirmed in an email response to questions from the River Valley Sun that a “product release” occurred at the Beardsley Road business on Dec. 12.
Katherine d’Entremont from Irving Corporate Communications added that the company successfully stopped fuel release and is working with experts to address cleanup efforts.
“As we previously shared with neighbours in the area of our Murray’s Truck Stop location, a product release was identified on site in December,” wrote d’Entremont.
“Working with third-party experts, containment began immediately and all appropriate authorities were notified.”
A New Brunswick Department of Environment spokesperson said environment officials are aware of the diesel spill.
“The Department of Environment and Local Government was made aware of a fuel release in Lower Woodstock on December 12 and can confirm that it was a diesel release from the Irving station,” said department communications official Vicky Lutes.
While Murray’s Truck Stop and Restaurant reopened for business as the massive cleanup operation continues around them, the Tim Hortons
franchise, which shares the same lot, remains closed since mid-December.
Tim Hortons franchise owner Ian MacDougall directed the River Valley Sun to Tim Hortons’ media inquiries for comment.
“The Tim Hortons on Beardsley Road is currently closed due to an issue with another neighbouring business,” wrote Tim Hortons Media Relations in response to inquiries from the River Valley Sun. “We encourage guests to visit one of the other nearby Tims restaurants including at 667 Main St. or 360 Connell St.”
While Tim Hortons offers no further details, CBC reported the Beardsley Road franchise does not plan to reopen until May 29.
Meanwhile, mitigation efforts continue as trucks, tankers and heavy equipment operate around the truck stop.
In a social media post, someone described the industrial-type activity around the business, suggesting it indicates a significant leak.
“Six tanker trucks are actively sucking up with hoses in the ditch, and another two are parked waiting their turn, another large tanker parked, several tandem dump trucks, a couple of pieces of heavy machinery digging in the parking area between the Murray’s building and the Tim Hortons,” he said. “(There are) more than a dozen people in hard hats visible, and this is about three weeks after the problem first became
public.”
Several property owners and residents near the Beardsley Road business, along with regular Tim’s customers, raised concerns with River Valley Sun about their water supplies and potential consumption of tainted products due to the diesel spill.
Many questioned the delays by Irving Oil and government officials to inform the public about the situation.
When they finally responded to media inquiries, Irving and government officials claimed public safety was top of mind during mitigation efforts.
“The release of product is no longer occurring and we are continuing to work diligently to address this matter with remediation specialists and external authorities,” d’Entremont explained. “This work includes well testing on our site, as well as inviting immediate neighbours to have voluntary tests completed on their wells out of an abundance of caution. We have also made a supply of bottled water available to these neighbours.”
The Department of Environment said Irving Oil is responsible for cleanup efforts and working with experts to ensure public safety.
“Irving Oil Ltd. is the party responsible for the contaminated site and remedial actions were immediately implemented at the site and they continue,” said Lutes in an email. “Measures have been put in place to en-
sure there is no risk to human health.”
Irving Oil explained it successfully reopened its gas bar, truck stop and Murray’s Restaurant with support from the Town of Woodstock.
“At this time, a separate supply of water is being provided to Murray’s Truck Stop from the Town
of Woodstock water system and all operations on site are open,” explained d’Entremont. “The safety of our customers and our communities is our highest priority and we want to assure all who visit our site that all requirements have been met to ensure their experience at Murray’s is safe.”
d’Entremont stressed the company puts its relationship with the community at the forefront of its efforts.
“We value the relationships we have with our customers, our communities, and the environment in which we operate, and we appreciate the work of all involved.”
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Tim Hortons on Beardsley Road remains closed after a significant fuel spill at the nearby Irving Truck Stop in December. The franchise is not expected to reopen until May 29. (Stephen Chisholm photo)
Left: Large vacuum trucks, like the one pictured above at Exit 191 along the Trans Canada Highway, have been working round the clock to remove groundwater and any fuel related to a significant spill in December at the Murray’s Irving Truck Stop on the Beardsley Road, Woodstock. Right: Several test wells dot the landscape around Murray’s Irving and Tim Hortons on Beardsley Road. (Stephen Chisholm photos)
Province approves large Irving wind farm project
Opponents question
new minister’s quick approval for 34 turbines in densely forested area near Juniper
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The new Liberal government’s quick approval of J.D. Irving, Limited’s large wind farm project in northern Carleton County doesn’t sit well with the project’s opponents.
A document dated Nov. 5, 2024, approved JDI to begin Phase 1 of the Brighton Mountain Wind Farm project, which would see the erection of as many as 34 turbines near Juniper. Phase 2, which still requires provincial approval, could add an additional 24 turbines between Juniper and Cloverdale.
Jean Arnold, a long-time resident of Knowlesville, a rural community near the planned wind farm site, said New Brunswick Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LaPage ignored her and her neighbours’ concerns.
“This EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) was accepted by the new Liberal Minister of Environment within a couple of days of his taking up office,” said Arnold.
She said the project had strong pushback from opponents, who raised
numerous controversies and expressed heightened concern about the project’s impact on the old-growth forest and wildlife.
“How could the new minister have had time to review, learn, understand and fully appraise and analyze what he was signing? Clearly he could not,” said Arnold.
The minister’s acceptance of the EIA report for Phase 1 of the JDI project permits the company to begin erecting up to 34 turbines immediately, with the requirement that the project start within five years.
The project’s first phase, at an estimated cost of $550 million, will deliver a capacity of up to 200 megawatts of power.
JDI officials previously announced plans to begin the project in 2025 if approved. The second phase of 24 turbines and a capacity of 150 megawatts still requires approval.
JDI confirmed it plans to move forward with the project as soon as possible.
“Now that the project has been approved, we
are looking forward to working with stakeholders and the local community to make the project a reality and, in doing so, help New Brunswick achieve its long-term renewable energy goals,” JDI spokesperson Anne McInerney told the CBC late last year.
Arnold and other opponents question how the local community will benefit from the mega energy project.
“There are zero community benefits for the two municipalities — Hartland and Carleton North — that are the jurisdictional authorities in the planned area of operation,” she said. “Who are the benefits for?”
While JDI plans to sell the power to NB Power, the company and the New Brunswick utility must complete a purchasing agreement.
Arnold noted the lack of a purchasing agreement and other unanswered questions in response to the EIA’s approval and acceptance by the minister.
“There is currently no power agreement with NB Power, no storage facil-
ity,” she said. “Where will the generated power go? To whom?
While long-time supporters of renewable energy, Arnold said she and other residents of the area stress that the development of renewable energy doesn’t benefit the public if it comes with significant environmental damage.
Arnold said the company, the department, and the minister ignored or dismissed the many environmental concerns raised during the EIA public process, which she deemed a “farce.”
Those concerns included long-term impacts on wildlife, old-growth forests, wetlands and the critical watershed in the area.
“I can say that our concerns have been brushed off, responses childish and unprofessional,” said Arnold. “Such as when asking about the effects on bird migration, we have been told that bird mortality tests can be done once the turbine site is operational!”
Guidelines accompanying the EIA approval included provisions to
Despite an estimated 100 people, most of whom opposed the Brighton Mountain Wind Farm project, who attended an EIA open house in Juniper on Aug. 8, 2024, the EIA granted J.D. Irving, Ltd. approval of the first phase of the project. (Jim Dumville photo) halt construction upon the discovery of nesting migratory birds and specific guidelines for construction near wetlands.
The approval guidelines also require JDI to conduct post-construction bird and bat studies to submit to the federal and provincial governments, Arnold also complained the EIA process failed to properly notify area residents and did not include any direct communications with First Nations. While JDI notes the land involved in the project is industrial freehold, the guidelines call for a construction halt upon discovering any archeo-
logical remains.
The EIA process’s only public hearing occurred on Aug. 8, 2024, in Juniper. Arnold and dozens of other project opponents made their voices heard to several JDI representatives, including JDI Vice President of Energy Dion Handrahan, Senior Project Manager Calvin Rice, Director of Environmental Affairs Renee Morais, and Director of Sustainability and Indigenous Affairs Andrew Willett. Ian Walker of Hatch Consultants, who provided the company with data and expertise, joined the JDI officials in defending the wind farm project.
Trudeau announces resignation, party searches for new leader
Former Tobique-Mactaquac Liberal MP says country ‘stands at the juncture of a significant political shift’ RIVER VALLEY SUN
Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau announced he will step down as Prime Minister once the Liberal Party chooses a new leader.
Trudeau, who has been under increasing pressure to resign, made the announcement outside his residence, Rideau Cottage, in Ottawa on Monday morning, Jan. 6.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it’s become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” said Trudeau to the throng of reporters gathered outside the Prime Minister’s residence.
Trudeau asked Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24. She granted the request.
Trudeau has been Liberal leader since 2013 and
Prime Minister since 2015. The announcement instantly set off a federal Liberal leadership race.
“The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and democracy. A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal party will carry its values and ideals into the next election,” he said.
T.J. Harvey ran under the Trudeau banner, and won, representing the riding of Tobique-Mactaquac as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons from 2015 to 2019.
Harvey, who returned to the private sector after deciding not to run in the 2019 election, called Trudeau’s resignation an opportunity.
“We stand at the juncture of a significant political shift,” he told the River Valley Sun.
“His decision to step down marks not only the end of an era, but the culmination of a journey that was both transformative and divisive.”
Harvey, who often clashed with Trudeau in caucus, praised his former boss’s commitment to Canadians.
“I witnessed, first hand, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity, progress, and the betterment of our nation. As is the case with all leaders who have won successive terms in office, the voting populous reaches a point where they tend to focus on the negative aspects of a government’s tenure rather than acknowledging the tremendous impacts an outgoing Prime Minister has had over nearly a decade in office.”
Harvey said he and Trudeau were often at odds on various files, in-
cluding gun control and other urban versus rural files.
“I sometimes felt he was not in touch with the needs of rural Canadians,” said Harvey. “But as he embarks on this new chapter, I am grateful for his service.”
On Thursday, Jan. 9, the Liberal Party of Canada released their leadership race rules, including a tight timeline that will see a new leader chosen by March 9. Candidates have until Jan. 23 to declare their candidacy and must pay a $350,000 registration fee to enter the race.
Liberals who want to vote for a leader must register as a Liberal member by Jan. 27, be over the age of 14, be a Canadian citizen, be a permanent resident, or have status under the Indian Act.
Finance Minister and New Brunswick MP Domi-
Former Tobique-Mactaquac MP T.J. Harvey said Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of an era. (Government of Canada photo)
nic LeBlanc announced Wednesday, Jan. 8, that he would not seek the leadership. He told reporters his focus needed to remain on the fight against customs tariffs expected to be imposed when Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
At press time, former B.C. Premier Christy Clark and former Bank of Governor Mark Carney were
both considering entering the race. Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is also reportedly considering a leadership run. Freeland left cabinet on Dec. 16, mere hours before she was scheduled to deliver the fall economic statement. Her departure sparked a firestorm within the Liberal caucus, which already was pushing for Trudeau to step down.
Lakeland Ridges mayor and council still facing challenges
New Mayor Leonard Foster starts new year still down one councillor, facing community concerns
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
“I t’s going good,” said Lakeland Ridges
Mayor Leonard Foster as he described the state of affairs within the long-troubled council overseeing the sprawling rural community.
Foster said the biggest problem he and the council face as they head into a new year is “getting four years of work done in a single year.”
He said the council “has to get on the same page.”
Unfortunately, the Lakeland Ridges council has failed to work together or gain residents’ confidence since taking office on Jan. 1, 2023.
The community elected Foster in May 2024 as mayor following the resignation of Lakeland Ridges’ first mayor, Tanya Cloutier, in January 2024, a year after taking office.
Cloutier and Ward 4 councillors Mike Furrow and Mark Grant — all from Canterbury, one of four wards forming Lakeland Ridges — resigned with the council under suspension and the municipal government under the control of a provincially appointed superintendent.
Foster and Dusty Buckingham, who was acclaimed to one of the empty Ward 4 seats, took office just as the province lifted the council’s suspension. Gary Grant filled the final vacant Ward 4 seat in November.
The full council lasted only one month, as Buckingham resigned at the end of 2024, citing continuing dysfunction within the Lakeland Ridges council.
Buckingham said a group of council members, often referred to as “the quorum,” continue to ignore the superintendents’ recommen -
dations and training requirements.
Foster described Buckingham’s decision as a disappointment, noting Elections N.B. will set a date to fill the vacant seat in 2025.
In the meantime, Foster wants council members to focus on Lakeland Ridges’ “basic” needs and away from the divisions.
He said the community’s parks, infrastructure, and equipment require upgrades, noting that the divergent rural communities that form Lakeland Ridges face challenges that differ substantially from those of more populated New Brunswick municipalities.
Foster acknowledged Lakeland Ridges still must pass its 2025 budget, but it needs a complete audit to provide the numbers to form the budget’s foundation.
“We tried to get it (the audit) done, but the province was late in responding,” he said.
Foster said many smaller communities across the province face similar audit concerns.
While the council’s goal is to keep the taxes the same or hold them to a minimal increase, he can’t ensure any tax increases until they have the full figures.
Foster said tax rates vary significantly across the five wards, even within wards, as Lakeland Ridges’ taxes are broken down into eight subunits.
He said he only learned after taking office that Lakeland Ridges, not the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, is responsible for maintaining some of its roads. Foster cited several infrastructure projects on the horizon for Lakeland Ridges in 2025,
including moving the municipal offices from Canterbury to Meductic.
He expects the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to begin constructing a new government garage in Canterbury this spring. They said they will also push the province to keep the garage open all year round.
Foster said Canterbury has lost a lot over the recent decades and needs a boost.
“Canterbury used to be a bustling little centre,” he said. “We would love to have (the garage) open year round.”
Foster said the Canterbury Fire Department also requires an upgrade as soon as possible.
“We need to demonstrate to the people of Canterbury that we’re doing things,” he said.
He added that all areas of Lakeland Ridges require attention, noting the council must focus on common goals, not division.
As a small rural community, Lakeland Ridges’ staffing levels are limited to a CAO and a clerk. Foster said it remains the same heading into 2025 but added that the council must establish human resource policies for its staff.
Foster added that the council wants to add a part-time public works person, preferably a handyman contracted by the job rather than a staff member.
One issue hanging over Lakeland Ridges’ pending budget is the expected hefty bill to cover the cost of the superintendents who managed the community during the council’s suspension.
“We will more than likely have to pay for that,” Foster said, “but we’re hoping they will reduce the cost.”
Valley Outreach offers free, confidential support to someone living with, leaving, or has left an intimate-partner violent relationship, or has been sexually assaulted, or knows someone who needs support. Valley Outreach offers support from Nackawic to Plaster Rock. For more information, please contact Manon Albert, Valley Outreach Coordinator, by calling 1-506328-9680, or text 1-506-328-7246, or email valleyoutreach@nb.aibn.com or reach out on Facebook Messenger.
Lakeland Ridges councillor resigns in frustration
Dustin Buckingham said dysfunction will continue until council is forced to change
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Asfrustration mounted and dysfunction continued, Lakeland Ridges Ward 4 Councillor Dustin Buckingham tendered his resignation after less than a year in office.
When acclaimed to office in May 2024, Buckingham said he expected to join a council which learned from its mistakes and would attempt to serve the interest of residents. After all, he was joining a suspended council set for reinstatement after months of supposed training.
He said he soon discovered the dysfunction remained, and most councillors ignored the government stipulations and “never finished the training.”
Buckingham said he and newly elected Mayor Leonard Foster joined where five council members, known as the quorum, overstepped their authority and controlled the council agenda.
“They stick together in just about everything,” Buckingham said.
He said Ward 3 (Meductic) Councillors Randy Stairs and Chris Yerxa, Ward 2 (Debec) Councillors Linda Porter and Patricia Budd, and Ward 1 (North Lake) Councillor Perry Bull have most decisions made even before it’s brought up at the council table.
Buckingham said Ward 1 Councillor Ross Stairs and Ward 4 (Canterbury) Greg Grant want to work as an effective council, but they are shut out.
The dysfunction within the initial council, which took office upon the formation of Lakeland Ridges on Jan. 1, 2003, caught the attention of the Department of Local Government. The province suspended the council and appointed a superintendent on July 28, 2023.
In January 2024, Lakeland Ridges’ first mayor, Tanya Cloutier, former Canterbury mayor, and the two Ward 4 councillors resigned, citing the deep divisions and personal agendas that remained despite the suspension.
Buckingham and Foster filled one of the vacant council seats and the mayor’s office in May 2024. Gary Grant
filled the second Canterbury seat in November.
Buckingham said there is a reason all the resignations involve Ward 4 representatives.
“They’re hellbent to exclude Canterbury,” he said.
Buckingham said council dysfunction means most essential issues get ignored while the council focuses on pet projects and personal interests.
He cited the 2025 budget as an example, noting that the council called a special meeting on Friday, Jan 10, to approve it finally.
“That should have been done in October,” Buckingham said.
He said councillors regularly overstep their authority and undermine the duties of the CAO and clerk. When rules and bylaws prohibit their efforts, he said the quorum uses its majority to amend the bylaws.
Buckingham said only the provincial government can correct the problem.
“I don’t think we can get rid of the council,” he said.
He said the council ignored many recommendations in the transition plan developed after a provincial investigation, leading to the continuing dysfunction.
“And people around here are paying for it,” Buckingham said.
Lakeland Ridges Mayor Leonard Foster. (Jim Dumville photo)
Dustin Buckingham. (Submitted photo)
Woodstock approves 2025 budget, big projects on horizon
Growth in tax rate helps town meet growing infrastructure and service demands
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
An additional $1.2 million in Woodstock’s tax warrant will help it meet the growing operational and capital demands while keeping tax-rate increases to a minimum.
Council approved the $17.96 million general operating budget and $2.17 million utility budget at the Dec 17 regular council meeting.
The budget holds the tax rate for Ward 4, the former town limits, at $1.50 per $100 of assessment. Wards 1, 2, 3 and 5 property owners will see their municipal tax rate increase from 70 to 72 cents per $100 of assessment, less than the five-cent jump anticipated to cover the cost of Woodstock Police Force’s pending expansion to cover all wards.
The town’s utility budget grew by one per cent, but ratepayers will not know the impact on the water and sewer bills until January. The new rates will take effect in the June billing period.
Woodstock Director of Finance Jennifer Crabbe and Mayor Trina Jones offered an expansive description and explanation of the budget decisions.
Crabbe addressed the council, explaining that the general operating budget would increase by 7.9 per cent.
She said Woodstock’s tax assessment base grew by 8.6 per cent for 2025 to $1.25 billion, noting that 1.76 per cent resulted from new construction and 6.82 per cent due
to reassessment.
Crabbe outlined the impact on homeowners, noting the average assessment increases would see a home valued at $300,000 in 2024 increase to $329,000 in 2025. For homeowners in Ward 4, even with the tax rate unchanged, the tax bill would grow by $455 total tax of $4,945.
Property owners in the outlying wards will see rising assessments on a $300,000 home add $207.90 to their tax bill, while the two-cent increase in the tax rate would add another $65.94 for a total of $2,373.84 to the 2025 tax bill.
Crabbe noted that represents only the Woodstock share of property tax, explaining the outlying wards also face a provincial tax of .4115 cents per $100 assessment, adding another $1,356.72 for a total tax bill of $3,730.56.
While budget discussions clarified the tax rates and potential tax bill increases for the general operating budget, property owners must wait to see how much they will pay for water and sewer.
Mayor Jones explained utility rates must fund all water and sewer needs. While the council approved the one per cent increase in the utility budget, it won’t determine its impact on rates until January.
“We’ll have no choice but to increase the rates,” said Jones.
She explained that the council plans to dedicate
its second regular meeting in January to discuss water.
“So, that will be a hardy meeting, and that will give staff time to determine what their recommendations are going to be for how the rate increase will impact the different tiers we have today,” Jones said. “That is going to be a really long, good, healthy discussion on everything water.”
She noted rate changes would not take effect until the June billing period.
The first signs of the town’s plans to expand the Woodstock Police Force coverage beyond Ward 4 over the next few years showed up in the 2025 budget.
The mayor explained the two-cent increase in the tax rate for outlying wards reflects the beginning of rate increases, which could reach as high as 15 cents over three years. She indicated the town managed to reduce this year’s hike to two cents from the previously indicated five cents.
Jones said the town hopes to share a more detailed plan in 2025, solidifying the timing and tax impact of the police expansion.
“The expansion of policing will be a lot of work,” she said.
Jones noted the town received $4.3 million in transitional funds from the province to support the policing changes in 2025, with a commitment of another $1.5 in 2025. She hopes the new govern-
ment honours that commitment.
She noted those funds are directed solely for use on police expansion.
Jones said the town is fully committed to moving forward with the expansion, adding town officials, Woodstock Police Force leadership, the RCMP, and provincial officials will meet soon to determine the procedure and timing of the changes.
Jones said the town’s focus on major capital expenditures over the next few years will include the police force.
She noted that the town faces spacing issues on several fronts, including the fire hall, town hall, and police station.
“The good news is we’re looking at a new fire hall home,” Jones said.
She hopes the town can lock down the details surrounding what a new fire hall would house, citing the possibilities of a fire hall plus a police station or a fire hall plus a town hall.
Jones added that the town owns the building, which is currently housing the police, fire, and town hall.
“Looking to see if we can use that building for a purpose,” she said.
Jones outlined several highlights of the $1.77 million in community improvements and capital projects in the 2025 budget.
In addition to new vehicles and equipment for public works, including an asphalt hot box to recycle milled pavement, the mayor cited upgrades to the wastewater system.
Jones noted the town’s commitment of $200,000, with matching funds from other sources, to complete a sidewalk of some style along Deakin Drive from Connell Street to Turner Street.
She said the town will also invest in significant boat launch improvements on the town’s waterfront, including a kayak launch. The budget also sets funding aside for a feasibility study surrounding the possibility of adding an amphitheatre and washrooms on the waterfront.
While admitting it falls short of needs, Jones said the budget includes $630,000 for paving.
funds for sidewalk repairs and an assessment of the accessibility of sidewalks.
The mayor said a traffic feasibility study will review current traffic lights, pedestrian lights, crosswalks and potential trafficcalming measures, which could include “roundabouts.”
Coun. Jeff Bradbury welcomed the positive news regarding a sidewalk or walking path for Deakin Drive, noting, “That’s been on the radar quite a while.”
Sticking with Deakin Drive, he said, the traffic feasibility study should consider a potential traffic circle at the intersection of Deakin, Main Street and the Grafton Bridge.
Crabbe said part of the budget increase covers additional staff.
She explained that most of the 23 percent increase in the general government’s expenses resulted from two new positions.
Crabbe said the town remains in a solid financial position, noting Woodstock’s debt ratio remains at three per cent, far below the allowable 20
Significant changes are in store for Woodstock’s town administration, fire department, and police force as the town expands its police and plans for a new fire hall and town hall. (Jim Dumville photo)
‘He was a driving force in the community’ Debec, Western Valley mourn community leader
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
To many, Jim Kennedy will be remembered as the “mayor of Debec,” although the rural hamlet never had an official mayor.
Others will remember him as the owner of the Debec General Store, which served as the community centre.
Still, others will remember Kennedy as the hardworking and diligent community leader who dedicated wisdom, time and effort to benefit the entire Western Valley region.
Many in Carleton North knew Kennedy as the affable general manager of the Carleton Co-op in Florenceville-Bristol.
Born in Woodstock in 1957, Kennedy died on Jan. 7, leaving a legacy as a devoted family man, community leader and businessman.
His impact on the communities he served can be felt by those who enjoy the ever-expanding Debec Community Park or Woodstock’s expanded AYR Motor Centre.
Debec residents John and Donna Carson worked beside Kennedy on community projects, which will forever be part of his legacy.
John served with Kennedy, who chaired the Debec Local Service District Advisory Council before the 2023 amalgamation in which Debec became part of the Lakeland Ridges Rural Community.
“Jim organized peo-
ple and got them going,” John said.
He said Kennedy spent much of his life lobbying for the community and supporting its needs.
“Jim was a driving force,” John said. “He got things done without fanfare. He was a great organizer.”
Donna, who joined the Debec Rec Council after Kennedy officially left it, said his influence remained with council members.
“He had his finger on the pulse of what was going on,” she said. “He had a wealth of information which helped a lot. He was inspirational.”
Former Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp worked beside Kennedy on several levels, including as a board member of the Western Valley Regional Service Commission, where Kennedy sat as chair for two years.
“I’ll remember him being a strong supporter of the community, especially the kids,” said Slipp.
He said Kennedy played a pivotal role as part of the advisory committee and the “Something for Everyone Campaign” spearheading the expansion of the AYR Motor Centre.
Slipp said that as Woodstock mayor, he worked with Kennedy, who chaired the Debec LSD Advisory Committee, on numerous files.
“We really worked well together,” said Slipp. “Jim was always
there to defend his community.”
Kennedy always called Debec home. John Carson said those feelings remained even after he sold the Debec General Store and moved from the community.
John said that when he and Donna spent time at their cottage in the Beechwood area, they would go grocery shopping at the Coop. He said they made a point of visiting with Kennedy.
“We would always ask about Debec,” John said.
The Carsons recalled Kennedy and the Debec General Store’s important role in the community. Donna recalled the Christmas tree Kennedy would erect in the store, including notes that detailed articles of clothing and sizes. She explained a visitor would pick a note and purchase a gift to match the information.
John said he and other locals often had morning coffee at the store. Many volunteered to help maintain the community park, especially flooding the ice at the outdoor rink.
“He even got us ball caps that said “Icemakers,” John recalled.
Kennedy’s Carleton Funeral Home obituary reflects his devotion to family and community.
“He was known locally as the mayor of Debec because of his long involvement in
and businessman Jim Kennedy
planning, sourcing, resolving and participating in community development,” it read. “Jim loved the community of Debec and those who called Debec home.”
Kennedy enjoyed his most recent role with the Carleton Co-Op, where his obituary explained, “he also developed a strong respect and admiration for the community.”
It noted he never lost his commitment to staff, customers and community.
“He was always ex-
tremely proud of his commitment to his work and his time at Co-Op was no exception,” it said. “He greatly appreciated working with the employees of these stores as well as meeting and getting to know the people of Northern Carleton County.”
Kennedy was predeceased by his mother, Charlene Doucette.
He is survived by his spouse, Michelle Griffin; three sons, Ryan Kennedy (Claire), Trevor Kennedy (Yoshimi) and Brendan Kennedy
(Winter) and stepson, Connor Griffin; granddaughters Hana and Mei’ and siblings Colleen Laskey and Richard Doucette (Heather) and Cherie Doucette Linder (Paul).
Mass will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. from St Gertrude’s Roman Catholic Church, Woodstock. Interment will take place in the spring at Calvary Cemetery.
Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Debec Animal Shelter if desired.
The community is mourning the loss of Jim Kennedy, who died of cancer on Jan. 7, 2025. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 14 at St. Gertrude’s Roman Catholic Church in Woodstock. (Submitted photo)
Woodstock fire crews respond to blaze at old Cozy Cabin site
Firefighters douse overnight fire in abandoned structures in Lower Woodstock
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Woodstock Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the abandoned Cozy Cabin site in Lower Woodstock in the early morning hours of Jan. 3.
Fire Chief Harold McLellan said the call came in at 2:09 a.m. He said fire crews spent four hours bringing the blaze in one of the derelict cabins under control.
He said the cause of the fire is “under investigation,” noting the buildings are unused and without power.
McLellan said abandoned buildings like the string of former tourist cabins located along lower Main Street in the south end of Woodstock pose a threat. Friday morning’s blaze is the second structure fire in recent years at the Cozy Cabins location.
The fire chief believes the remaining cabins should be demolished.
“It should have been
done since the last fire,” he said.
McLellan said he heard rumours that a potential new owner has plans to develop the property, which once housed a restaurant, motel and cabins. He said he is seeking details about the property’s current ownership.
He said town officials are trying to address issues surrounding derelict buildings, but finding a legal process isn’t always easy.
“I know they may be hitting their head against a brick wall,” McLellan said.
Woodstock staff and council are updating its Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Act to make it easier to deal with derelict buildings and property of concern.
Woodstock Director of Planning Andrew Garnett also noted in council updates that discussions
are underway about the possible development of the former Cozy Cabin property.
The fire chief said his department has been busy during the first three days of the new year, with up to eight calls, including false alarms, by the morning of Jan. 3. He said most of the calls involved motor vehicle accidents, including a pair of tractortrailer mishaps along the Trans Canada Highway on Jan. 2.
He said that follows a record year for his fire crew, who responded to 337 calls in 2024.
“That’s 30 calls more than the year before,” McLellan said.
On a more positive note, he said the fire department enjoyed a relatively quiet Christmas season in 2024.
“Over Christmas and New Year’s, we got a little reprieve over four or five days,” McLellan said.
Fire damages Carleton County business
Firefighters save structure, but significant repairs required
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
An afternoon fire delivered significant damage to a Carleton County business on Sunday, Jan 5. Firefighters managed to save the building, but the shop’s cat died in the fire and the structure sustained significant smoke, water, and heat damage.
The Centreville Fire Department responded to a fire call at Centreville Equipment at 3:44 p.m., arriving to find fire and smoke coming through the eves of the garage portion of the business complex.
Centreville Fire Chief Ritchie Shaw said that upon entering the garage, crews could see the fire burning near the roof of the high garage structure.
He identified the source of the fire as the building’s heating system.
Chief Shaw said the Lakeville Fire Department provided mutual aid, while the Floreceville-Bristol Fire Department provided an additional tanker.
He said he called on the other departments to ensure they had enough personnel and equipment if required.
Centreville Fire Department Captain Luke Shaw said when the firefighters realized the garage was the source of the smoke and fire, they decided to request a tanker and person-
nel from Lakeville and a tanker from Florenceville.
While the firefighters knocked down the fire before it damaged the building’s steel structure, Chief Shaw said the blaze destroyed the insulation and wiring. He described the required repairs, including smoke and heat damage, as significant.
“It’s going “It’s a messy job,” he said. “The chief said NB Power crews and an electrician attended the scene, immediately disconnecting the power.
He said they decided against restoring the power until the damage to the wiring and electrical system is thoroughly examined.
“We made the “assessment that it was not safe enough,” Chief Shaw” said.
With the cold weather, he said the lack of power and heat will cause problems, noting the structure includes the garage, storage area and an attached office structure.
Centreville Equipment maintains and repairs transport trucks and trailers. Chief Shaw believes they also sell recreational motor equipment. He said no trucks, equipment or inventory sustained damage.
The roof of one of the former Cozy Cabin units collapsed after a fire early Friday morning, Jan. 3. (Jim Dumville photo)
The first of a line of derelict cottages shows the fire damage after a blaze on Friday morning, Jan. 1, in Lower Woodstock. (Jim Dumville photo)
Smoke surrounds Centreville Equipment Sunday afternoon, Jan 5, as firefighters battle a structure fire. (Submitted photo)
GUEST COMMENTARY
By Nicole Fawcett
Last year, I joined a club. It is an inclusive club, one that does not discriminate based on race, age, religion, wealth, health, or occupation. Membership spans every demographic, and despite its inclusivity, it is a club no one wishes to join. It is the club for mothers who have lost a child.
This club represents an unimaginable grief shared by too many, often due to the selfishness and poor decisions of others.
Each day, countless lives are devastated by driving under the influence, reckless speeding, and distracted driving. Tragically, society often normalizes these behaviors, despite the injuries and loss of life they cause.
Canada, for instance, holds the highest per capita mortality rate from impaired driving among modern nations, yet it maintains some of the most lenient repercussions for these actions.
The first step toward meaningful
Words matter
change is acknowledging the power of language. Words matter.
It is critical to stop referring to crashes and collisions as “accidents.” The term “accident” implies a lack of responsibility, suggesting an event that was unforeseen, unavoidable, and without malice or intent. But the choices to drive under the influence, speed, or drive distracted are deliberate.
These actions show a blatant disregard for the safety of others and are entirely preventable.
Historically, the term “accident” gained traction in the early 1900s when automobiles first appeared on roads.
Crashes and collisions, many involving pedestrians, were common.
The automobile industry strategically promoted the term “automobile accidents” to shift responsibility away from drivers and vehicles, often blaming pedestrians instead.
This campaign was so effective that over a century later, it continues to shape public perception.
By calling preventable incidents “accidents,” we inadvertently absolve individuals of accountability. For instance, crashes caused by impaired or reckless driving are not accidental – they are the result of conscious decisions.
Referring to them as “accidents” diminishes the gravity of these actions and provides a loophole for avoiding responsibility.
Drivers who make such decisions – often a series of poor choices –must be held accountable for the harm, injury, and deaths they cause. It is not acceptable to sympathize
with those responsible as though their actions were unavoidable.
As a society, we must reject the notion that these tragedies are inevitable. They are not “part of life” but preventable losses that demand outrage and action.
On the night my son was killed, he chose not to drive under the influence. Yet, his life was taken by someone who made a different choice – a choice to disregard the safety of others. As a grieving mother, I am angry.
But shouldn’t we all be?
Few among us remain untouched by the consequences of impaired or dangerous driving. Our collective ap -
athy perpetuates this crisis.
Every loss due to impaired or reckless driving is a loss that should never have occurred. It is time to abandon the language that excuses these actions. Let us recognize them for what they are: crashes and collisions caused by preventable choices. As a community and as a society, we must demand accountability and work toward a future where no one else is forced to join this tragic club.
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Nicole Fawcett is a newspaper publisher in Nova Scotia. Her 28-year-old son, Michael, died after a single-vehicle crash in New Brunswick last November.
Michael Fawcett was killed after the car he was a passenger in left the road in Pointe des Robichaud, New Brunswick. (Submitted photo)
TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL
Indigenous News and Features Sponsored by Wotstak (Woodstock) First Nation
Ottawa has ‘carefully calculated plan’ to wreck eel business: lawsuit Woman says feds driving her “out of business” so they can turn fishery over to First Nations
By John Chilibeck – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner
ANew Brunswick entrepreneur whose family pioneered the baby eel industry in Canada is suing Ottawa again after it told her she would likely lose nearly 90 per cent of her business to First Nations and other people who want to get in on the lucrative fishery.
In a filing in the Court of King’s Bench in Fredericton on Dec. 9, Mary Ann Holland accuses the defendants, who include three successive federal fisheries ministers and eight high-ranking officials in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, or DFO, of having “engaged in a carefully calculated plan” over the years to drive her “out of business,” and give it away to First Nations and other fishers.
“Such a plan represents patent gross abuse,” that they know will cause her companies, Brunswick Aquaculture and Alder Seafood, great damage, the lawsuit states.
She complains that Ottawa did little to enforce the fishing rules on the water, and was, in effect, in cahoots with First Nations leaders who told their people to exert their Aboriginal right to pluck eels out as they wished.
Holland declined to be interviewed for this article. But she has stewed about Ottawa’s decisions in recent years to allow more First Nations to catch the elvers and its lack of enforcement on waters in southwestern New Brunswick where she’s a licence holder, a spring fishery that’s been cancelled a few times because of poaching and spasms of
violence.
Now the trouble has boiled over.
Holland’s late husband, Philip Holland, was the first commercial eel licence holder in the Maritimes, setting up the practice and developing overseas markets for the creatures 36 years ago. The Holland family has held a licence continuously since 1988.
Mary Ann Holland has argued in other lawsuits against Ottawa and First Nations that they are destroying her business.
The Wolastoqey Nation dismisses her claims and says they have a traditional right to fish.
In the latest filing, Holland says DFO has invited some of the people who worked for her to become licence holders.
A spokeswoman for the department said officials were aware of the allegations in Holland’s lawsuit, which have not been tested in court.
“As the department is a named party and this matter is now before the courts, it would be inappropriate for DFO to comment,” said Debra BuottMatheson in an email to Brunswick News.
One of Holland’s colleagues in the baby eel industry in Nova Scotia warned that no one in the fishing industry would be safe from federal confiscation of their licences without any financial compensation.
In a two-page letter sent Dec. 5 to nine enterprises in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia that have elver, or baby eel, commercial licences, Jennifer Ford, the director of the elver review team in
the Maritimes for DFO, outlined the latest proposed changes following consultations.
Ford – who is named as a defendant in Holland’s lawsuit – said the federal fisheries minister, Diane Lebouthillier, favoured “broadening the benefits” of the elver fishery to boost First Nations’ participation and give people already working for the commercial elver industry a shot at having their own licenses.
She said redistributing existing quotas was the only way of ensuring the species’ long-term survival.
A table attached to the letter showed that of the nine licence holders, before 2022, eight of them had a quota of 1,200 kilograms each (a ninth had a quota of 360 kg).
The new proposal would see all their quotas – or total allowable catch – significantly reduced by between 60 and nearly 90 per cent. Holland’s company fares the worst, going from 1,200 kg annually down to 123 kg.
The letter appears to be the last straw for Holland, whose lawyer filed the legal paperwork only a few days later.
Stanley King, whose in-laws have owned Atlantic Elver Fishery near Kejimkujik National Park in southwestern Nova Scotia since the early 1990s, said the department was being unfair to hard-working entrepreneurs who’d developed the business.
“The process has been an exercise in futility,” he said of the letters sent from the minister seeking the industry’s input into the changes. “It
was a sham consultation. They didn’t listen to one thing we said.”
He also described it as a “five-year coup de grâce of DFO mismanagement that’s destroyed an entire industry that took 30 some odd years to create.”
King said the industry wasn’t against First Nations having access to the fishery. But the proper process to follow, he said, was the “willing buyer-willing seller” model to ensure there would be no animosity between the fishermen.
Such a model has been used in other fisheries, including crab and lobster, since the Supreme Court ruled 25 years ago that Aboriginal people have a right to pursue a moderate income from fisheries, a case that pitted Donald Marshall Jr., an adult eel fisherman, against the province of Nova Scotia. For the most part, those new agreements have reduced tension on the water.
According to Holland’s lawsuit, Ottawa also proposed buying out her licence in 2021 but it didn’t go anywhere. DFO eventually decided to reduce the commercial eel quotas unilaterally.
It’s not the first time in recent years DFO has made such a move. It reduced the number of traps of crab fishers in Tofino, B.C., by half in 2022, after a court ordered that part of the fishery had to be Indigenous. No compensation was offered.
“I want other fishermen to realize this is now the government’s path forward,” King said. “Other fishermen should be very afraid and should pay very close attention, because they will be next.”
As prices for the translucent baby eels have risen, people have fought over the spring run in dozens of rivers in the Maritimes.
The violence and unauthorized fishing got so bad that the federal
fisheries minister suspended the season in the Maritimes this year.
The popularity of the American eels in Asian cuisine and the collapse of stocks in Europe has pushed prices up markedly.
Buyers who ship the eels to Asia, where they’re grown in tanks to adulthood and then made into sushi or other tasty dishes, have paid as much as $5,000 a kilogram for them, although prices have moderated this year to closer to $4,000 per kg. It is the most lucrative seafood by weight in Canada.
Holland’s lawsuit does not specify how much damages she’s seeking. No statement of defence has been filed.
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Elvers, or juvenile eels are in high demand in China. (Photo courtesy of the Canadian Committee for a Sustainable Elver Fishery)
Hartland Town Council news briefs
Year-end reserve transfers address deficit, changes made to fire truck funding motion
By Doug Dickinson
Hartland Council approved two year-end reserve transfers during a special Dec. 31, 2024 meeting. The first transfer was to increase the budgeted water cost transfer from the utility operating fund to the general operating fund of $20,000.
A second motion was passed to transfer $70,000 from the general capital reserve fund to the general capital fund to pay complex capital project costs.
Hartland Treasurer Trina Pelkey said through
conversations with auditors in the week before the holidays, the town learned all expenses in 2024 are part of the project’s cost, affecting the overall surplus deficit in the town’s general operating fund.
“What we’ve attempted to do in the last couple of weeks is try to narrow down with our project management team what expenses are yet to be incurred both known and unknown, best estimates for what to do,” said Pelkey.
After going through figures for the complex, Pelkey noted the town has a deficit of $318,000 after taking debentures, donations and expenses into consideration.
Pelkey said the current surplus in the town’s general budget is approximately $300,000.
The treasurer noted that from 2022 and earlier, the town always transferred $60,000 from its general operating fund for water costs, but in 2023, that number was reduced to $25,000, which stayed
the same for the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
“It is definitely impacting our water and sewer,” said Pelkey. “This is part of the reason why we are operating in a deficit and we can’t seem to pull our way back up out of it.”
Pelkey recommended a $20,000 increase in water cost for 2024 to bring the number to $45,000.
For the second recommendation, Pelkey suggested hedging bets by transferring $70,000 and reversing the move in 2025 if the town sees a
surplus.
Council amends fire truck funding motion
Hartland Council amended a previous motion for an application to the Municipal Capital Borrowing Board to purchase a new fire truck.
The amended motion proposes submitting an application to borrow
$200,000 over 10 years, in addition to $185,000 in interim financing for three years.
Pelkey told council staff that the province informed them that if going for long-term borrowing and interim borrowing, then there needed to be two separate pieces in the motion.
Nackawic-Millville devotes council meeting to medal recipients
Mayor, MLA, MP present King Charles Coronation medals to three dedicated residents
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
M ore than 50 people squeezed into Nackawic-Millville council chambers on Monday, Jan 6, to support a trio of volunteers recognized for their commitment to their community, province and country.
Mayor Tim Fox and the council dedicated the entire agenda to the presentation of King Charles Coronation Medals to John Maunder, Judy Ingraham and Sharon Connors.
Tobique-Mactaquac
MP Richard Bragdon and Carleton-York MLA
Richard Ames helped Mayor Fox present the medals.
Bragdon called the presentation a special moment.
“The highlight of being a Member of Parliament is being able to shine the spotlight on some key people who make a significant impact, not just here locally but throughout the region and sometimes across the province and Canada,” he said.
Bragdon described the three recipients as “very worthy” of the medal recognizing the coronation of King Charles, which is presented to outstanding citizens who made an impact on their communities.
He explained that in his search for worthy recipients, he reached out to the community, including the local councils, who are most aware of certain people’s contributions.
Mayor Fox introduced the evening’s first recipient, John Maunder.
Fox thanked Bragdon
for providing the council with a chance to participate in picking a recipient.
“We gave councilors homework and said come back and bring some names forward,” he explained.
During a closed meeting, he said, the council reached a consensus to give the award to Maunder.
“In the process of doing that, I learned a lot of things about John that I didn’t know,” Fox added.
He listed off Maunder’s numerous community contributions, including being a minor hockey coach and executive and his many years as a member of the Mactaquac Country Chamber of Commerce, including one year as its Corporate Citizen of the Year.
He noted Maunder’s long-time support of Portage Atlantic, a drug addiction rehabilitation centre. Maunder currently sits on the nonprofit’s national board of governors.
Fox explained that Maunder is best known as an entertainer who plays and sings regularly throughout the region.
He said Maunder supports Southampton Legion, the Nackawic Lions and dozens of other organizations.
“This is a gentleman that serves the community and wants to serve the community,” said Fox.
In accepting the medal, Maunder quoted the late, great Jack Benny’s accepting of a comedy award.
“I really don’t think I deserve this award, but
then again I’ve got arthritis and I don’t think I deserve that either,” Maunder said.
He said communities like Nackawic-Millville benefit from the actions of volunteers.
“There is a saying that in the case of fire the deer and the lion run together, so in a community we may all have our differences sometimes, but we are an extended family and when something takes place that’s when you see everyone pull together.”
Bragdon presented the medal to Ingraham, explaining that many in the area know her from her many years at the Nackawic mill.
The MP cited her dedication to her Dumfries community and the entire region.
“Judy is the type of person where you don’t have to worry,” he said.
“When she takes on a project, that project is going to get done and it’s going to get done with excellence.”
Bragdon described Ingraham’s volunteer efforts on behalf of St. Clement’s Anglican Church, with the 4-H, at livestock shows, the Mactaquac County Chamber, sports and other community events.
Citing an old saying that you don’t remember people for what they said, but for how they make you feel, Bragdon said, “Judy makes you feel good,”
Ingraham described receiving the medal as a surprise and an honour, noting her shock when Bragdon called to tell her.
“He floored me. It was good I was sitting down.”
In introducing Connor, Bragdon explained he grew up knowing the Hawkins Corner resident, her family, their farm, and their contributions to the community.
“There’s nothing in Hawkins Corner or Millville and now NackawicMillville that Sharon doesn’t have her finger on the pulse of what’s going on,” he said.
She served and volunteered for decades with Ladies Auxilliares, the Hawkins Corner Cemetery Committee, and the Millville and Nackawic Baptist Churches.
He said she remains active with Meals on Wheels, noting she de-
livers meals to people younger than her.
“She is so genuinely caring and concerned for those who are disadvantaged,” Bragdon said, noting she commonly brings things of which she feels the MP should be aware to his office’s attention.
Connor thanked Bragdon and the mayor and council for hosting the presentation.
“People who do things to better society don’t do it for the awards, but it is lovely to be recognized,” she said. “Thank you.” Ames noted the packed council chambers and the positive atmosphere.
“It’s good to see friends, family and neighbours altogether,” he said.
Nackawic-Millville dedicated its Jan. 6 council meeting to the presentation of the King Charles Coronation Medals. From left, Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon, recipents Judy Ingraham, John Maunder and Sharron Connor, Mayor Tim Fox and Carleton York MP Richard Ames. (Jim Dumville photo)
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS
Winter Freeze Fest
Mark your calendars! The annual Winter Freeze Fest in Perth-Andover will be held from Feb. 12-16, 2025. Events include a candlelight concert, bingo, a paint and wine night, moonlight snowshoe/walk, games night, a star gazing night, outdoor games, a sliding party and much more. Visit vilsv.ca for the Southern Victoria Facebook page for more details.
Outdoor Rink now open!
The Perth-Andover Outdoor Rink is now open for the season. The building hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the doors automaticlaly locking at 9:15 p.m. SKATING ONLY TIMES are 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 5o 5 p.m. daily. You are only allowed to play hockey during these times if there are no skaters present. Once one arrives, you must stop play. Please be courteous and respect the time slots.
Zoomers in Balance
Starting Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. at the Juniper Community Centre, the UNB Cell Lab will run Zoomers in Balance. This free program is for people 50 years and over who want to improve their balance and fitness. The classes will run every week for 12 weeks. Those who are interested must register at https://forms.gle/syWPhnpZ6UzMsATT9. For more info or assistance in the registration process, call (506) 425-3085 or (506) 260-8689.
Blood Pressure Walk-in Clinic
The Nursing Home Without Walls is offering free check-ups to anyone ages 60 and over on Jan. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the R.G Veysey Active Living Centre. Those who stop by will have the option to have their blood pressure, glucose, weight, and H2O levels checked.
Free transportation
On Jan. 29, the Nursing Home Without Walls (NHWW) is offering seniors ages 60 and over free transportation for grocery and bank runs. Those interested must register by Friday, Jan. 24. Contact (506) 278-391 if you are interested.
Beat the Winter Blues Lunch-N-Learn
On January 16, the Nursing Home Without Walls is offering its very first learning engagement of 2025, ‘Beat the Winter Blues. This will be a collaboration with the Victoria Glen Manor NHWW. Anyone 60 and older is welcome to attend. Call 506278-3197 by January 8 to register.
Snow Blast
Be sure to save your cardboard boxes for the Annual Cardboard Classic Sled Race next month. More details to come on the District of Carleton North website and social media pages.
NCCC Ice Schedule
It’s skating season! The NCCC is hosting a variety of skating sessions. Adults can skate for free on Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday & Friday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Parents can bring their kids for a free skate on Tuesday & Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and seniors can enjoy a free skate from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free public skate hours are Sunday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., and Friday from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Adult Shinny Hockey is on Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $5
Pickleball
Looking to get into Pickleball? The R.G Veysey Active Living Centre is hosting multiple sessions for anyone interested in the sport. Ladies Pickleball Nights are on Mondays from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Public drop-in hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Novice drop-in hours are Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Ice, Gym, Rock Wall & Room Rentals For information, contact angie.jamer@ carletonnorth.com or 392-6763 ext. 220
NHL Legends Tour
Be sure to follow the District of Carleton North Recreation on Facebook at District of Carleton North Recreation for more information on the NHL Legends Tour coming on March 29.
Seniors Cards
Stop by the Community Room in the Day & Ross Community Centre every Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to play Tough 13. The game is easy to learn, so don’t be shy!
Fitness Room Membership
The Day and Ross Community Centre has launched a monthly fitness membership. The cost of this membership will be $25 per month and will allow access to all open fitness sessions. If you are interested, please contact the Hartland Rec. Dept. for more information.
Public Skating
The Day and Ross Community Centre has added more hours to the public skating. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. The Cost is $2 per person, so bring the whole gang!
Hartland Council Meetings
The public is welcome to attend Regular Council Meetings that take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Hartland Town Hall. Committee of the Whole meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the Committee of the Whole meetings as well.
Create Your Own Mug
Megan Billings Pottery is offering a twohour pottery workshop for those interested in getting their hands dirty. Starting Jan. 25, the four-week workshop will have classes every Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at 3259 Route 104.
For more information, check out the Megan Billings Pottery website.
Chess Club
Join the Chess Club at the L.P. Fisher Public Library in Woodstock. The club meets every Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and is led by Damien Watson, chess vlogger. Beginner or expert, all are welcome!
Knit Night
Bring your needles and yarn and enjoy Knit Night at the L.P. Fisher Public Library, every Tuesday evening from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Bring a project and knit, crochet, needlefelt or spin. This is a drop-in program, and all are welcome.
North Lake Winter Carnival
With the help of the North Lake Recreation Council, on Jan. 25, North Lake will be full of events for all ages, with both indoor and outdoor activities at North Lake. There will be a lunch available. Come along and enjoy the fun!
Valentine’s Day Tea & Silent Auction
The Ladies Auxiliary is hosting a fun Valentine’s Day-themed social on Feb. 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your friends and enjoy the afternoon sipping tea and bidding on amazing products.
Peggy Foster Fundraiser
On Feb. 22, there will be a fundraiser at the North Lake Recreation Centre for Peggy Foster. There will be desserts and musical entertainment. Come out and support a member of your community! More details to come.
Bingo
Every other Tuesday, stop by the Meductic Community Centre for a fun evening of Bingo! Doors will open at 7 p.m. Bingo starts at 7:15 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m.
Community Breakfast
Bring your family and friends to the Nackawic Lions Centre each second Saturday of the month to enjoy a delicious breakfast and a wonderful community environment. Contact connectingnmrc@ gmail.com to be put on the list.
Are you putting your returnables in your curbside recycling bin?
Donate them to local Breakfast Programs through VAIL’S BOTTLE EXCHANGE IN WOODSTOCK!
Vail’s will donate the proceeds to local breakfast programs! Just tell them where you want your returnables refund to go when you drop them off!
Parking Restrictions
From Dec. to March, parking an unattended vehicle between midnight and 7 a.m. on any street in the town of Nackawic will result in towing.
Songs and Rhymes
Every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. until March 10, children ages two and under are invited to Songs and Rhymes at the Nackawic Public Library. There will be story time, singing and crafts.
Garbage Pickup Changes
Dumfries (Nackawic-Millville Ward 5) residents are advised that garbage collection day has been changed from Tuesday’s to Mondays, starting on Monday, Jan. 13. Please be sure your garbage is placed outside by 7 a.m. on collection day.
Got community events to share, send your info to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca and put Neighbourhood News in the subject line. Notices must be received by the first of each month. Thanks for helping us keep our readers informed about local events!
Carleton North
Compiled by Paige Morgan
FAMILY NIGHT SLIDING PARTIES
Saturday, Jan. 25 & Saturday, Feb. 22
6 to 8 p.m. at the Woodstock Golf Club Hill SPONSORED BY MANULIFE SECURITIES with help from the Woodstock Fire Dept. FREE hot chocolate & hot dogs
Enjoy a giant bonfire Helmets recommended for children!
*Event subject to cancellation if there are poor weather or snow conditions.
SNOWSHOE POKER RALLY
Did you KNOW?
•The first digital camera was invented in 1975 by Steven Sasson, who was working for Eastman Kodak at the time.
• The first digital camera weighed four times more than today’s DSLR. The prototype weighed eight pounds (3.6 kg) and shot only 0.01 MP photos. Today’s DSLR cameras weigh around two pounds and can take photos with a resolution of up to 60 MP.
• A photo journalist in Mumbai, Dilish Parekh, has the largest camera collection in the world, owning 4,425 antique cameras.
•The first colour photograph was taken in 1861 by Thomas Sutton. Sutton also created the first SLR camera, and developed the earliest panoramic camera with a wide-angle lens in 1859.
RVS TONGUE TWISTER
Pete’s pa, Pete, poked to the pea patch to take a picture of a pack of peas for Pia.
CARLETON COUNTY Colloquialisms
By John Morris
same difference \’saim ‘dif-renz\ interjection - Phrase used to suggest the unimportance or irrelevance of a distinction between uninteresting alternatives; “Who cares whether you call it a cottage or a camp?... same difference!”
Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.
WINTER IN WOODSTOCK
Watch our Facebook page for info on sliding parties, snow tube and snowshoe rentals, and more winter fun!
BOBBY VAIL OUTDOOR RINK
Watch our Facebook page for the OPENING DATE!
Friday, February 7
Woodstock Golf & Curling Club – doors open at 8 p.m.
Entertainment by Ronny Michaud starting at 9:30 p.m. Advance Tickets Available at the AYR Motor Centre COST: $15/person; $25/couple. Must be 19yrs+
WATER WALK-INS
WALKING TRACK
Come in and walk or run in a safe, climate-controlled environment!
Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m.
FREE 1 hour session with B7 Fitness owner, Ryan Harris
Learn how to use the gym equipment safely and effectively. Sign up at reception today!
Town of Woodstock
Mayor
Trina Jones looks back on 2024 and forward to 2025
RVS: What do you consider the highlight of 2024 for Woodstock?
RVS: What do you consider 2024’s biggest disappointment?
TJ: The success we’ve seen with events in 2024 certainly tops the list of our accomplishments and highlights what we are capable of. We saw the return of the snowmobile races, which was a tremendous success, the first Family Day-focused events that had huge participation, a regionwide total solar eclipse event, a massive Canada Day event, and many, many other successful returning events that are too endless to list. We have so many great organizations hosting tremendous events in our community, and with the 2025 budget, we hope it shows that the council intends to build on the momentum of 2024. We want to continue to look for ways we can better support events, whether that is financially, with improvements to infrastructure, or by assisting with our own resources. Events provide opportunities for our community members and visitors to participate in many experiences in arts, music, culture, sports, etc., and they all contribute to an economic spinoff for our local businesses.
TJ: One of our biggest challenges continues to be with water infrastructure. It was certainly apparent in February of 2024 with a huge water break that required significant time and effort to fix. The timing lined up with the return of the snowmobile races that saw thousands of people in attendance, and that break caused a lot of disruption to our local businesses. We also had to deal with the discovery that one of the two wells that make up our only water source was in a state beyond repair. On the flip side, we have made tremendous progress in the past year with repairing and fixing our water and sewer infrastructure, and with every repair, we have gained better control over all of the system. It’s the one resource we cannot live without, so it continues to be a top priority for this council. We acted fast and with urgency to dig a third well that will help secure our only water source and we hope to have that operating in full by spring of 2025. The fast timeline we’ve been able to achieve on this
required a large handson approach from our own team, and consultants, and the provincial government, and we are thankful for the assistance we’ve received.
RVS: What are your biggest hopes for Woodstock in 2025?
TJ: We are hopeful that the provincial government will come through with a plan for fiscal reform for 2026 and beyond. Smaller, rural areas struggle to find other revenue sources that are significant enough that would allow us to alleviate our reliance on property taxes to fund all our service and infrastructure needs. We know this government is also looking at how property taxes are structured. Time will tell if any changes there will have a positive impact on our situation, but I’m in full support of the property tax system review for our province.
RVS: Significant decisions on the future of the town hall complex will come in 2025. What do you see as the ideal solution for the locations of the fire hall, town hall and police station?
Woodstock Police Force, Woodstock Fire Department, and the majority of the town administration, is not adequate. We have already displaced the town council and some administration staff, but as we look to expand the WPF, we will need to displace the full town administration, even if temporarily. We would like to continue to make use of the building on Main Street, so we will be working with consultants to help us determine which group is best suited to use that space for the long term. Ideally, the other two departments would share one building, but that would mean finding suitable land large enough and affordable enough in the right location. We are currently looking at land options, and we are also hoping to secure a temporary home for the administration staff early in 2025.
RVS: The town has made great strides in future housing development, but affordable housing seems elusive. What steps can the town take in this regard?
announcements in 2025 that will help provide affordable housing options in our community that meet CMHC’s definition of affordable housing. We are excited by the potential of the projects that we have on the horizon and we look forward to sharing more about these projects as soon as we are able.
failed Grafton well?
TJ: As was shared in our last council meeting of 2024, our second council meeting (of 2025) on Jan. 28 is dedicated solely to all things water. We will be sharing what we’ve accomplished in 2024, our 2025-2027 infrastructure plans, the effects of current costs on water rates and what customers can expect for rate increases in 2025 and 2026, and the council will consider a proposal on long-term rates from the staff. I will also share an update on the Grafton well project. RIVER
TJ: What we know for certain is that the current facility on Main Street, which is home to the
TJ: Depending on your definition of affordable housing, I think we will have a number of
RVS: Utility costs are rising, and questions remain about a second water source and rising costs. Will 2025 bring answers, including how the town will deal with the costs associated with the
Ontario man dead after fatal accident in Meductic
Two fire departments respond to
RIVER VALLEY SUN
A48-year-old man from Brampton, Ontario, has died following a single-vehicle crash in Meductic, N.B.
On January 7, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m., members of the Western Valley Region RCMP, Canterbury and Debec Fire Depart -
ments and Ambulance New Brunswick responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash involving a transport truck on Highway 2 in Meductic.
The crash is believed to have occurred when the driver, travelling Eastbound, lost
crash
control of his transport truck, left the roadway and crashed.
The driver of the transport truck was transported to hospital with what were believed to be non-lifethreatening injuries.
The passenger, a 48-year-old man, died
at the scene as a result of his injuries.
A New Brunswick RCMP Collision Reconstructionist and a member of the New Brunswick Coroner’s Office are assisting with the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing.
Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones. (Submitted photo)
Suzette F. MacDonald PC
RVS SUNSHINE KID
Meet Nyla May-Rose Schriver. This little sweet pea will be 10-months-old this month, and she’s ON THE MOVE! Her mama says she’s always on the go, go, go these days, making Mommy and Daddy’s days and nights very busy. She loves to crawl around and play with her toys. She is her family’s little princess and a girl who is full of life! If you’d like to submit a Sunshine Kid please send a bio and photo to the email below.
“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.” Submit your sunshine kid(s) photos & info to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca
River Valley Sunshine Kids are sponsored by Angie’s Little Peeps Early Learning & Childcare Centre in Woodstock. Look them up on Facebook.
Measles cases are rising worldwide
If you were born in 1970 or later, two doses of the measles vaccine are needed to be protected. Talk to your health-care provider or a local public health office to find out if you’re fully vaccinated.
Take care of yourself and your community. Get vaccinated.
Successes, disappointments in the District of Carleton North
Mayor
hopes the letdowns of 2024 become highlights of 2025
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As he reflects on 2024, District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey can list several highlights, including “lots of significant projects.”
Significant lowlights also come to mind for the mayor as he reviews the past year. But, he said, that’s the reality of running a municipality.
“Disappointments,” Harvey said. “There’s always disappointments.”
One major disappointment stands out in the form of a landmark bridge across the St. John River.
“The Higgs government’s failure to begin restoration of the Old Florenceville Bridge,” Harvey said as he identified one of the year’s greatest disappointments. “It was disappointing we couldn’t get anything done.”
In October 2023, the provincial government announced to great fanfare its plans to begin restoring the historic bridge in the heart of downtown Florenceville-Bristol in 2024. By June, the government pulled its plan, citing the high costs of its requests for proposals (RFP).
After the bad news of 2024, Harvey hopes the new government and new Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chaisson can deliver good news about the bridge in 2025.
The mayor said he met with the new minister and plans to sit down with him and department officials early this year.
“We want a participant in the solution,” Harvey said, although he acknowledged the district doesn’t have the funds to be part of the financial solution.
While one of Carleton North’s infrastructure landmarks delivered a significant disappointment, another was one of the highlights of 2024.
Harvey cited the opening of the R.G. ‘Bun’ Veysey Active Living Centre as a special moment in 2024.
The project to undertake a massive expan-
sion of the former Northern Carleton Civic Centre began under the former Florenceville-Bristol council in 2020. COVID and supply chain issues significantly delayed construction.
The District of Carleton North finally celebrated the grand opening of the modern recreation complex on June 8, 2024.
The centre was at the heart of another of Harvey’s 2024 district highlights — the visit and speech from Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, as part of the solar eclipse celebrations on April 8.
Clear skies over Western New Brunswick, including Carleton North, made the region one of the best locations in the world to witness the total eclipse.
Harvey said Hadfield’s visit enhanced the already once-in-alifetime experience. He said more than 11,000 people enjoyed Hadfield’s presentations, not including the astronaut’s visits to local schools.
Another area of infrastructure growth in 2024 which pleased Harvey involved housing. He said the district worked with developers to deliver more housing, adding he and the council expect to continue the growth in 2025.
After struggling to meet the increased demands and staff requirements accompanying municipal reform on Jan. 1, 2023, Harvey said the new district solidified its administrative operations over the past year.
He said the recent hiring of the district’s public safety manager, who will work with the six fire departments, EMO and police, filled the last available position.
Heading into 2025, Harvey acknowledged the district faces several challenges but also appears on the cusp of several new highlights.
After the province tabled a comprehensive plan submitted in 2024 by Carleton North and
Hartland to create a municipal force to replace the RCMP’s coverage of the communities, Harvey said the future of policing in the area will remain a hot topic in 2025.
The mayor noted that the Department of Public Safety didn’t reject the policing plan outright but explained that it required more study.
Harvey hopes Carleton North will be part of a comprehensive provincewide plan in 2025 to address New Brunswick’s policing issues.
The Carleton North mayor said several provincial-municipal partnerships will be at the forefront this and the following years.
Harvey called it “puzzling” that plans for a new K-to-8 school didn’t appear in this year’s provincial capital budget. He added that education officials assured him that the already announced school is expected in the near future.
Harvey said the community had already identified a site along Route 130 for the school.
The mayor also wants to work with the province to pursue a collaborative health centre.
“We need movement on that, too,” he said.
With the retirement of two prominent doctors in 2024, the community is searching for new health officials to work with the remaining family physicians.
“We’re working on trying to get a new doctor here,” Harvey said.
Harvey said the new provincial government, which took office late in 2024, will need to work closely with municipal governments to address several issues, including health care, policing and municipal financing.
He said municipal governments cannot afford to deliver required services to their residents under the current system.
Harvey hopes the new year means new ideas and new partnerships.
Riverside has many opportunities to come together and socialize! Residents enjoy time in our dining room,with great food and great conversation. Call Carolyn today!
District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey. (Submitted photo)
The provincial government’s decision to cancel plans to begin refurbishing the Old Florenceville Bridge is one of Carleton North’s biggest disappointments of 2024. (Jim Dumville photo)
Nackawic-Millville Rural Community
Mayor
Tim Fox looks back on 2024 and forward to 2025
RVS: What were Nackawic-Millville highlights in 2024?
TF: We had a busy year in 2024 with the Destination Nackawic Smallmouth Open in May with 76 teams from Ontario to Nova Scotia participating. We also had an announcement for $6.8 Million in funding from the provincial government’s Housing for All strategy towards infrastructure for our new housing development. We also co-hosted the Pan Am Black Bass Championship in September with 54 teams representing 7 countries and 2 First Nation groups.
RVS: What do you consider 2024’s biggest disappointment?
TF: We had hoped that
Tax rate
we would see some progress by the province in fiscal reform for municipalities to help with additional stability and adequately fund municipalities for long-term success.
RVS: What are your biggest hopes for NackawicMillville in 2025?
TF: We have established substantial momentum in growing our community. We hope to build on that momentum and progress on fire hall replacement for our Dumfries Fire Station, expansion of Health Centre facilities and completion of the 1st phase of our housing development.
In early 2025, the Council will be sharing a strategic plan with the community that will pro-
vide direction for growth and development of the municipality over the next five years.
RVS: Plans for the new residential development appear ready to take significant steps in 2025. What should residents expect to see?
TF: Construction work began in December 2024 and will continue through the summer of 2025 for the first phase of the housing development project.
The first phase will provide opportunities for up to 109 doors through a combination of apartment rental units, garden home/town house units and single-family residential units.
We anticipate that some housing construc-
unchanged as
tion will begin before the infrastructure construction is fully completed in September 2025.
RVS: Where is the current situation involving plans to establish a Credit Union in the former Scotiabank location?
TF: Work continues to meet the criteria and standards required by the regulators to form a new Credit Union. We hope to see this initiative take shape by the summer of 2025.
RVS: Nackawic-Millville has taken huge strides in its waterfront development in recent years. Should residents and visitors expect anything new this year?
TF: Part of our strategic plan development will identify project initiatives around the community, that will include the waterfront master plan that had previously been adopted by the Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation. Having established credibility and success in hosting major fishing events, we are talking with different organizations regarding hosting potential fishing events for 2025 and beyond.
Nackawic-Millville’s tax base grows Province approves 2025 budget, which increases spending, holds line on property taxes
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A10.4 per cent growth in its tax base helped the Nackawic-Millville Rural Community meet its growing expenses without raising property owners’ tax rates.
“Between new construction and increased property assessments by the provincial government, our tax base grew over the past year from almost $336 million to almost $371 million,” explained Mayor Tim Fox.
He said the tax rates would remain unchanged in all wards for 2025.
Nackawic-Millville Council passed the balanced $3.84 million operating budget and $441,000 utility budget at a special meeting on Dec. 10.
During the regular council session on Dec. 16, CAO Kathryn Clark
told the council the budget received provincial approval earlier that day.
The increased base contributed to a $247,769 jump in revenues, including a combined increase of eight per cent in the municipal warrant and unconditional grant,
The budget also reflected a nine per cent increase in Department of Parks and Recreation revenue, primarily due to increased area usage and a successful arena advertising campaign.
The increased revenue helped allay rising expenses in several departments, including a 3.5 per cent jump in policing costs as mandated by the N.B. Department of Public Safety. Fire costs will rise by 15 per cent over the
rural community’s three fire stations.
Public works spending will jump by six per cent, with eight per cent more going to recreation and cultural services.
Staff and council found savings in some departments, including a two per cent decrease in general government operations.
It will also see a two per cent net reduction in environmental health services, including adding a municipalityowned garbage truck to provide garbage collection in all wards outside Ward 3, the former town of Nackawic.
Mayor Fox said the town’s public works staff will operate the truck to collect regular garbage in the five outside wards, starting in January. He said the
TRIPLE T EMPORIUM
Emporium and Grocery
change from contracting the service could save the municipality up to $200,000 annually.
He explained Ward 3 would remain under its current contract with FERO until it expires.
The budget saw fiscal services costs jump by 140 per cent, primarily because of budget reallocations and debt repayments owed on new assets and infrastructure.
The Nackawic-Millville utility budget calls for an average $45 per year increase in the flat rate fee for water and sewer services, which
should deliver an approximately eight per cent increase in revenue. Council approved a six per cent increase in utility expenses, which included reserve allocations for future repair and replacement of its aging utility assets.
Fox explained strategic spending on infrastructure upgrades helps reduce operation costs over time. He cited the purchase of the garbage truck as an example.
“Our investment in garbage collection has prevented projected increases in garbage collection contract costs
that could have represented an approximate five cent increase in municipal tax rates,” he said.
Fox said NackawicMillville’s continuing growth will help the municipality to upgrade services without increasing the tax rate. He said the council is committed to sustainable economic and population growth.
He added the town staff and council would share their future vision with residents when they unveil NackawicMillville’s municipal strategic plan early in 2025.
Nackawic-Millville Mayor Tim Fox. (Jim Dumville photo)
Town of Hartland
Mayor Tracey DeMerchant looks back on 2025 and forward to 2025
RIVER VALLEY SUN
RVS: What were Hartland’s highlights in 2024?
TD: It has been a very busy year for Hartland. With the building and opening of the Day & Ross Community Centre, continued housing development and plans for waterfront development, we strive to provide citizens with a great area to live.
RVS: What are Hartland’s challenges
TD: We have our challenges as well. Like many other municipalities, Hartland has an aging infrastructure. Equipment needs repairs or
replacement. Streets need paving. With a tight budget, we recognize the importance of our strategic plan and use our resources and reserves prudently.
RVS: Following Hartland and Carleton North’s failure to find support for a municipal police force, what are the town’s next steps? Can the RCMP deliver the needed coverage?
TD: We continue to communicate with the province and will also continue working with the RCMP to promote safe communities.
RVS: What are your biggest hopes for Hartland in 2025?
TD: In 2025, I see opportunity and collaboration—expanded programs and events through our recreation department. Festivals and celebrations throughout the year, organized and facilitated by faithful volunteers and staff. With a population of less than 4,000, our greatest asset is our PEOPLE. It is my hope that we gather, support and strengthen our community. Together, we are better.
Former councillor recognized for decades of volunteering
Nackawic’s Brian Toole presented with 2024 Ron Berube Volunteer of the Year
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Since moving to the Nackawic area in 1990, Brian Toole has spent decades dedicating his time and energy to the benefit of the community.
At the Nov. 16 council meeting, Nackawic-Millville Mayor Tim Fox recognized Toole’s efforts by presenting him with the 2024 Ron Berube Volunteer of the Year Award.
After listing Toole’s many contributions over four decades, the mayor presented him with the plaque.
“Brian, you’ve made a significant contribution to this community and for these reasons it is my pleasure to present you with the 2024 Ron Berube Volunteer of the Year award on behalf of our council and community. Congratulations,” Fox said.
Toole called the recognition an honour as
council members lined up to congratulate him.
Fox explained Toole was a member of the Nackawic Lions Club for 40 years, “serving in pretty much every leadership capacity that he could, helping to support and organize Christmas Daddies, breakfasts, barbecues, Club 300 dinner and ongoing maintenance of the Lions building.”
He said Toole spent 10 years as a Boy Scouts leader and an active member of his church.
Toole also volunteered to help with the area’s cross-country ski club’s trail grooming.
Fox noted Toole spent three terms as a member of the former Town of Nackawic council, explaining that service delayed his recognition as Volunteer of the Year, noting council members are not eligible.
Forever Fine Thrift
OPEN:
Wednesday: 11 to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
844 Main Street, Woodstock, lower parking lot
Follow Forever Fine Thrift on Facebook for updates!
“His support for our community has been unwavering, even when his health was not at the best,” said Fox.
The mayor explained the Ron Berube Volunteer of the Award goes annually to an individual who contributes in a special way to the NackawicMillville Rural Community.
Fox noted Berube won the first Volunteer of the Year Award in 2003.
“Ron’s volunteer activities in the community have demonstrated a lifetime of caring and his quiet and unselfish efforts on behalf of youth, seniors, the disadvantaged, and the marginalized is his legacy to the Nackawic and Millville areas,” said Fox. “He is, and continues to be, a symbol to all residents because of his dedication, commitment and selfless volunteerism.”
Tracey DeMerchant is the Mayor of Hartland, the Covered Bridge Community of Carleton County. (Theresa Blackburn photo)
Brian Toole, left, accepts the
2024 Ron Berube Volunteer of the Year Award from Nackawic-Millville Rural Community Mayor Tim Fox. (Jim Dumville photo)
Village of Southern Victoria
Mayor Cindy McLaughlin looks back on 2025 and forward to 2025
RIVER VALLEY SUN
RVS: What were the Southern Victoria highlights in 2024?
CM: The Village of Southern Victoria experienced a year of progress, celebration, and communitybuilding in 2024. Some of our achievements and milestones were our largest-ever Tough Muck Competition, the Hullabaloo Music Festival, the Gathering of the Scots, the Western Valley Summer Games, Winter Freeze Fest, our Eclipse celebration, and enhanced festive decorations in our Christmas park.
We also transformed our waterfront, commissioned our solar system, providing clean energy for our industrial park, upgrading the system and generating 159 MWh. This is the equivalent of energy for 14 homes and reduced CO2 emissions by 158 tons.
We also secured a 12-year power purchase agreement for the P-A Electric Light Comission, we installed new well filters in Aroostook, improving water quality for residents. We were busy because we also saw a new residential housing development, and we commissioned a new electrical line for Perth, which will lessen the number of power outages for the Perth side.
The village also con-
ducted public consultations for our Recreation Strategic plan, and enhanced services and programs related to Dangerous Premise Enforcement, Solid Waste and Recycling, and expanded our heat pump program. The year 2024 was a year of meaningful progress and community pride for the Village of Southern Victoria.
RVS: What do you consider 2024’s biggest disappointment?
CM: Despite our dedicated efforts in 2024, addressing the critical need for a collaborative healthcare clinic in our community remained a significant challenge. Council members and the healthcare committee worked tirelessly to advocate for improved healthcare services, but tangible progress was limited. However, regular year-end meetings with Horizon Health have given us renewed hope. These discussions have been productive, and we are optimistic that 2025 will bring meaningful advancements toward establishing the healthcare solutions our community urgently needs.
Our council and other communities are concerned with response times and the impact being placed on volunteer fire department members to cover ambulance
calls. Council members are working with UMNB on this issue.
RVS: What are your biggest hopes for Southern Victoria in 2025?
CM: The Village of Southern Victoria’s key goals for 2025 include:
-Securing funding for infrastructure improvements for the Aroostook water system.
-Advancing efforts to establish a collaborative healthcare clinic.
-Beginning construction on a new municipal service complex.
-Promoting residential construction to address housing needs.
-Completing an update to the Municipal Plan and finalizing the Recreation Strategic Plan.
-Taking delivery of a new fire truck.
-and enhancing street and crosswalk safety.
These priorities reflect council’s dedication to fostering growth, safety, and well-being in our community.
RVS: What is the status of Southern Victoria’s hospital heading into the new year?
CM: Our community is strongly committed to ensuring that Hotel Dieu Hospital continues to provide all existing services throughout 2025.
Our Council and healthcare committee will remain steadfast in
advocating for the maintenance and expansion of services at the hospital.
By working collaboratively with stakeholders and our local healthcare providers, we aim to support the continued delivery of high-quality healthcare for our community.
Working with Horizon and the provincial government, we look forward to the greatly needed development of a collaborative healthcare clinic in our community in 2025.
RVS: Perth-Andover residents have relied on its own electric light commission for more than a century. It appears the town saw a few more power failures in 2024. Can the community still rely on its power supply in the future?
CM: As the only village or town-owned electric utility in New Brunswick, Perth-Andover’s Electric Light Commission remains a cornerstone of reliable, green, and affordable power for our residents.
In 2024, the community witnessed only 9 partial outages for trouble calls on our system and one entire system outage in December. This longer outage in December was due to an issue with the NB Power transmission system, beyond the control of our local utility or the Tinker Dam.
We had smaller, planned disruptions to accommodate the development of a new Perth feed line designed to better serve our customers.
These proactive improvements underscore our commitment to strengthening system integrity and ensuring resilience during future weather events.
The Electric Light Commission continues to focus on delivering dependable service, with ongoing upgrades aimed at minimizing disruptions and safeguarding the reliability of our network.
Looking Ahead to 2025, Perth-Andover customers can look for-
ward to even greater reliability in 2025, with fewer outages and continued access to some of the most affordable power rates in New Brunswick. These advancements are a testament to our Council’s unwavering dedication to providing cost-effective and dependable energy solutions, ensuring our community’s trust and comfort for years to come.
Owning and operating our local utility empowers us to prioritize the needs of our customers, driving initiatives that benefit everyone. Together, we’re building a brighter, greener, more resilient future.
RCMP looking for public’s help in locating suspect
Neqotkuk man wanted on two warrants
RIVER VALLEY SUN
T he Tobique RCMP is asking for the public’s help locating a man currently wanted by the police.
In a social media post on Jan. 5, RCMP reported that 42-yearold Robin Nicholas of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) is currently wanted on two warrants of arrest for multiple counts of assault of a peace officer and resisting arrest in connection with ongoing investigations in the community of Neqotkuk.
with a blue front pocket, black sweatpants and brown boots. He is also believed to be carrying a pocket knife.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Tobique RCMP at 506273-5000.
Robin Nicholas is described as being approximately five feet four inches (163 cm) tall and weighing approximately 170 lbs. (77 kg). He has brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie
Members of the public should not approach Robin Nicholas. If you see him, call your local police force immediately.
Police do not believe there is an active threat to the general public.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
Village of Southern Victoria Mayor Cindy McLaughlin. (Submitted photo)
Hartland pays tribute to long-time fire chief
Hartland High Huskies and community hold ceremony to honour Mike Walton
By Connor Barry
On Friday, Dec. 20, the Day & Ross Community Centre stood still as the community honoured the 40 years of service of long-serving Hartland Fire Department Chief Mike Walton.
“The fire department has been more than just a job to Mike Walton. It has been his passion,” said Hartland Mayor Tracy DeMerchant when asked about Waltons’ contributions to the department and town.
“You won’t find anyone in the valley that works any harder or better,” she continued.
She also called Walton a giver and complimented his selflessness.
Many firefighters, some from departments as far away as Oromocto, were on hand at the ceremony to honour Walton.
“The idea [for the ceremony] came from the Hartland Huskies,” said
Hartland Recreation Coordinator Dana Stokoe.
From the ceremony’s inception, the planning process went exceptionally smoothly.
Walton’s participation in his community has been wide-reaching and has touched almost every Hartland resident in some way.
“There’d probably be a lot more houses burnt down by now,” joked Stokoe when asked what Hartland would look like without Waltons’ contributions.
In addition to his contributions to the fire department, Walton is always ready to support the community through his construction businesses.
“If [someone’s] equipment brakes down he is always the first to come in and let them use his,” said nephew Samuel Walton, speaking on his
uncle’s contributions to the community.
DeMerchant, deputy fire chief Roy Reid, and a few of Walton’s family members were at the commemoration.
Unfortunately, Walton was unable to attend due to medical complications.
During the ceremony, members of the Hartland Huskies presented custom jerseys, a framed collage featuring moments from Waltons career, and a framed photo of him to members of his family and Reid.
Shortly after the ceremony had concluded, Reid fell on the arena stairs and cut himself on the glass from a picture frame.
Firefighters in attendance quickly tended to him before he headed to the hospital. Reid is currently fine after being seen at the hospital later that night.
CORRECTION
In our Centreville Tree lighting story that appeared in the December issue of the River Valley Sun, we mistakenly called Andy DeRier by the name of John MacLeod when we referred to musical entertainment at the event. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
(From left) The Hartland Huskies present Mike Walton’s family with gifts of appreciation. From left, Roy Reid, Greg Walton, Amy Brown, and Metalfab’s Ryan Stacey. (Photo Submitted)
Roy Reid was given the honour of dropping the first puck at the hockey game on the Walton family’s behalf. (Photo submitted)
(From left) Parker McLean, Teghan Young, Ethan Amerongen, and Michael Law presented Walton’s family with a collage commemorating his years of service. (Connor Barry photo)
Baptist mission prepares to return to Dominican in March
Volunteer
dinner honours those who serve community and Jacksonville Baptist Church mission, which has taken God’s work to struggling children for over 16 years
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Between March 3 and 11, 2025, more than two dozen people associated with the Jacksonville Baptist Church will head to the Dominican Republic to continue a decade and a half of God’s work in one of the nation’s impoverished communities.
Working with local pastors and volunteers, the Baptist Mission will continue its support of “Johnny’s Orphanage” and various projects to improve the lives of hundreds of children.
On Nov. 16, at a special dinner partially sponsored by the Carleton Co-Operative Funeral Home and prepared and served by many mission participants, members of the Woodstock area service community learned details about the Dominican Mission.
Carleton Funeral Home director Arthur Smith welcomed guests to dinner held at the Jacksonville Baptist Church, noting the evening was designed to pay tribute to first responders and others who serve the greater Woodstock community and to share information about the longrunning and successful Baptist Mission.
“As a co-operative, we give back to the community,” explained Smith.
He explained that the funeral home’s mandate goes beyond providing funeral services and care for grieving families. It provides funding for non-profit groups such as the Baptist Mission.
Smith explained the
funeral home sponsored the dinner and would help Hayward House Woodstock provide Christmas dinner for struggling members of the Woodstock area community.
He added the business also provides three annual scholarships for area students.
Smith said the focus of the Nov. 16 dinner was on providing information about the tremendous work of the Dominican Mission.
Following a traditional Christmas turkey dinner with all the fixings and a wide selection of desserts prepared and served by mission members, Mark Graham and Duane Stephenson offered a detailed overview of the mission’s Dominican efforts.
Stephenson explained the Baptist Mission has worked with local partners in the Dominican Republic for the past 16 years, with a central focus on the operation and expansion of “Johnny’s Orphanage.”
He said mission volunteers enjoy the many success stories over the years, especially watching the struggling orphans “grow up, get jobs, get married and raise a family.”
He added that these good young Christians are trying to make a difference in their community.
The Baptist Mission wants to build an addition to the orphanage this year to provide a separate dorm for the
girls.
The mission’s outreach, under the leadership of Wayne Page, also takes on several projects beyond the orphanage, including events, games, trips for children, and conferences to provide training for local pastors.
They acknowledged that the Dominican village, which lies close to the Haitian border, sees and feels the political upheaval overrunning Haiti. He said, however, the border is tightly controlled.
The Baptist Mission leaders explained 100 per cent of its donations are directed towards the mission’s work. He said the mission volunteers pay their own travel costs.
During the presentations, which included numerous photos, the mission spokespeople said the Jacksonville Baptist Church mission welcomes volunteers from other churches and areas. They noted such participation often leads to establishing separate missions in different communities, citing separate efforts in Florenceville, Nackawic and Miramichi as examples.
Stephenson said the Baptist Mission is there to help locals build infrastructure and services to support the local population. He said the Dominican government will partner with the mission on some projects.
“We don’t take over, we’re there to help them,” said Stephenson
Carleton Funeral Home director Arthur Smith welcomes guests to the Baptist Mission dinner at Jacksonville Baptist Church on Nov. 16. (Jim Dumville photo)
Members of the Baptist Mission, who prepared and served the meal on Nov. 16, pose for a group photo. (Jim Dumville photo)
Kindergarten student earns Fire Safety Poster Contest prize
Woodstock fire chief, Regional Fire Marshal visit Townsview
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
With a shy and bewildered smile, Townsview School kindergartener Hafizullah Ibn Jibnel
Ona wore his plastic fireman’s helmet and held his stuffed Sparky the Fire Dog as he accepted his Fire Prevention Poster prize from some special guests to his classroom on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Regional Fire Marshall Eric Guerette, Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan and the chief’s dog Ember visited teacher Shannon Despres’s kindergarten class to deliver a backpack and contents
to the five-year-old winner, one of 27 across New Brunswick.
Children throughout New Brunswick created posters during Fire Safety Week in October.
In addition to the stuffed Sparky toy and plastic fireman helmet, the backpack included a household fire extinguisher, a smoke alarm to take home and an assortment of children’s items.
Ember, the chief’s nineyear-old child-friendly Dalmatian, was the favourite visitor for “Haffy” and his classmates. Ember made
several trips around the classroom to take in the head rubs of the young students.
Guerette quizzed the children on fire safety, finding out many young ones already knew the purpose of the fire extinguisher and the smoke alarm, including that it needed a working battery.
Guerette explained the annual Fire Safety Week and the Fire Prevention Poster Contest encourage schools and their young students to learn about the dangers of fire while sharing in the fun.
Students join District of Carleton North Council
Program welcomes input from two Carleton North High School representatives
By Sandra Hanson
Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove welcomed two new student councillors from Carleton North High School during the Dec. 10 District of Carleton North council meeting.
Sarah Harvey, a Grade 11 student, is returning for a second term on the council, while Barrett Stone, a Grade 12 student, is a new member.
The students were selected by their fellow Carleton North High School student council members to represent the school within the district council.
“This evening marks an important step in
the ongoing effort of the District of Carleton North to engage and empower our youth in municipal government,” said Hargrove. “[The student councillor program] allows us to consider valuable student perspectives in our decision-making processes while providing meaningful learning opportunities for the next generation of leaders.”
Hargrove congratulated the youth on becoming the second group of District of Carleton North student councillors.
“We look forward to your contributions and perspectives as part of
our council,” she told them.
Mayor Harvey likewise welcomed the students, adding that he hoped the students would facilitate a twoway offering of information — giving the council insight into youthful perspectives of district issues while also being able to share issues with the student council.
The District of Carleton North student councillor program was implemented last year thanks to the hard work and advocacy of Sarah LaGarde, who was one of the first inaugural student councillors.
Regional Fire Marshal Eric Guerette, Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan and his dog Ember visit Townsview School on Dec. 17 to present a Fire Prevention Poster Contest prize to kindergarten student Hafizullah Ibn Jibnel Ona. (Jim Dumville photo)
The District of Carleton North welcomed Sarah Harvey and Barrett Stone as student councillors. (Photo courtesy of District of Carleton North)
IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING
By Jane Jones
With the support of volunteers, loved ones, and staff, Carleton Manor brought in the New Year with joyful singing and revelry! The evening was complete with a countdown, a balloon drop, lots of noisemakers, party hats, treats, and some bubbly in fancy glasses. We created the perfect party to celebrate togetherness and hope for fresh beginnings. May your 2025 be filled with the happiness we all felt on this joyful day.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve with music and revelry
Your participation allows us to buy the best equipment to help keep you safe!
PURCHASE TICKETS AT
Murray’s Irving, Connell Road Kojax Petro Canada Brennan’s Home Hardware
Weekly Jackpot nearly $6,000! Thank you for your support! Support the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department 50/50 Lotto
Jane Jones is a mom, wife, business owner and volunteer who lives in Woodstock. Our New Year’s Eve balloon drop was a super fun way to bring in 2025. (Michelle Vail photo)
Those celebrating included Centenarians (+ 1) Gaynelle H, Doris B, and Paul K. (Leah Abiertas photo)
Linda W, Shirley M, and Dianne added to the celebration with noisemakers. (Michelle Vail photo)
We all sang along to our favourite melodies thanks to Louise B’s beautiful playing. (Michelle Vail photo)
BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES
By Linda McHatten
Happy New Year to River Valley Sun readers, with best wishes for 2025.
It sure is hard to believe that the trails will open for another season in three months.
Have you ever wanted to visit a place but couldn’t find it? That has happened to us a time or two.
This month, I recount an adventure from August. We sent out on Aug. 14 to find ‘Fraggle Rock.’ They say the third time conquers. In this case, they were right.
We were a small group. Everyone seemed to have other plans that day, but we decided to go searching anyway. We had been there one other time, years ago, but hadn’t been able to find it since then.
We unloaded at the Pembroke Hall and bumbled towards Shewen where we
CHAMBER NEWS AND VIEWS
By Chamber Members
Happy New Year!
The board is off to a roaring start for 2025. Our January meeting is in the books, and the first order of business was how we can get you to join us on the board. You read that right. We want YOU to join our board. No experience is necessary.
Are you a business owner? An employee? Maybe you are retired but still passionate about supporting the
Summer bumble to ‘Fraggle Rock’
turned left which took us on the trail that crosses Route 104. Following Trail 25, we continued towards the Becaquimic Lake area. After some discussion, Brian and Cliff decided to turn onto a side road, hopefully taking us to Fraggle Rock. When we set out, it looked like the road was recently graded. We continued anyway but soon met a grader, so we stopped to ask the operator if we were headed in the right direction. He told us he thought we were, but he did not know how much further as he had never been there. We were all getting hungry, so we pulled off to a small clearing. We filled the air with the smell of sausages smothered in onions.
As usual, lunch was good, and I ate too much.
Soon, it was time to bumble on. We eventually came to the trail that narrowed and had overgrown trees. Brian began to recognize some of the trial markings, and then... there it was. Fraggle Rock!
The area looked like tenters or hikers had used it, and what a great spot for it. Gary hiked in behind the
rock and found a way to climb to the top –there’s always one daring person in the crowd!
With this marked off our bucket list, we headed back home. Don’t worry. Our trip was not without hitting some mud and water holes along the way.
Trekking past the base of Ayres Lake, we bumbled to the lookout, which is always a beautiful site to see. Eight hours and 118 km later, we arrived back in Pembroke. It was a beautiful day with temperatures around 25 degrees.
Not long after this bumble, I saw pictures someone else had taken of the trail into Fraggle Rock being graded, which I thought might indicate preparations for clearcutting. I hope not. It would mean no more tenting in the area.
As I count down the days to spring, I am looking forward to meeting you back on the trails. Until next time, happy trails, and stay safe!
A roaring start to 2025
business community of Greater Woodstock. Fill out an application on our website or email us for more information.
Tangible perks are small (we don’t even have snacks at meetings!), but brainstorming, networking and collaboration are all part of the package. What do you say? Why not come and join us?
The board is taking a little time to pat themselves on the back after a successful and busy holiday season. Did you enjoy any of the festivities? We finished 2024 strong with the Festival of Lights and the drone show. We hope you got to see it. It was spectacular! (If not, you can search Drone Show on the River Valley Sun website and watch the
video uploaded there!)
Even with the ups and downs of unpredictable weather, the show went on, and judging by the ‘ooooo’s and ahhhhh’s’ of the crowd, they loved it. The positive feedback is enough to make us start planning for next year.
Santa came to town with the Santa Claus Parade and the chamber couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with the support from all of you, the spectators. We had people of all ages come out and line the new route.
Thanks to all the businesses who opened up their parking lots. Planet Youth was the most amazing partner, hosting the afterparty at the Woodstock Farm Market. Hundreds of chil -
dren and adults enjoyed games while hot chocolate and BBQ hot dogs were served. How lucky are we to live in such a great area?!
Huge shout out to our sponsors who donated prize money for the best floats. Our sincerest thank you for your contribution and support: Legacy Ford, Valley Honda and Connell Chrysler.
This month, we’d like to introduce you to our treasurer, Kelly Cummings-Brown. Kelly is the longeststanding member of the GWCC board. Guess how long she’s been on the board? No, really, take a guess. As the owner of Vanity Flair & Eska’s China on Lower Main Street, she has been on the board for 35 years! Wow!
She’s the one keep -
GWCC Treasurer Kelly Cummings-Brown. (Submitted photo)
ing our spending in line and sending out member invoices soon, so keep your eyes on your inbox.
Kelly admires how Woodstock comes to life during the Christmas season and loves helping organize the Festival of Lights. Until next time, remember to shop local!
Linda McHatten is a retired LPN who now nurses her love for the outdoors. She and her husband live in Rosedale.
Greater Woodstock Chamber members will be sharing business news and special features here every other month.
Linda and her friends ventured out to find Fraggle Rock during a Bumble last August and were successful! (Linda McHatten photo)
While on the hunt for Fraggle Rock, Linda and her ATVing friends stopped by a favourite spot - the Ayers Lake lookout. (Linda McHatten photo)
COURT NEWS
A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court
By Judy Cole-Underhill
Butler sentenced Jan. 13
Rodney Butler, 50, of Bulls Creek, was expected to receive a hefty federal prison sentence on Jan. 13 after being found guilty on all eight charges related to the kidnapping and violent assault of a Scotts Siding man in 2021. Please visit www.rivervalleysun.ca for sentencing results.
Butler appeared before Chief Judge Brian C. McLean on Dec. 16, 2024. At that time, the crown submitted a written recommendation for Butler to serve 10 to 14 years in federal prison.
Defence Counsel Alex Pate told the court he was not ready to proceed and needed more time to respond to the crown’s recommendation for Butler. His sentencing was adjourned until Jan. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
RCMP charged Butler with intentionally discharging a firearm while reckless as to the life and safety of another person, indictable assault, uttering threats, using a handgun to kidnap Chris Demerchant, unlawful confinement, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, possession of a firearm without a licence, and illegal possession of a firearm in a vehicle on Nov. 13, 2021, at Bulls Creek.
Judge McLean found him guilty on all counts after a five-day trial.
No charges have been laid in relation to the killing of Christine PelletierThibodeau, Butler’s former partner, who died from a gunshot wound to the neck during a shootout outside Butler’s residence on the night of the kidnapping.
RCMP officer charged with assault
Corporal Andrew Whiteway, a member of the Woodstock RCMP, will stand trial at the Court of King’s Bench by judge alone on Jan. 12-15, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Defence Counsel T.J. Burke represented Whiteway at a court appearance on Nov. 27, 2024. At that time, Burke said his client was electing trial to the higher court and entered a non-guilty plea on his behalf. His trial date was set on Jan. 2. A pre-trial conference will be held on March 13.
Whiteway was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly striking a woman in the face during an arrest in Richmond Corner on June 13, 2024. Police were called to a family disturbance in Richmond
Corner when a female individual suffered serious injuries during the altercation.
The alleged assault was investigated by the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT), which is responsible for investigating matters involving police officers.
Whiteway has been temporarily reassigned to administrative duties as a result of the investigation.
RCMP officer’s plea adjourned
Woodstock RCMP
Constable Christopher Sorensen, 44, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 29 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on theft charges and one count of breach of trust.
Sorensen was scheduled for plea on Dec. 11, 2024, but the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel. The officer did not attend the hearing on Dec. 11, 2024.
Sorensen faces four counts of theft and one count of breach of trust in connection with missing and unaccounted-for exhibits, including cash, seized during a recent crime investigation. Sorensen was a member of the Provincial Crime Reduction Unit.
The charges against him followed an investigation by the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT), an agency that independently investigates accusations against police officers in New Brunswick. The investigation by SiRT was launched in April.
Fined $1,800
Brooke Carlisle, 25, of Summerfield, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 12, 2024, and changed her plea to guilty on a charge of driving without due care and attention laid under the Motor Vehicle Act. Judge Karen Lee fined her $1,800.
Carlisle was originally charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm and reckless endangerment following an accident in Greenfield on July 2, 2023, when a woman was injured outside her home by a moving vehicle. The crown withdrew the two criminal charges following Carlisle’s guilty plea on the motor vehicle offence.
The court heard the victim arrived at her residence at night to find Carlisle parked in her driveway. She pulled her car in behind Carlisle and got out to find out why the accused was at her home.
Carlisle turned her vehicle around, spun her tires on wet grass and
struck the woman with her front bumper as she sped away. The victim was knocked to the ground and suffered an injured leg and ankle, as well as cuts and bruises. She was treated at the hospital and released with crutches.
Defence Counsel Patrick Hurley and Crown Prosecutor Daniel Standing agreed Carlisle was unaware she hit the victim when she fled the scene in the dark. She had no prior criminal record.
She appeared in provincial court in custody by video in January and was released with conditions. She was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear and spent the weekend in jail.
House arrest and curfew
Dynielle Allison Demerchant, 28, of Woodstock, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 13, 2024, and changed her plea to guilty on two charges laid by Woodstock Police. She received a six-month conditional sentence order, including one month of house arrest and must follow a curfew for five months. Demerchant was also placed on 12 months of probation.
She pleaded guilty to indictable possession of methamphetamine and possession of a prohibited weapon (a switchblade) in connection with an incident on Dec. 22, 2022, in Woodstock. A trafficking charge was withdrawn.
Demerchant was also charged with identity theft (cards) and possession of methamphetamine concerning another incident in May of 2024, in Woodstock. Those charges were also withdrawn by the crown.
Sentencing set
Edward Hayes Jr., 29, of Benton, will appear for sentencing in provincial court in custody on Jan. 13 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading guilty to two charges.
Hayes pleaded guilty to flight from police and breach of probation. He also appeared in appeared in custody by video on Oct. 3, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to several charges laid by RCMP. His trial dates were set for Jan. 13 at 1:30 p.m. and Jan. 30 and Feb. 6 at 9:30 a.m.
Hayes was denied bail. He was charged with refusing a breathalyzer demand, resisting arrest, assaulting two police officers, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, assault on a female victim, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and driving while prohibited in connection with an inci-
dent on Aug. 27, 2024, at Centreville.
Breach of release order
John Long, 35, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court in custody by video on Jan. 13 at 1:30 p.m. for sentencing on one charge laid by Woodstock Police.
Long appeared in court on Jan. 12, 2024, for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. He was charged with two counts of breaching a release order and breach of probation concerning a Jan. 5, 2024, incident in Woodstock.
He changed his plea to guilty to one charge of breaching his release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet), and the crown withdrew the other two charges. The court heard one other mischief charge is being transferred from Edmundston in relation to property damage at the jail.
Bustard awaits sentencing Mason Bustard, 18, of Woodstock, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Jan. 6 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges laid by Woodstock Police. His sentencing date was set for Jan. 20 at 1:30 p.m.
Bustard was denied bail on Aug. 8. He pleaded guilty on Monday to uttering threats against a female on July 24, 2024 in Woodstock, and guilty to breaking into a garage on Houlton Street, wearing a mask during the commission of an offence, and assault with a weapon (a knife) on July 16, 2024, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew two other charges.
Bustard was arrested after police received a report of an armed intruder who entered a yard on Houlton Street on the morning of July 16, 2024, and approached a woman while holding a knife. The man’s face was partially covered with a mask or scarf.
He instructed the woman to go inside her house. She immediately complied and locked the door behind her. The man then went inside her garage before eventually leaving the area.
Police made their arrest after spotting a suspect on Houlton Street around 12 p.m. on July 28, 2024. The individual fled on a bicycle into the woods and was pursued by officers on foot. During the chase, the suspect discarded various items, including a sawedoff shotgun, brass knuckles, and a mask, which were retrieved later by an
These pages contain some of the court coverage we provide for the community. Find all court stories at rivervalleysun.ca
RCMP police dog. Bustard agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond on other separate charges of entering a dwelling house and assaulting his mother on July 27, 2024, in Woodstock. He is still scheduled for trial on charges of breach of a release order, possession of prohibited weapons (a sawed-off shotgun and brass knuckles), possession of a firearm without a licence, and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm and ammunition without a licence on July 28, 2024, in Woodstock.
On Jan. 10, Bustard’s trial date was adjourned to Feb. 7 and Feb. 14 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
150 days or time served Greg McCormick, 36, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody for sentencing on Jan. 7 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP.
Judge Nicole Angers sentenced him to 150 days in jail or time served. McCormick was released from custody and ordered to register with the federal DNA database. He was also prohibited from possessing weapons for five years.
McCormick pleaded guilty to breaching his release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet) and mischief causing property damage to the device on Sept. 24, 2024, at Wotstak. He was ordered to pay $20 restitution for damaging the bracelet.
He also pleaded guilty to breach of a no-contact order and guilty to assault with a weapon (bear spray and a box cutter) on Sept. 21, 2024, at Wotstak. Crown withdrawn two other charges.
In addition, McCormick pleaded guilty to mischief causing property damage (a window and a vehicle) on July 16, 2023, at Wotstak. He received a suspended sentence and 18 months of probation for this offence. The crown withdrew two other charges.
He also pleaded guilty to assaulting another man while carrying a weapon (a knife) following an incident on Feb. 15, 2024, at Wotstak. The crown withdrew one other charge. McCormick remains in custody. He had a limited prior criminal record.
All weapons seized during the investigation were forfeited to the crown. The court heard the charges were related
to an ongoing dispute with his neighbours. As a result, a no-contact order was imposed. McCormick must also seek mental health counselling as required. Decision reserved Marshall Turner, 24, of Beaconsfield, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on Jan. 8 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP. Judge Karen Lee reserved her decision on sentence until Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m.
Crown Prosecutor Kyle Horsman told the court Turner deserved 18 months in jail, minus time served, as well as 18 months of probation. The crown also requested a two-year driving prohibition and an order for Turner to register with the DNA database. Horsman said Turner would have five more months left to serve once his remand time was applied.
Defence Counsel Wanda Severns argued Turner should be sentenced to 390 days in jail or time served, noting her client had been in custody since last April. The defence said Turner’s crimes were linked to substance abuse, and he was too young to spend several more months behind bars. Turner had a prior criminal record.
RCMP charged Turner with possession of a stolen vehicle, flight from police, breach of probation and possession of a stolen fuel pump in connection with a police chase across Carleton North on April 23, 2024, that ended in Johnville.
He pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen vehicle and breach of probation, and the crown withdrew the remaining two charges.
He was also charged with possessing a stolen vehicle on April 13, 2024, in Greenfield. The crown withdrew that charge.
Turner also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen vehicle, breach of probation, dangerous driving and driving without insurance on April 18, 2024, in Perth-Andover. The crown requested a restitution order of $12,991 for the stolen truck.
The court heard Turner was charged following an accident on Route 130 near Bairdsville when he fell asleep at the wheel and collided with a transport truck.
Turner appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 18, 2024, and waived his bail See COURT on pg. 27
Continued from page 28 COURT until later.
60 days or time served
Joshua Sisson, 37, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 23 for sentencing after changing his plea to guilty on several charges. He was handed 60 days in jail or time served and was released from custody. Sisson was also placed on 18 months of probation.
He appeared in court in custody by video for a bail hearing on Nov. 14, 2024, and was remanded to jail. RCMP charged him with two counts of uttering threats for an incident on Nov. 1, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He was also charged with flight from police on Sept. 24, 2024.
He changed his plea to guilty on one threat charge and the flight charge on Dec. 17, 2024, and told the court he was planning to enter a rehab facility after his release.
Sisson also pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon (a bottle) involving a female victim, assault, and one count of uttering threats in connection with an incident on April 8, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainant.
He was also charged with attempted break and enter and mischief causing property damage to a shed on Sept. 24, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
Suspended sentence
Issiah Tobi Gabriel, 22, of Canterbury, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 7 for sentencing after pleading guilty to a mischief charge laid by RCMP. He received a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation.
Gabriel was charged with mischief causing property damage to a vehicle (a windshield) in connection with an incident on May 2, 2024, at Canterbury.
Judge Nicole Angers recommended Gabriel seek counselling for anger management and said he must have no contact with the complainant. He had a prior criminal record.
Sentencing set for drug trafficking
William Jarred O’Donnell, 28, of Grafton, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Jan. 2 on drug trafficking charges. He changed his plea to guilty, and a sentencing date was set for Feb. 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Woodstock Police charged him with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, and possession of fentanyl, all for the purpose of trafficking in connection
with an incident on May 21, 2024, in Woodstock. He was remanded to jail and denied bail.
Woodstock Police also charged O’Donnell with breach of a release order and mail theft on May 2, 2024, in Woodstock.
Fined for killing dog
Glen Avery, 72, of Bubartown, received a conditional discharge and one year of probation after pleading guilty on Jan. 7 to willfully killing a dog without the owner’s consent. He was fined $100 and ordered to donate $500 to the SPCA.
Avery was charged by RCMP in connection with an incident on July 27, 2022, in Bubartown. The court heard Avery shot the dog following a family dispute. He had no prior criminal record.
Guilty of impaired driving
Garrett Wayne Russell, 20, of Upper Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 7 and pleaded guilty to impaired driving. He was fined $1,300 and was prohibited from driving for one year.
Woodstock Police charged Russell following an incident on Sept. 21, 2024, in Woodstock. He had no prior criminal record. The court heard the charge was laid after police spotted a truck crossing the yellow line around 5 a.m. in the town.
Fined for impaired driving Angela O’Donnell, 57, of Glassville, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 7 and pleaded guilty to an impaired driving charge. She was fined $1,800 and was prohibited from driving for 18 months.
O’Donnell was charged by RCMP following an accident on June 16, 2024, at Fielding when a vehicle left the highway and struck a tree around 1:10 a.m. Police found open liquor in the vehicle. O’Donnell had no prior criminal record.
Awaiting sentencing
Timothy Grant Davenport, 46, of no fixed address, will appear in provincial court in custody on Jan. 17 at 1:30 p.m. for sentencing after changing his plea to guilty on six charges laid by RCMP.
Davenport was charged by RCMP with theft of a gun and ammunition, committing mischief by breaking a window, resisting arrest, possession of a prohibited weapon (a loaded sawed-off shotgun), reckless discharge of a firearm, pointing a firearm at another man, possession of a firearm without a licence, possession of ammunition while prohibited, and possession of a firearm while prohibited, in connection with an incident on Nov. 26,
2023, near Lakeville.
The crown withdrew three of the charges, and one firearm charge was reduced to a lesser offence.
Davenport appeared in court for a bail hearing on Nov. 29, 2023, and was remanded to jail. He also awaits sentencing for one other offence after pleading guilty to a fraud charge. Sentencing delayed A River de Chute man, facing jail on a sex charge, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 7 for a hearing about withdrawing his guilty plea.
Martin Sargefield, 30, was charged by RCMP with touching a female minor for a sexual purpose (indictable) between July 1, 2016, and July 22, 2022. He pleaded guilty and the evidence against him was read into the record by the crown. The court heard about a series of sexual acts involving Sargefield and the victim.
Judge Karen Lee was not available for the hearing, and the matter was adjourned until Jan. 28 at 1:30 p.m.
Sargefield must prove he was unaware of the allegations and charges, that he was unaware of the effect and consequences of his guilty plea, that his plea was not made voluntarily, and that his plea was equivocal in nature.
Two other sex charges, which were to be withdrawn by the crown at sentencing, will remain before the court as a result of Sargefield’s request to take back his guilty plea. Damaged ankle bracelet
Zachary Sarchfield, 30, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), will appear in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on Jan. 14 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading guilty to charges laid by RCMP.
Sarchfield was charged with breaching his release order by violating electronic monitoring and committing mischief causing property damage to an ankle bracelet for an incident on Sept. 6, 2024, at Mainstream. His sentencing was first set for Dec. 31, 2024, but was adjourned to the new date. He was also scheduled to enter a plea on other charges in Fredericton for possession of stolen property and dangerous driving causing bodily harm. He was remanded on those charges.
Sarchfield also has a trial set for June 30 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to other separate charges.
Sarchfield was charged with attempting to breach his release order in July as well as two counts of unlawful confinement,
assault, and possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, concerning another incident on Sept. 11, 2023, in Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty. He was also charged with failing to appear in court on Feb. 20, 2024, when an arrest warrant was issued.
Guilty verdict in altercation with police
Tina Noella Albert, 53, of Upper Kintore, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 4, 2024, for a verdict following her trial on three charges laid by RCMP.
Judge Sebastian Michaud found her guilty of uttering threats and guilty of assaulting a police officer, but not guilty of resisting arrest. Her sentencing date was set for March 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Albert was charged following an incident on Oct. 4, 2022, at the Ultramar gas station in Carlingford when she was involved in an altercation with a female police officer.
During the trial, the court heard Albert cursed at the officer, threatened to knock her teeth out, and pushed the door of a police cruiser against the officer’s foot. Video surveillance from the gas station was entered into evidence by the crown.
Albert told the court she intends to appeal her case once her sentencing is completed.
Sentencing set
James Earle Dow, 47, of Dow Settlement, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 6, 2024, and changed his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for March 18 at 1:30 p.m.
Dow was charged with driving while prohibited and refusing a breathalyzer demand in connection with an incident on May 14, 2023, at Dow Settlement.
Manufacturing firearms
Kevin Manuel Cedros, 42, of Aroostook Junction, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 10, 2024, and pleaded guilty to seven of 10 charges related to manufacturing firearms using a 3D printer. His sentencing date was set for March 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Cedros appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 5, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.
Cedros was also placed under house arrest. He was ordered to reside at a residence in Aroostook Junction and follow a curfew. Police will be checking on him on a regular basis, and all
3D-printer software and supplies were to be surrendered to the authorities immediately.
Cedros was arrested by RCMP after police received a report on Aug. 15, 2024, about a person manufacturing and selling 3D-printed firearms at a residence on Route 130 in Aroostook. Search warrants were executed, and police uncovered 3D-printed firearms, ammunition, numerous firearm parts, a 3D printer, prohibited magazines and electronic devices.
Change of plea
Braxton Denny, 24, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 10, 2024, and changed his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for March 11 at 1:30 p.m.
Denny pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property and flight from police on July 22, 2023, in Jacksonville. Two counts of failing to appear in court, on Oct. 17 and Oct. 24, 2023, were withdrawn by the crown.
Denny was also charged by Woodstock Police with assault, committing mischief by damaging a TV, and breach of a release order by failing to abstain from drugs between May 1 and June 6, 2024, in Woodstock, assaulting a woman, assault by choking, two counts of uttering threats, committing mischief by damaging a mirror and a door, and breach of a release order by failing to abstain from drugs for another incident between June 6-7, 2024, in Woodstock.
He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for Sept. 11-12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also scheduled for March 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Denny appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 17, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.
Guilty of assault with utility knife
Gregory Sparks, 24, of no fixed address, appeared for trial in provincial on Dec. 13, 2024, and changed his plea to guilty on three charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for April 10 at 9:30 a.m.
Sparks pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon (a utility knife) involving a female victim, and uttering threats, concerning an incident on April 20, 2024, at Centreville. He also pleaded guilty to breach of an undertaking by violating a no-contact order.
Guilty plea on two charges
Caleb Crain, 40, of Piercemont, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 20, 2024, and changed his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing was set for March 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Crain was charged with assault causing bodily harm to a female victim, unlawful confinement, and uttering threats following an incident on Dec. 10, 2022, near Florenceville-Bristol. He pleaded guilty to the lesser included offence of common assault and guilty to uttering threats. The crown withdrew the confinement charge.
Sentencing set for Neqotkuk man
Philip Sappier-Solomon, 31, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 12, 2024, for a bail hearing. He waived his bail and pleaded guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. A sentencing date was set for Jan. 28 at 1:30 p.m.
Sappier-Solomon was charged by RCMP with assault involving a female victim, assault by choking, mischief causing property damage (a phone), breach of peace bond, and breach of probation, following an incident on Nov. 27, 2024, at Centreville.
He pleaded guilty to assault by choking and breach of a peace bond, and the crown withdrew the remaining charges. He remains in custody until sentencing. Sappier-Solomon has a prior criminal record.
Sentenced to 75 days
Austin Aube, 28, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 13, 2024, and changed his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. He was sentenced to 75 days in jail and 12 months of probation.
Aube pleaded guilty to flight from police on July 12, 2024, at Neqotkuk and resisting arrest on May 8, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond in relation to other charges of assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a female victim and assault by choking incident.
Aube remains in custody to await trial on other charges on Feb. 5 at 9:30 a.m., including flight from police, two counts of assaulting a police officer with a weapon (an ATV), resisting arrest, dangerous driving, possession of a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles), possession of a prohibited weapon without a licence, and breach of an undertaking on July 28, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
Shoppers help store, police ‘Cram a Cruiser’ for food bank
Woodstock Police, Atlantic Superstore partner in successful campaign for Valley Food Bank
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Valley Food Bank van parked next to a pair of Woodstock Police Force cruisers in front of the Atlantic Superstore in Woodstock Friday afternoon, Dec. 14, to collect more than 134 bags of groceries destined for food bank clients over the holidays and into the new year.
Atlantic Superstore manager Joe Hastie thanked the police force for partnering with them to launch the inaugural “Cram a Cruiser” campaign to collect food bank donations.
The campaign enabled its customers to purchase a $10 bag of groceries for delivery to the food bank. Hastie said each bag contained more
than $10 worth of grocery items suggested by Valley Food Bank officials. Each bag contained a list of the items inside, signed by the customer.
WPF Deputy Chief Simon Watts said the store staff contacted the police force, which happily joined the campaign.
“Certainly, at this time of year, there’s a lot of hardship, and with the extra demands on food banks nowadays, we jumped at the chance to partner with them,” he said.
Watts said they came up with the idea of Cram a Cruiser, which was a great way to support those in need throughout their community.
Valley Food Bank ex-
ecutive director Monica Grant welcomed the support, thanking everyone involved.
Like most food banks, she said the Valley Food Bank is facing a tough time as the client list and demands increase, while donations decline. She said the donations will provide a boost as the organization heads into Christmas and prepares for the new year.
“This is a fantastic way to start out our New Year base boxes,” she said.
As Community Relations Officer, Sgt. Shaun Kimball leads the WPF Community Engagement Unit. He joined Deputy Chief Watts and Cst. Ryan Paul to help transfer the bags of groceries
from the police cars and inside the store into the Valley Food Bank truck.
Kimball and Watts praised the store staff and their customers for the success of the Cram a Cruiser campaign.
Atlantic Superstore staff Amber Watts and Shannon Delfine joined Hastie and the police officers in loading the truck.
Hastie, who moved to Woodstock four years ago, said he saw this type of campaign in other areas of the country, but he believes it is the first for Woodstock.
He and the police officers credited the generosity of Carleton County shoppers for the campaign’s success.
Inaugural Polar Express Experience a success
Carleton North event included magical trip to North Pole on Shogomoc train
By Sandra Hanson
The
District of Carleton North hosted their first Polar Express Experience over two weekends in early December at the Shogomoc Railway site in Florenceville-Bristol.
The event was the brainchild of the district tourism department, which has been “striving to come up with fun and engaging programs and events” to promote tourism and community engagement, according to Tourism, Heritage, and Culture Manager Sharon Johnston.
“We wanted to bring more Christmas joy and excitement to the District because there can never be too much,” said Johnston.
The event included an imaginary journey to
the North Pole aboard the Shogomoc train.
During their travels, participants were treated to hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of “The Polar Express.”
Once arriving at their destination, everyone received a special bell and was invited to the elf’s workshop to decorate ornaments. The event concluded with a walk to Santa’s Village while singing carols and ringing their bells. Once at Santa’s Village, everyone had the opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Johnston was pleased with the event’s success, noting that tickets for both weekends sold out quickly.
“I was blown away by the [community] excite-
ment and how quickly the phone calls started coming in after we announced it on our… Facebook page,” said Johnston. “It was filled with joy and excitement, with smiling faces and happy families on board the magical journey. The energy was unmistakable.”
Johnston said she and the department were grateful for the support of volunteers, primarily made up of students from Grades 8 through 12, with some local adults.
“They all stepped up and really brought the “Polar Express” to life. Their effort and dedication were key to making this event come alive and such a success,” said Johnston.
Woodstock Police Force staff, from left, Sgt. Shaun Kimball, Deputy Chief Simon Watts and Cst. Ryan Paul help load the Valley Food Bank van with bags of items donated during the Cram and Cruiser campaign. (Jim Dumville photo)
Representatives from the Atlantic Superstore in Woodstock, the Valley Food Bank and the Woodstock Police Force pose after the Cram the Cruiser campaign. (Jim Dumville photo)
Student volunteers, from left, Jack Weston, Maddison White, Quinn Ryan, Emma Giberson, Maddyson Anderson, Ruthie Fisher, Isabelle Appleby, Francesca Ryan, Sarah Giberson, and Willow Caines with Santa and Mrs. Claus. (Photo courtesy of District of Carleton North)
The Polar Express Experience was successful thanks to student and commu nity volunteers, including Christian Ryan, Barb Meed, Grace Lloyd, and Ted Lamont. (Photo courtesy of District of Carleton North)
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