breathed it’: Longtime friend, deputy chief reflects on Walton’s devotion to firefighting
By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Mike Walton’s impact as a community leader, councillor, and businessman will remain part of the Hartland community for generations, but his devotion to Hartland’s and New Brunswick’s firefighters proved iconic.
Walton died on Monday, Feb. 24, at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville.
He was laid to rest after a moving service on Friday, Feb. 28. A crowd of 350 people, including nearly 100 firefighters from around the province and beyond, packed the Hartland Wesleyan Church to pay their respects.
With a tribute from his granddaughter Janessa Brown, eulogy by brother-in-law Bob Swim, and special remarks from Grand Falls Fire Chief Charles Kavanaugh, Acting Hartland Fire Chief Roy Reid, and Walton’s pastors, the two-hour service painted a vibrant picture of a family man who loved his community, and took every opportunity to make a positive impact in western New Brunswick and throughout the province, particularly with the fire service.
“He breathed it,” said Hartland Fire Department Deputy Chief Roy Reid and Walton’s lifelong friend.
While acknowledging Walton’s tremendous contributions as a building developer, business owner, council member and community volunteer, Reid said firefighting held a special place in Walton’s heart since he joined the department in the mid70s.
Reid recalled the 1980 blaze that destroyed much of downtown Hartland.
He said Walton, who he believed was a lieutenant at the time, realized the department lacked the necessary equipment to battle such a blaze.
“Mike said that’s not going to happen again,” Roy said.
Over the next four decades, Walton was pivotal in equipping the smalltown fire department with the equipment to protect residents and property.
One of the valuable pieces of equipment Walton helped secure for the department and the region helped Hartland firefighters pay tribute to their leader as he lay in the Upper Valley River Valley Hospital, unable to
receive visitors.
The crew brought the ladder truck to the hospital and raised it to Walton’s window. Crew members took turns at the top of the ladder to wave hello to their chief.
“He really liked that,” Reid said. “The nurses were impressed.”
The respect Walton earned from his crew and the Hartland community spread beyond the borders of the Covered Bridge Community.
Walton’s colleague, Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan, witnessed his devotion to firefighting and firefighters for nearly half a century.
“That was his passion,” said McLellan.
In a devastating post issued Monday, Feb. 24, the town of Hartland announced Walton’s death.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Councillor Mike Walton. Mike was a dedicated and active community member, serving as Hartland’s Fire Chief, a valued council member, and a respected businessman. His commitment to Hartland and his unwavering service to others have left a lasting impact on our town.
RIVER VALLEY SUN
“On behalf of the Mayor, Council, and staff, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family and friends during this difficult time. His leadership, kindness, and dedication will truly be missed.”
McLellan said he couldn’t recall exactly when Walton replaced Phillip Orser as Hartland fire chief, but he estimated it was more than 30 years ago.
He described Walton as a dedicated chief of the Hartland Fire Department and an effective leader for the Central Valley Fire Fighters Association and the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs.
Offering English, French, Hindi & Punjabi language support.
More than 350 people, including approximately 100 members of the fire service, filled the Hartland Wesleyan Church on Friday, Feb. 28, to say goodbye to Hartland Fire Chief, town councillor, and businessman Mike Walton. (T. Blackburn photo)
WALTON
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McLellan recalled Walton’s instrumental role in acquiring a mobile burn trailer for the region. He said the trailer is a vital training unit for firefighters.
As chiefs of neighbouring communities, McLellan said he and Walton supported their respective teams and each other on numerous occasions.
“Chief Walton served several terms with the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs in various roles, including the office of President. He will be dearly missed,” the post read.
NBAFC president
Scott Poupart said Walton was an active member of the association for more
than 20 years, serving as a director and executive member representing the Central Valley Firefighters Association and as NBAFC president from 2017 to 2019.
Poupart said Chief Walton served the interest of firefighters across the province and the nation, participating in several trips to Ottawa for the annual Government Relations Week and Fire Chiefs on the Hill.
“During this week fire chiefs from across Canada would meet with MP’s and Senators of all parties on behalf of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs to bring the needs of the fire service forward to the federal government,” explained Poupart.
He said Chief Walton, or “Mike” as he preferred,
participated in meetings with provincial government representatives, gaining great respect within government departments, especially the Office of the Fire Marshal.
“Mike excelled in guiding the financial business of the association, ensuring its viability and financial succession,” Poupart said.
Like Chief McLellan, Poupart noted the purchase of the proto-type mobile burn unit as one of Walton’s outstanding accomplishments.
Poupart also noted the Hartland fire chief’s role in establishing presumptive cancer coverage for New Brunswick’s volunteer fire service members.
“Chief Walton’s dedication and hard work throughout all of his years
with the fire service was recognized with his rewarding of the most prestigious award presented by the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs when he was inducted into the Hall of Flame in 2019,” said Poupart.
Reid acknowledged how hard it is to say goodbye to his lifelong friend, noting their friendship dates back to their early teens.
“Mike lived at the bottom of the hill near the river,” Reid said. “I called him River Rat. He call me and my friends the Hill Top Gang.”
Reid credited hard work and garnering the respect of others for Walton’s success in delivering on community projects, fire department improvements, business ideas
and other ideas.
“Mike had one gear, high speed,” he said.
While Walton earned the respect of top officials across the province and the country, he always treated his firefighting team and community members he served with high respect. They reciprocated.
“He was a great leader,” said Reid.
Michael Dale Walton was the son of Evangeline and the late Wesley Walton. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Lewis Walton and Paul Walton.
Michael is survived by his wife, Carolyn Walton of Hartland; children, Gregory Walton (Meredith) of Simonds, Amy Brown (Philip) of Hartland; grandchildren, Kyle Walton,
Daniel Walton, Julianna Walton, Mason Brown, Janessa Brown; mother, Evangeline Walton of Hartland; siblings, Carolyn Swim (Robert) of Bubartown, Rosalie Walton (Jan Koops) of Somerville, Jeannie Wilson (Stephen) of Fredericton, Clarence Walton (Stephanie) of Howard Brook, Jeffrey Walton (Laurie) of Somerville, Nancy Prosser (Walter) of Stickney, Wade Walton (Kathy) of Moncton; sister-in-law, Cindy Walton of Hartland; nieces and nephews. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. If so desired, donations in Walton’s name can be made to the Town of Hartland Fire Department’s new fire truck fund.
- with files from Theresa Blackburn
Nearly 100 firefighters from all over the province were in attendance at the funeral of Mike Walton at the Hartland Wesleyan Church in Somerville on Friday, Feb. 28. (Theresa Blackburn photo)
Fredericton Assistant Deputy Fire Chief David McKinley piped the procession out of the church, followed by Walton’s son-in-law, Philip Brown, and grandson, Mason Brown, who carried Walton’s helmet and cap. (Theresa Blackburn photo)
Members of the fire service, including retired Canterbury Fire Chief Clifton Furrow and current Canterbury Fire Chief Michael Furrow, were part of an honour guard that saluted Walton as he was wheeled into the hearse. (Theresa Blackburn photo)
Mike Walton’s pallbearers included Acting Hartland Fire Chief Roy Reid, Doug Hovey, Jed Giberson, Robert Taylor, Terry Green, and Fred Roberts. (Theresa Blackburn photo)
Documents indicate massive diesel spill at Beardsley Irving
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
More than two months after being detected, the environmental cleanup of a massive diesel spill at an Irving truck stop on Beardsley Road in Woodstock continues.
The full scope of the spill, initially detected on Dec. 12, only became evident last week when CBC unveiled information garnered through a freedom of information request from the New Brunswick environment department.
Emails and reports from government officials and others gathered through the CBC’s fact-finding search indicate as much as 100,000 litres of diesel escaped from the storage tank into the surrounding environment.
The far-reaching impact of the cleanup and mitigation efforts continues to affect businesses and homeowners surrounding the truck stop and restaurant, including ongoing water testing of neighbouring properties.
Documentation gathered by CBC shows that the fuel leak issue arrived at the Department of Environment and Local Government following a report from the Tim Hortons’ franchise, which sits in the parking lot of Murray’s Irving Restaurant and Truck Stop on Beardsley Road in Woodstock.
After customers and staff raised concerns about the petroleum odour in the restaurant’s bathroom water, Tim Hortons contracted Gemtech to test its treat-
ed and untreated water.
On Dec. 12, the company collected samples, confirming the testing results on Dec. 14, “They have received the results today and confirmed the presence of gasoline in the untreated water,” the Department of Environment environmental inspector stated in a Dec. 14 memo.
The discovery kicked off a massive undertaking to determine the source, amount, cleanup, and mitigation of the spill. Officials quickly discovered that a fuel leak had already contaminated the Tim Horton’s well and the well serving Murray’s restaurant and Irving truck stop.
The businesses immediately closed their doors, and environment officials, Irving staff, and numerous consultants and contractors poured into the location to address the matter.
As confused area residents and customers watched a steady stream of equipment roll onto and around the Irving business lot and a level of activity increase daily, company and government officials offered little public explanation.
Meanwhile, the documentation secured by the CBC information request demonstrated growing concerns among environmental officials.
With the Irving underground fuel tanks pinpointed as the source of the contamination, the company immediately hired Dillon Consultants to identify the problem
and develop a mitigation strategy.
The investigation soon discovered that what Prosser initially estimated (a potential 5,000-litre leak) appeared exponentially larger, possibly surpassing 100,000 litres. In addition to breaching the nearby wells, the free-flowing fuel put surrounding wells at risk. It infiltrated the groundwater and flowed overground downhill towards the nearby Trans Canada Highway.
Environmental inspector documents indicate that surface water in the nearby highway ditches contained 90 per cent fuel.
Tim Hortons immediately closed its business following the discovery and remains closed almost three months later. Meanwhile, Murray’s Restaurant and the Irving gas bar reopened after a few days, using potable water trucked into the businesses.
The Town of Woodstock confirmed that an Irving contractor is purchasing water from its town well and trucking the business.
Soon after trucks, heavy equipment, vacuum trucks, and crews converged around the Irving site to collect contaminated water, Irvingcontracted water-testing crews spread out through the immediate area to contact neighbouring property owners.
Hilary Stockford of Stockford Reefer Services, a trucking service company located in the
industrial park just north of the Irving truck stop, said Irving contractors “are doing regular water testing” of their wells. She said they are doing the same for other businesses and homeowners throughout the area.
Stockford acknowledged her deep “concern” about the situation and said she appreciates the attention given to ensuring their water quality. To date, she added, all test results have returned clean, and she hopes that continues.
The size of the spill shocked many, including environmental officials. Investigators identified the cause of the leak as a cracked elbow attached to one of the Irving underground tanks.
Despite identifying the apparent cause of the leak, investigators noted in their reports and emails that they couldn’t
determine whether the diesel leaked slowly over a long period of time or flowed quickly into the surrounding ground.
“Investigation is ongoing as to why the release didn’t trigger any sort of alarm, and there may be no way to know if it was a small leak over a few months or something larger with a shorter time frame, explained Mallory Gilliss, a manager of contaminated sites with the Department of Environment, in a report issued on Dec. 23.
How that much fuel could leak undetected bewilders many people familiar with the intense record-keeping and safety protocols surrounding fuel tanks.
“It’s mind-boggling,” said one operator who was familiar with fuel storage.
He and other operators explained service
stations or anyone operating fuel depots must maintain precise records showing the amount of fuel flowing in and out of the tanks.
Operators are required to do daily reconciliations and be prepared for audits at any time.
The Department of Environment officials declined to answer questions surrounding its investigation of the nature of the leak, directing the media to the company owner. Irving officials have not responded to media inquiries.
While cleanup and mitigation efforts continue, neither government nor company officials have offered a report about the spread of the contaminant, including whether it reached the surrounding watershed or dispersed into the groundwater tables.
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Large vacuum trucks have been working round the clock to remove ground water and any fuel related to a significant spill in December at the Murray’s Irving Truck Stop on the Beardsley Road, Woodstock. (Stephen Chisholm photo)
URVH labour, birth services resume
Minister says department remains priority
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Horizon Health announced the resumption of labour and birth services at the Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) in Waterville.
In a media release on Feb. 20, Horizon said all pregnant individuals who would normally deliver their babies at URVH should proceed to this facility.
Horizon officials said nursing staff contacted all expectant individuals in the area who are 35 weeks pregnant and over.
At the time, Horizon asked expectant individuals experiencing signs of early labour or any symptoms of concern to call the URVH Labour and Birth Services team.
On Nov. 14, 2024, Horizon announced the suspension of labour and birth services at Upper River Valley Hospital from Nov. 17 to Jan. 13, forcing expectant mothers to travel to Fredericton to deliver their babies.
Horizon explained the inability to provide emergency caesarian sections (C-Sections) forced the suspension of services.
Despite more frequent suspensions, New Brunswick Health Minister Dr. John Dornan says his department’s focus remains recruitment for Horizon, particularly for integral departments like the URVH’s Labour and Birth unit.
In an interview with the River Valley Sun, Dr. Dornan said while recruitment remains a challenge, it’s one he’s willing to tackle.
“We are working on coming up with a more consistent delivery strategy,” said Minister Dornan. “Part of that is recruiting family doctors who are comfortable doing deliveries. On the specialty side of the house, (we need) people who are prepared to do cesarean sections and that’s a minority of surgeons.”
Dr. Dornan added that some difficulties are tied to putting doctors in situations where they are not working to their full capacity because a department like labour and delivery isn’t always busy.
“And for many people that we have used, they
have had to travel from other parts of the province and so, that’s always difficult as well and it’s costly,” he added.
While Minister Dornan says his government is committed to the future of the URVH unit, Woodstock-Hartland MLA and Conservative Health Critic Bill Hogan isn’t as sure.
“I’m not convinced that Horizon Health is committed to providing full service to the URVH and rural health care,” said Hogan when reached by the River Valley Sun.
“There are many instances where health professionals have been transferred to the DECH (Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton) or services for our citizens have been bumped.”
Hogan said there needs to be a Chief of Staff and a Chief of Surgery at the URVH, not at the DECH. He also wants the province to ensure a delivery unit that provides labour and delivery 24/7, 365 days a year.
“When it’s not available, it puts expectant mothers at risk,” added Hogan. “Recruitment needs to ramp up in New Brunswick. A more concerted and consistent effort by Horizon Health and the department would be a good start.”
Dr. Dornan says recruitment is at the core of working to solve the healthcare puzzle.
“It’s very difficult, complex, and hard to solve. If it had been easy, we would have done it a long time ago,” said the minister. “The community has been very helpful in recruiting primary caregivers, and frankly, family and doctors
who do obstetrics. It’s a strength in the community. Attracting specialists is harder. We need to do better, but recruitment is a tougher sell. There’s a nationwide shortage of anaesthetists. We continue to recruit internationally and Woodstock is part of the group that we recruit to. For example, we could employ an anaesthetist full-time there. And then being on call is less onerous. You’re in the community anyway, but what we do have to have is that on-call capability.”
MLA Hogan says he has evidence Horizon
could be doing better.
“It’s unacceptable to learn that a letter of offer for a cardiologist at the URVH sat in a desk for two months, and this specialist ended up accepting an offer somewhere else,” he said. “The Minister of Health is also supposed to make full use of all the surgical suites in the province. Apparently, we are losing one of our surgeons, so there is a lot of work to be done there. When Horizon only provides a year-to-year contract, it is very difficult to retain staff.”
– with files from Theresa Blackburn
If you
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, CALL 911
New Brunswick Health Minister Dr. John Dornan. (Submitted)
Woodstock-Hartland MLA and Conservative Health Critic Bill Hogan. (Submitted)
Woodstock Town Council briefs
New 600-unit housing development planned for Upper Woodstock
By Theresa Blackburn
Director of Planning and Development
Andrew Garnett announced a new housing development at the Woodstock Town Council meeting on Feb. 25.
The 600-unit mixed housing subdivision will see mini-homes, row houses, multi-unit residential buildings, and possibly single-family unit homes in one development. The project is getting underway with funding received from the Regional Development Corporation preconstruction fund.
“We’ve been working closely with the Regional Development Corporation,” said Garnett, announcing to council that the town had secured $366,500 or 75 percent of the initial development cost of $490,000.
“The funding will allow us to explore design and also study the infrastructure impact of the subdivision,” he told council.
The Cook’s Construction development has been in the works for a year and will see land north of Eastwood Drive and Neilson Street developed, with potential access from several directions.
“More details like conceptual drawings and layouts will come as the assessment proceeds,” he said.
Garnett said the project will be divided into two parts: subdivision design and infrastructure assessment. The town has to gauge how the project will impact water, sewer, and traffic before it can apply for further funding.
The initial design and infrastructure work is expected to be completed in 2025.
“All types of housing is needed. The ability to secure the first part of the funding is a positive milestone for Woodstock,” said Garnett.
“This is very exciting,” said Mayor Trina Jones. “You all have read the Regional Service Commission’s housing-needs assessment, which tells us what we need. It showed significant growth in the next five to 10 years; that we’ll need close to 900 (housing) units to be able to sustain that growth. To have this opportunity... is huge. We are on pace with (this and) other
housing projects to hit that mark. That’s quite something to be able to say.”
Jones added that significant road infrastructure will be needed, but those costs will be outweighed by giving residents access to affordable housing.
Jones said the project would also allow the town to analyze its water and sewer capacity without taking funds from the utility fund.
“We’ve been trying to limit the increases to water and sewer rates, and we’ve landed funding to analyse it. It’s a really big win for all of us,” Jones added.
Alternate town hall site
The town is reviewing a lease offer from NB Power, which CAO Allan Walker felt was “acceptable.” The town’s finance committee is recommending that council sign the lease. If councillors approve, the town’s administration could move into the top floor of the NB Power building on Connell Street later this spring. The five-year agreement for the nearly 3,500-square-foot space will cost $24 per square foot for the year and includes power, janitorial services, and snow removal.
Mayor Trina Jones noted the cost was “well below” market value, adding that some renovations would have to be carried out, and the town would be required to supply furniture and cubicles.
CAO Walker said a move-in date was being finalized. The police expansion transition fund from the province will cover the leasing cost for the rest of the year.
The move means the Woodstock Police Force (WPF) would take over the town’s administration space in the existing town hall on Main Street, but town council remains ‘homeless.’
Since giving up council chambers to the WPF two years ago, council meetings have been held at the AYR Motor Centre, requiring staff to set up and take down council tables, chairs, and audio/visual equipment almost weekly.
“This has been a long time trying to figure out how to move forward,” said Mayor Jones. “We are still lacking council
chambers, so what we are going to recommend is that we find a semipermanent home for a while so we can establish a more permanent audio-visual system.”
Project manager
The town could be hiring a new manager to help council navigate multiple projects.
Mayor Trina Jones noted that work toward creating a Collaborative Care Clinic, the just-announced 600-unit housing development, and the police force expansion could all benefit from a dedicated employee who could help push the projects along.
“With the police transition (for example), we could use them, particularly around the current building and modifications of it. We really don’t have anyone who can ‘own’ these projects,” she said.
Coun. Julie Williams noted that in the case of the collaborative care clinic, for example, many committee members are volunteers or doctors who don’t have time to work on ‘action’ items.
“To sustain this in moving forward, it’s time for communities to pitch in,” said the Jones.
The mayor told councillors that town staff would evaluate costs and discuss job parameters before bringing a proposal back to the council for review.
Water and sewer bylaw delayed
The third reading of a bylaw that would increase water and sewer rates in the town’s Ward 4, which encompasses the former Woodstock town boundaries, was delayed by two weeks.
During the Feb. 25 meeting, CAO Allan Walker noted that after closer review, a few changes were needed to the document, including fixing some grammatical errors and two specific water rates.
“When we got to water only, we had it at $300 and hadn’t changed it. We have to move it to $325, so when you add the ‘water-only rate’ and ‘sewer-only’ rate, it is the same cost as the lowest tier of water (rate),” said Walker. He said this change will impact 11 customers. A similar change had to be made to the commercial ‘water-unmetered’ rate, affecting 64 customers.
“The total financial impact is $1,800, but becuase of these changes, we need to repost to be fair and leave third reading to the first meeting in March,” said Walker.
Northampton Rec Centre generator
The Town of Woodstock and the Regional Service Commission will help the Northampton Rec Centre purchase a generator.
The unit, estimated to cost $34,000, will allow the centre to become a warming centre during winter power outages.
“We reached out with them (Northampton Rec Centre board members) to the Regional Development Corporation and were told they would likely qualify for a 40 per cent funding for the generator,” said CAO Allan Walker.
With a finance committee recommendation, the council voted to provide financial assistance for $12,000 or 60 per cent of the project.
Mayor Jones noted that the town would enter an MOU with the centre to determine how the facility would be used in emergencies and how the town staff would assist the centre’s board when emergencies happen. Once the document is drafted, it will come back to the council for review.
Jones also noted that the town’s EMO plan needs to be revised and updated and that this new MOU would become part of an updated emergency plan. WVRSC to help pay for Connell Park upgrades
The town completed upgrades to Connell Park Raceway, including improved grandstand lighting, the purchase of an ice surfacer, and a ticket booth renovation before the Maritime Snowmobile Racing Championship on Valentine’s Day weekend.
During the Feb. 25 council meeting, CAO Allan Walker noted that the town is submitting an
application to the Western Valley Regional Service Commission and expects to get as much as $25,000 back to offset the costs.
RCMP quarterly update
Sgt. James Gallant, Ops NCO for the Western Valley RCMP, updated the Woodstock council during the Feb. 25 meeting.
“As you can see from the media releases I’ve been doing lately, we’ve put a lot of high-risk, prolific offenders in jail or on strict conditions for the last two weeks,” Sgt. Gallant told the council.
“We’ve really been bogging down the court system, getting a lot of big names, so I feel like our spring is going to be a lot easier than in other springs because we got some big names in custody,” said Sgt. Gallant.
He noted there were no discernable increases or decreases in crime rates for the Woodstock area since his last report but said that the Richmond Corner area had a few “prolific offenders put away,” telling the council he was hoping that in the next quarter, “these (statistics) would be down a bit.”
Sgt. Gallant said the RCMP did have some concerns about an increase in “border jumpers” but said they really hadn’t had any calls related to that since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, even though the issue “ was talked about a lot,” leading up to the president’s swearing-in.
Woodstock councillor Will Belyea expressed his appreciation and was impressed with the community cooperation between the Western Valley RCMP and Richmond Corner Community Watch.
“It’s really is working well,” said Sgt. Gallant.
“The community is really pleased with how things are working out there,” added Belyea.
Zoning request
A property owner in
Jacksonville wants to rezone land so they can build a storage facility.
The request to rezone 319 Route 560 in Jacksonville came before the council at their Feb. 25 meeting. The request is to have the property changed from residential to general commercial to allow for the building of a self-storage facility.
The plans would see the 1.56-hectare lot rezoned to accommodate five storage buildings with 264 storage units of various sizes. The plans include asphalt roads and fencing with access gates. The town notified neighbours around the area of the proposal, and the council received no comments or concerns.
If approved, Director of Planning and Development, Andrew Garnett, suggested that if the project is approved, conditions should be placed on the project to ensure adequate screening, and hours of operation so neighbours in the area wouldn’t be bothered with noise.
Cleaning contract for AYR Motor Centre
The town has contracted John’s Floor Service of Woodstock to manage the cleaning of the AYR Motor Centre. The three-month contract will see Jeremy and Christina Turner jointly take over the positions of interim maintenance supervisor. The Turners will train with the current maintenance supervisor, who will transition to public works. Costs covered for Operation Olave
The Town of Woodstock has agreed to cover the costs of using town facilities and the AYR Motor Centre for Operation Olave.
The Girl Guides event, which sees young women from New Brunswick and PEI come together for a weekend of camping and activities, will take place on May 24 in Woodstock.
The rental of town facilities would have cost the Girl Guides $1,953.
Upgrades planned for Carleton North fire halls
Renovations to be scheduled for Centreville, Glassville departments
By Sandra Hanson
Two fire halls in the District of Carleton North (DCN) will be getting significant upgrades. The DCN council has submitted applications to the capital borrowing board for improvements and expansions of the Centreville and Glassville fire departments.
The proposed projects are extensive. For Centreville, the plans include adding a third bay, a meeting and training room, and a water cistern. The meeting and
training room will also be used as an EMO command centre for the western portion of the district. In Glassville, the department will also receive an extra bay and a storage room. Both fire halls will also receive minor but necessary internal upgrades and renovations.
Centreville Fire Chief Ritchie Shaw said his department is eager for the upgrades.
“We currently have no training area, except for our small kitchen
area,” he said, adding that it would be nice to have a dedicated space where they can meet their yearly training requirements. Shaw also said that having their own water source from the proposed 40,000-gallon cistern will be especially helpful, noting that it can be difficult to access water at times.
District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey said maintaining and upgrading infrastructure is essential
to the district and noted that the municipal government has to keep departments updated with modern facilities and equipment. The district has not set a start date for the work to begin.
“It depends on funds being approved,” said Harvey, who was optimistic.
“We’re confident it will be approved [this spring], and as soon as it is, we will go to tender. Our goal is for the renovations to be finished by the end of this year.”
Grocery Run to raise food and funds for third year
Women-only event slated for March 15
By Paige Morgan
Women and snowmobiles will once again converge on Hartland for a great cause this March. In its third year, the Zone 4 Grocery Run raises money and food for Valley Food Bank. The event kicks off at 150 Wilmot Road in Hartland at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 15.
The fundraiser centres around women on snowmobiles riding an 80 km loop.
Zarla Gorton is a 15-year-member of the Northern Lights Trail Blazers Club 47 and the Grocery Run organizer. She says she’s always been frustrated by the lack of women participating in the sport, so she worked to organize the first run in 2023.
“I decided that if I arranged an easy 80 km loop with some fun stops along the way, offer an experienced group and a newbie group, the ladies would come, and they did,” said Gorton.
The Grocery Run aims to raise food and money for local food banks or programs. In their first year, 50 women participated, raising 163 lbs. of food (approx. $523), plus$1,200. Everything was donated to Valley Food Bank.
Last year, Mother Nature had a surprise for them. Warmer weather meant insufficient snow to host the event. This setback did not stop Gorton from meeting the group’s goal of donating to Hartland Help -
ers. Instead of the run, a dance was organized at the Centreville Elks Club, raising $2,200. So far, 50 women have registered for this year’s run, and $6,700
has already been donated. The group’s goal is to raise $10,000 this year.
Gorton says she is beyond excited for this year’s ride, adding that
riding to raise food and money for people who need it makes the experience more meaningful.
“As the only all-female snowmobile ride in the province of New Brunswick, it’s an incredible opportunity to bring women together, hit the trails, and support a great cause,” said Gorton.
The Centreville Fire Hall is one of the fire departments that will be receiving substantial upgrades this year. (Sandra Hanson photo)
The participants of the first Grocery Run in 2023, shortly after the event’s conclusion. (Submitted photo)
Provincial, federal governments invest in Ironwood Woodstock facility
RIVER VALLEY SUN
The provincial and federal governments are investing a combined $2.5 million to help Ironwood Manufactured Homes, a Woodstock-based modular home manufacturer, expand its facility, enhance production capabilities and create up to 32 full-time positions.
“This strategic investment in Ironwood is a prime example of how our government, through Opportunities NB, is supporting innovation, job creation and housing solutions in the province,” said Luke Randall, minister responsible for Opportunities NB.
“By positioning itself as a leader in the modular construction sector, Ironwood is directly contributing to the New Brunswick housing strategy, Housing for All. We are proud to support Ironwood’s growth as they play a vital role in meeting the increasing demand for affordable housing,
both in New Brunswick and beyond.”
The provincial government is providing a conditionally repayable loan of up to $1 million to support workforce expansion and the implementation of new state-of-the-art automation equipment to improve productivity.
Through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the federal government is providing a repayable contribution of $1.5 million to support the construction of a nearly 11,000-square-metre (117,000-square-foot) manufacturing facility.
This also includes funding for purchasing advanced manufacturing equipment to help the company build homes faster and more efficiently.
These investments are estimated to create up to $6.9 million in direct provincial GDP by the end of 2030.
“Affordable housing is a critical piece of the puzzle for building
strong communities,” said Rural Economic Development Minister Gudie Hutchings, the
minister responsible for ACOA.
“This support from your federal government is going to help Ironwood Manufactured Homes build more affordable homes, faster – creating jobs and making life better for folks who need a place to call home.”
The company was founded in 2018. These investments in a new facility and advanced equipment will help it address the rising demand for housing while offering a greater range of home designs.
Work has begun on the new Ironwood Manufactured Homes production facility in
Woodstock. The expansion will see the company hire 32 more employees and help them increase building capacity to meet housing needs.
“Modular housing is a growing industry in Canada and offers a more cost-effective and efficient way to build homes,” said Mark Gaddas, president of Ironwood Manufactured Homes.
“With the provincial and federal governments’ support and the industry’s projected growth, modular housing is likely to continue to be a significant player in the Canadian housing market.”
Hiring has already begun, and employment opportunities are available on the company’s website: ironwoodhomesinc.ca.
“Investing in modular housing production is an investment in the futures of our children, our families and our communities,” said David Hickey, minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation.
“This increased capacity for production will get us closer to our goal of safe and affordable housing for all New Brunswickers, and I am so pleased to see this important work coming together.”
Work has begun on the new Ironwood Manufactured Homes production facility in Woodstock. The expansion will see the company hire 35 more employees and help them increase building capacity to meet housing needs. (Ironwood Homes photos)
Legacy Art Exhibit features black artist Robert Small
Connell House event celebrates Black History Month
By Tanika Chambers
T
he Legacy Art Exhibit in Celebration of Black History Month was a resounding success, attracting nearly 200 students from Townsview School, their teachers, and other community members. Tanika Chambers, program director of the non-profit G.H.A.M.P. Inc. (Giving Hope & Minding People), and her husband, Robert Chambers, organized the event. They wanted to fill a gap in their community by hosting a meaningful event that was easily accessible and not an hour away. The idea was sparked when Tanika took her daughter to a Black History Month exhibit in Fredericton, an hour away, the previous year.
The Woodstock exhibit showcased 16 pieces of work by Toronto artist Robert Small, a self-taught visual artist who revolutionized the celebration of Black History Month in Canada through his Legacy poster campaign. A description accompanied each piece, educating attendees about the accomplishments of the individuals depicted.
The event attracted the attention of Mayor Trina Jones and Councillor Christa McCartney, who came by to view and support this first-time event in Carleton County, as well as Girl Guider Leaders Karen (Kippy) Taylor and Naomi Sharpe and their 2nd Woodstock Girl Guide Unit. Taylor thanked the
Chambers for a lovely and informative evening.
The feedback from people who attended was overwhelmingly positive. One teacher from Townsview School expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, noting that her class had an amazing time at the exhibit and that every student learned something different.
Overall, the Legacy Art Exhibit in Celebration of Black History Month was a successful event that celebrated Black History Month and provided an educational and memorable experience that many look forward to attending next year.
“It was my pleasure organizing such an educational event for the
community,” said Tanika Chambers. “I also learned in the process. Next year we hope to offer even more.”
Proceeds from this event went towards running GHAMP Inc.’s weekly girls program, E.X.H.A.L.E Girls Club. This program supports visible minorities, but girls of all nationalities are welcome. The program focuses on building confidence, self-esteem, life skills, and being a positive contributor to the community.
GHAMP has a Facebook page and a website if anyone wants to follow or learn how you can help support Tanika’s work with girls. Visit www. ghamp.org.
Phone scam circulating in Carleton County Police, insurance company aware of fraud attempt
By Sandra Hanson
Anew phone scam focused on identity fraud and financial theft is circulating in the region. The scam is highly detailed, and the perpetrators are armed with a wealth of personal knowledge they obtain from online obituaries. This tricks their victims into thinking that the calls are legitimate.
During the scam, the perpetrator calls, identifying themselves as David Jones from Sunlife Insurance, and says that the victim has been identified as a beneficiary for an unclaimed life insurance policy for a recently deceased loved one, whom they will name. They then proceed to give a list of personal details about the deceased, asking the victim to confirm that they are correct. Next, they will ask the victim to verify their
identity details. To reassure the victim, they will provide them with a legitimate address for a local Sunlife office and a phone number where they can be reached.
They will then outline the steps the victim must take to receive their money, all of which appear legitimate initially. In the end, they state that the funds will be deposited directly into the victim’s bank account, and at that time, they ask the victim to please confirm their banking details.
Sunlife Insurance and Woodstock RCMP confirmed they have received numerous reports. A Sunlife representative said the fraud scheme has been reported across Canada.
Both Sunlife and Woodstock RCMP said that perpetrators consis-
tently use the name David Jones since it matches the profile of a legitimate Sunlife Insurance employee, further confusing victims. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately. Report the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Sunlife Insurance also asks that anyone who receives a call to please call their security hotline at 1-519-888-2412.
If you were a victim of the call and gave or confirmed personal information, including but not limited to your address, phone number, birth date, or banking information, call the RCMP and file a report. You can also protect yourself by filing a Credit Bureau Alert with Equifax (1-800-465-7166) and TransUnion (1-800663-9980).
Girl Guider Leaders Karen (Kippy) Taylor (far left) Tanika Chambers GHAMP. Inc Director (center), Naomi Sharpe (far right), and their 2nd Woodstock Girl Guide Unit. (Submitted photo)
Legacy Art Collection by Robert Small, a self-made visual artist, was featured at the Connell House in celebration of Black History Month by Ghamp.Inc. (Submitted photo)
Local artist Anna-Maria Dickinson (left) had some of her pieces on display for Black History Month. She’s pictured with event organizer Tanika Chambers. (Submitted photo)
New project in region to help women newcomers Organization hopes to address systematic barriers
By Mary O’Leary
Funded by Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada, PRUDE Inc.’s Women’s Project for Rural New Brunswick seeks to advance women’s economic security and representation in leadership roles.
It will address systemic barriers faced by newcomer women living in rural settings. The program will help them share their experiences through various mechanisms, including narrative storytelling and visual media.
Once collected, these stories will help the organization and its partners develop recommendations and an action plan to support systemic change within select rural communities.
Woodstock has been named one of 3 rural towns in the province where PRUDE Inc., in collaboration with existing community partners, will engage with newcomer women and hear their life experiences acclimatizing to a new country in the
unique setting that rural communities offer.
Moving to rural communities in Canada offers several unique benefits for newcomer women, including a higher quality of life, closer access to nature, opportunities for community integration, and a slower-paced lifestyle to foster personal well-being.
Towns and villages often have a more intimate atmosphere, making it easier for women to build meaningful relationships and form strong support networks. In rural areas, community events and social gatherings are often more accessible, allowing women to engage with local residents and integrate into the social fabric of their new home.
This sense of belonging can go a long way to reducing feelings of isolation and help newcomer women feel welcomed and accepted due to the close-knit communities.
Simultaneously, newcomer women often face challenges as they ad-
just to life in rural areas of the province. In addition to general changes in language and seasonal adjustments to various weather conditions, women sometimes experience significant challenges with a combination of socioeconomic and cultural barriers, making it difficult for them to fully integrate and thrive in these regions.
Through the Women’s Project, we aim to collect the details of these challenges to influence policy design and implementation in support of newcomer women.
PRUDE Inc. will acknowledge these newcomer women in New Brunswick on International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated on March 8. IWD originated in the early 20th century from labour movements advocating for women’s rights, equality, and better working conditions. Its purpose is to honour women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while promoting gen-
NBCC staff, international students, and members of PRUDE Inc. gathered to discuss the Women’s Project in January. From left, back row: Leonela Nouamou and Anelle Laurencia, both NBCC students, NBCC Woodstock Library Assistant Celia Gallardo, PRUDE Inc. Project Coordinator Dawna Bradley, Women’s Project Program Officers Mary O’Leary (Woodstock) and Bushra Tabassum (Charlotte County), and NBCC student Patience Anemboom. Front row: Jennie Tomah, Student Success Coach for Indigenous Learners, and Katelyn Forbes Lyons, Student Success Coach for NBCC International Student Services. Missing from photo: Taylor Howie, NBCC Student Union Student Life Officer, and NBCC student Chiamaka Udeh. (Submitted photo)
der equality and raising awareness about ongoing struggles for women’s rights worldwide. Are you passionate about supporting newcomer women in rural New Brunswick? Are you interested in discovering more about how you can
become involved? We welcome women leaders to join our steering committee, participate in our events, and promote conversations that support our program’s objectives. Should these resonate with you, kindly contact our Women’s Project
Program Officer, Mary O’Leary at mary@prudieinc.org or (506)607-7359. To learn more about PRUDE Inc.’s Women’s Project in rural New Brunswick, please visit our website at https:// www.prudeinc.org/womens-project/
Hartland Council briefs Town approves closure of arena project steering committee
By Doug Dickinson
The town council approved shutting down the steering committee for the nowcompleted Day & Ross Community Centre.
Coun. Lee Patterson said only minor details remain to be completed, which staff can take the lead on.
The approved motion added that council recognizes the “months of dedicated service” from the members in bringing the project to fruition.
Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant also praised the work of the committee.
“I don’t think we’ll ever really understand the amount of time and effort that went into that [project], so we are very grateful, very grateful for each member of that committee.”
Clerk Michelle Derrah said a letter of thanks had been given to the committee members.
Coun. Wayne Britton expressed the desire for council to do more to recognize the work Murray Dickinson and Kent Kuhn put into the
arena project.
Pursuit of WAWA permit for waterfront project
Derrah said the town received word from ACOA that a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration (WAWA) permit must be obtained before a funding application can be considered.
The clerk noted funding applications had been sent to ACOA and the Regional Development Corporation on Nov. 13, 2024.
Derrah added there could be engineering planning and costs in obtaining the WAWA permit that RDC offered assistance with. Derrah noted the Glenn Group gave an estimated cost of $37,000 to $50,000.
Derrah said Dan Glenn of the Glenn Group has been in talks with the Department of Environment and Local Government, and he indicated there’s a chance the permit cost could end up at around $5,000.
Council approved a motion to move forward with the engineering planning and costs to obtain a WAWA permit
up to $50,000.
Town approves Alwright Court street lights
Hartland council approved five street lights on Alwright Court during a regular council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Mayor DeMerchant said the cost per year for five street lights would be $972.45.
Derrah explained that a request had come to council to add street lights on Alwright Court, as the street is dark after the Irving gas station closes at 11 p.m.
Derrah said council should add a “whereas statement” to avoid precident and opening the town to requests to do the same for other town streets.
Following discussion, council settled on adding “whereas significant commercial development is taking place on Alwright Court, which will increase Hartland’s annual property tax revenue.
Public Works Director Jed Giberson told council the 10 current street light poles go
from the stop sign at the entrance to Alwright Court, and extend to a development that will house Hartland Agromart upon completion.
Council approves grant applications
Hartland council approved a municipal grant of $500 to support the Saint John String Quartet.
Derrah said the request came from Peter Hyslop, requesting support for the Saint John String Quartet to come to Hartland from Feb. 28 and March 1.
Derrah said the quartet will spend Feb. 28 with Hartland Community School students, with a concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church.
The following day, the quartet will perform for kids at the Dr. Walter Chestnut Public Library, with proceeds going to the HCS Fine Arts program.
Council also approved a grant for Hartland Helpers to put on a glow skate at the Day & Ross Community Centre on March 1
during the usual public skate at 6:45 p.m. The group also requested support from the town by waiving the rental fee.
Council approved a motion to approve the grant along with in-kind support through a free rental.
Town approves signage for farm market, funding for seating at waterfront park Hartland council approved a motion to install signs for the Hartland Farmers Market in the downtown area and purchase and supply up to $2,000 in material for the Hartland Community School to construct up to four picnic tables and benches.
Hartland Clerk Michelle Derrah said Emily Nigro had made a presentation to council at the January 14 meeting asking staff to install signs she would provide, as well as provide additional seating with picnic tables and benches at the pavilion park site on Main Street.
Coun. Sam Walton noted the picnic tables and benches would be good for the school’s carpentry class. Street light request at town intersection tabled Council put aside a street light request for the intersection of Glass Road and Rockland Road until more conversation and research can be done.
Mayor DeMerchant said NB Power had determined a light could be installed on an existing hydro pole, with a cost of $194.49 per year.
Coun. Sam Walton said the person who made the request was concerned as “he has had people come down the hill, go through the stop sign, and end up in his yard.”
Walton said there could be other options, such as improved signage. He suggested further discussion at the town’s February Finance and Infrastructure meeting.
The motion has the signs installed at the pavilion and the Dr. Walter Chestnut Public Library.
TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL
Indigenous News and Features Sponsored by Wotstak (Woodstock) First Nation
First Nations, Holt Liberals on verge of new tax deals
Province begins meetings with Indigenous groups to work out new agreements
By John Chilibeck – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner
First Nations in New Brunswick are close to cutting new taxsharing deals with the Holt Liberal government, but the large title claims in the courts for all the province’s territory could still take years, if not decades, to resolve.
Unlike the previous Progressive Conservative government, which cancelled the decades-old tax agreements and mounted a spirited legal defence against the Wolastoqey Nation’s Aboriginal title claim, the Liberals are trying to see eye-to-eye with Indigenous leaders.
Meghan Cumby, a provincial spokesperson, said government officials have been meeting separately with both the Wolastoqey and Mi’gmaq nations to discuss new tax agreements.
“These negotiations are proceeding with a government-to-government lens, and we are committed to that approach,” she wrote in an email. “It is our collective goal to see agreements in place for April 1, or at least retroactive to April 1.”
The sides are negotiating two separate tax-sharing agreements - one for the six Wolastoqey communities that hug the St. John and Tobique rivers in western New Brunswick, and the other for the nine Mi’kmaq communities near the eastern coast.
Patricia Bernard, the chief of Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, told Brunswick News that discussions with the Liberals have been fruitful. When elected last October, the Liberals promised to forge a better relationship with Indigenous communities.
“Talks are progressing,” said the leader of the small community tucked beside Edmundston in northwestern New Brunswick.
Former premier Blaine Higgs axed the decadesold agreements in 2023, arguing they created an unlevel playing field between First Nations and encouraged Indigenous communities near the Trans-Canada highway, like Madawaska, to compete unfairly with other New Brunswick businesses.
Unique in Canada, the deals were worth close to $50 million annually.
Higgs didn’t like them because the benefits weren’t spread between the First Nations equally or based on their population sizes, and because they bled provincial coffers of revenues.
Madawaska and St. Mary’s First Nations, for instance, have businesses within thriving cities and both accumulated more than $100 million each in the last 18 years of the deal, whereas Tobique, with a bigger population but located near the tiny community of Perth-Andover, only collected $1 million.
As an alternative, the Higgs government tried to forge new economic partnership agreements with First Nations that would see the province spend money on priorities within those communities, but only five of 15 signed on. Many chiefs bucked what they perceived as paternalism.
Under the old agreements, a First Nation received 95 per cent of funds collected from provincial sales, tobacco and fuel taxes, along with gaming revenues, from businesses on their reserves, for up to $8 million annually.
Any revenue collected above $8 million would see the First Nation collect 70 per cent, with the rest going to provincial coffers.
The idea was to promote self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial success in Indigenous communities, whose on and off-reserve population is close to 18,000.
Bernard predicted that the new formula would be similar.
“What needs to be understood is the purpose of these agreements,” the chief said. “That was what was lacking with the previous government. Why are these agreements here and what’s the purpose? It isn’t just the province saying, ‘Oh, we’re being nice.’ There’s a legal basis for them.”
Bernard, a lawyer by profession, said that according to the federal Indian Act, in force since 1876, Indigenous people and reserves are under federal, not provincial, jurisdiction, raising implications for how revenues are raised on First Nations.
“The province of New Brunswick doesn’t
meddle in Nova Scotia or P.E.I. or Quebec’s jurisdiction. That’s their jurisdiction. So that basic understanding of the jurisdictional separation has to be the basis of these agreements.”
She also pointed out that Canada was a signatory of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and that one of its articles was the right to selfdetermination and selfgovernment, including the “means for financing their autonomous functions.”
Bernard is tired of hearing some non-Indigenous people say that First Nations are leeching off other taxpayers. She said the old tax-sharing agreement was not the province sharing revenues with First Nations, but the other way around.
“It saddens me that people can form an opinion without being informed. It’s very important to make your opinions based on the correct information. Education and understanding are key. Ask yourself, ‘Why is this happening?’ Dig deeper and you will find out the legal basis.”
She said the revenues would benefit many Indigenous communities by providing funding for roads, infrastructure, housing, education and health services, without the province telling them how to spend the money.
On the Aboriginal title front, the chief said she wasn’t sure if the case would keep dragging on in court. Three industrial defendants - J.D. Irving, Limited; H.J. Crabbe and Sons; and Acadian Timber - are challenging a lower-court ruling in front of the Court of Appeal.
Until that’s resolved, the Wolastoqey Nation won’t drop its lawsuit.
But she said even if her side and the Liberals agree to talks on the claim, it could still take years, if not a decade or longer, to resolve, given what’s at stake. The Wolastoqey claim encompasses 60 per cent of the province’s territory, mostly on the western side.
She said her Indigenous nation wants to come up with a document like the one the Haida Nation and the Province of British Columbia signed in April of last year that
recognizes that the Haida Nation has Aboriginal title to all of Haida Gwaii, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, an area of about 10,000 square kilometres.
That’s about one-quarter the amount of land the Wolastoqey leaders have claimed in New Brunswick.
“Negotiation is preferable to litigation,” she said, pointing out that both sides had probably already spent $1 million each in legal fees.
The provincial government under Higgs had fought for private lands to be taken out of the title claim. Bernard said it would be premature to say whether her side would still try to get access to the industrial defendants’ land or profit from it.
“I can’t answer that at this point,” the chief said. “The first thing to do is to sit down, nation-to-nation, and ask what the province and we are bringing to the table. What’s the legal basis and how can we move forward?”
She acknowledged negotiations could take a long time.
“It will take years, possibly decades. It isn’t going to be easy. It’s not like a simple tax agreement where you’ll have an end date within a year. Not with title.”
Terry Richardson, the
Wotstak
chief of Oinpegitjoig or Pabineau First Nation, said the Mi’kmaq nations and the province have set up a working group to negotiate a new tax agreement.
The working group includes the Mi’kmaq chiefs, representatives from MTI, or Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn, the nonprofit organization representing the communities, and provincial officials.
“We’re not calling it a tax agreement, by the way. We don’t look at it that way. We look at it as economic reconciliation with the goal of self-government.”
Richardson said the idea is to strike a deal that’s beneficial to both Indigenous communities and provincial taxpayers.
He referred to a 30page report by Fred Lazar, a business professor at York University in Toronto, commissioned by his community and presented to the Higgs government in 2021. It showed that First Nations in New Brunswick had lower rates of employment, higher rates of unemployment, and less economic growth than other Canadian communities. Lazar wrote that a key instrument to making these communities more self-sufficient was to allow them to retain tax revenues, which have a spillover effect, driving
more economic growth.
The academic used examples from across Canada to show that First Nations with more taxation powers have thrived economically.
“If First Nations prosper, everybody prospers,” the chief said. “Just look at the numbers. The numbers don’t lie.”
Richardson said his own personal goal is to see the need for the agreements to one day fade away.
“I don’t want us to be wards of the state,” he said. “At some point, I’d like it to roll back, with most of the revenues going to the province. Obviously, the agreement is meant to grow the economy of the First Nations. But once our economy is stable and we have much higher revenues flowing in, we wouldn’t even need these tax agreements.”
The Mi’kmaq Aboriginal title claim, which includes the entire eastern half of New Brunswick and overlaps the Wolastoqey claim, is still before the court. It’s much earlier in the process, having been filed last year, whereas the Wolastoqey first filed in 2020. Richardson and Cumby, the provincial spokeswoman, said both sides remain interested in having discussions and putting a halt to litigation.
Sakum Tim Paul:
“It’s a new relationship – government to government.”
When asked about Premier Susan Holt’s approach to Indigenous issues, Wotstak Sakum Tim Paul is blunt.
“It’s like night and day,” he starts, comparing New Brunswick’s first female premier to her predecessor, Blaine Higgs.
“People still don’t understand what we need, what we want,” said Paul. “They still believe we’re out to take peoples land, and property. We are just looking for economic independence.”
“Reconciliation comes in many forms. There is economic reconciliation, and social reconciliation. The important thing is having the difficult conversations, and she (Holt) is up to having the difficult conversations. That’s the only way we can achieve reconciliation.”
In her first 100 days in office, Paul said Premier Holt has had face-toface meetings with leaders and is
willing to negotiate in good faith.
“It really is a new relationship,” said Paul. “There was no relationship with Blaine Higgs,” he added.
“This is a welcome change.”
Paul said there is hope again in the Indigenous community regarding self-determination.
“That’s all we want, to be the ones who decide our own destiny. In the past, we were always told what to do and how to do it. Her approach is very collaborative.”
Paul also pointed to the respect he’s seeing on both sides of the table.
“Tax sharing agreements help everyone,” said Paul. “Just ask the contractors who helped us build houses, and the ones who installed our water and sewer lines here. Our success ensures the community succeeds.”
Paul said he is looking forward to having a new tax agreement for his community.
RIVER VALLEY SUN
N.B. team claims Pond Hockey Championship for fifth time
Aces dominate My Muscle Trencania from
By Mark Rickhard
AFredericton-based squad defeated all opponents to hoist the Goodwill Cup for the fifth time, trying the World Pond Hockey Championship record for the most wins on Sunday.
The Aces, including players Dave Myles, Alex Leduc, Stacy Smallman, Peter Boyd and Dave Crossman, cruised to an easy 9-6 win over My Muscle Trencania from Slovakia. In the women’s division, The Bras from Grand Falls, with players Janie Leblanc, Amelie Dion, Kaylee Madore, Gabrielle Forget and Floriane Dion, beat the Budweiser Healthy Scratches from Halifax by a score of 9-4.
“This is number five for me… Every year gets harder because every year I’m getting older,” said Dave Myles, Aces’ team captain.
“We had two new members on the team this year and I thought we had great chemistry. It took a couple of games to get a good feel for it.”
The Aces, along with along with 10 other teams, cruised through the four-day tournament with five wins and no losses. The top 32 teams then played in Sunday’s elimination round for the championship – a gruelling hockey marathon of five games in one day for the final two teams.
“It’s the highlight of my year to come back here and see this amazing event. To be
able to win is something special because it’s a hard-fought battle,” Myles said. “It’s 10 games to the end and it’s a definite grind. The team that can play the smartest and is in good shape can win, with a little bit of luck on your side as well.”
The Aces’s fifth win ties the record achieved by the Acadian Boys, another new Brunswick squad.
Eighty men’s teams and six women’s squads from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the United Arab Emirates, Canada and the United States competed in the event. Organizer Danny Braun said it was a great comeback after the 2024 championship was cancelled because of warm weather.
“It was a great tournament. The challenge initially was Mother Nature and if we could hold the event, but at the end of the day Mother Nature gave us perfect pond hockey weather,” Braun said. “We had huge crowds on Saturday to see some great hockey action, and lots of people attended Sunday to see the championship games.”
Braun said pond hockey souvenirs sold out by Sunday afternoon, and on-ice and arena food and beverage sales were brisk.
Braun said the Sunday’s audiences were treated to some great hockey action, and many fans cheered the cup remaining in New
Brunswick after travelling to Europe for several years.
“Everyone seemed to have a great time. The organizing committee will meet for a debrief in a few weeks to suggest changes and make plans leading
into 2026,” he said. The tournament started Thursday, Feb. 20, with an opening ceremony at the Phil Sharkey Memorial Centre at 5:30 p.m., followed by an Olympic-style evening parade of athletes to Roulston Lake. The
opening concluded with a fireworks display before players laced up their skates for games under the lights Thursday night, day and evening on Friday and Saturday, followed by Sunday’s championship rounds.
The tourney, which was created in 2002 to help raise money for a new arena and recreational facility in Plaster Rock, has generated more than $800,000 toward that goal. The Phil Sharkey Memorial Centre opened in 2007.
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Stop by
chat with the team (L to R) Greg MacPherson, Senior Financial Advisor, Melissa MacKenzie, Office Manager, Jacob Tompkins, Associate Advisor, and Beth Ruff, Client Service Manager.
The Aces from Fredericton won the World Pond Hockey Championship in Plaster Rock for a fifth time Sunday, tying the record for the most pond hockey wins. Aces team members Dave Myles, Alex Leduc, Stacy Smallman, Peter Boyd and Dave Crossman were joined by RCMP officers and Rolly the Roulston Lake Moose to celebrate the win. (Submitted photo)
The Bras from Grand Falls beat the Budweiser Healthy Scratches from Halifax by a score of 9-4 to win the women’s division at the 2025 World Pond Hockey Championship in Plaster Rock. Players Janie Leblanc, Amelie Dion, Kaylee Madore, Gabrielle Forget and Floriane Dion were joined by RCMP officers and Rolly the Roulston Lake Moose to celebrate the win. (Submitted photo)
NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS
Perth-Andover Book Club
The club offers friendly and lively discussion on recent novels. Meetings are held at the Perth-Andover Library at 2 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. Find them on Facebook under Perth-Andover Book Club.
Chase
the Ace
Support the Perth-Andover Legion Branch #36. Chase the Ace is held on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Legion, Squeaky’s, Lewis Pharmacy, Total Looks by Gaile, Mr. B’s, Grant’s Service Centre, Marty’s Electric, Shelley’s Shears, Mary’s Bake Shop, Arthurette General Store, Bodin’s, Rosebudz, and Tobique Tobacco.
VGM Without Walls: Chair Yoga
Enjoy chair yoga every Wednesday at the Victoria Glen Manor starting at 10:30 a.m. You must register to attend. Call 506-2730203 to register.
Mother’s Day Painting Raffle
The Juniper Community Centre is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a beautiful painting, the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Tickets cost $2 for one and $5 for 3. The draw date is May 11. Ticket purchases will be put towards the Juniper Community Centre. Call (506) 425-3085 to purchase a ticket or e-transfer junipercommunitycentre@gmail.com. Be sure to leave your name and number.
NHL Legends Tour
The Northern Carleton Civic Centre is hosting the NHL Legends Tour on March 29 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Come out to watch NHL Legends compete against a local alumni team. Find all the details in the ad located on page 3 of this newspaper.
Business Support Expo
On March 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., support providers will be at a business support expo at the R. G. “Bun” Veysey Centre. The expo will teach business owners and future business owners the ins and outs of running a successful business.
Carleton Co. Spring Show and Sale
From April 7 to 9, there will be a Spring Show and Sale at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre. For updates, follow Carleton County Spring Show & Sale on Facebook and Instagram, or for more information, email ccsss1953@gmail.com or call (506) 391-6338.
Drawing with Stephen Hutchings
The second Thursday of the month at the River Art Centre, 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $10. Everyone is welcome, suitable for beginners and experienced drawers. Go to the mccainartgallery.com
Clay Drop-in with Jenna Ross
Upcoming dates for Clay Drop-ins at the River Arts Centre, 8746 Main Street,
Florenceville-Bristol, will occur on March 20, April 3, and May 1. Veteran sessions are March 27, April 24, and May 29. $5 to bisque, $10 to glaze. Contact Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery for more information.
Open Fitness Hours
Starting March 1, the Day and Ross Community Centre fitness hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Saturday to Sunday. The Fitness Room will be locked on weekends and require access from staff. Fitness memberships cost $25 per month.
Hartland Council Meetings
The public is welcome to attend Regular Council Meetings, which are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Hartland Town Hall. The Committee of the Whole meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The Council reviews any topics that may require more research so it is ready to make decisions at the Regular Council Meetings. The public is also welcome to attend the Committee of the Whole meetings.
Open Fitness Hours
The Day and Ross Community Centre’s fitness hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday through Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Fitness Room will be locked on weekends and require staff access. Fitness memberships cost $25 per month.
Notification System
Sign up for Hartland’s Notification System to receive emails, voice messages, or text messages about announcements or events. Visit the Latest Notices section on the home page to sign up, or call 506375-4357 ext. 211 to give your details to someone to enter on your behalf. www. townofhartland.ca
Winter Dance
There will be a dance during the Maritime Snowmobile Championship Race weekend, on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the AYR Motor Centre. Tickets cost $20 per person.
Special Pops Dance
On Thursday, March 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Dance Party for those with special needs at the AYR Motor Centre in the Gallery Room. For more information, email caitlin.allison@woodstocknb.ca or call (506) 325-4302.
Milestone celebration
St. James United Church in Woodstock is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada with a “Sharing the Music “concert on Sunday, March 30, at 7 p.m. The congregation is inviting the community to join them in their celebrations. If you wish to participate (by
performing), contact the church office at 506-328-6114.
Saint Patrick’s Day Dance
On Saturday, March 15, starting at 8 p.m. at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club, there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Dance. There will be special drinks, giveaways, and a performance at 9 p.m. by The Door Yard Drifters. Advance tickets cost $15, and at-the-door tickets cost $20.
Rotary Club Magical Masquerade
On April 12, from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the AYR Motor Centre, there will be a Masquerade Dance. With live music by The Other Guys, and the main event, The Big Bad Party Band. There will be $19,000 in cash draws, including the grade prize of $15,000. Tickets must be paid by March 26; early birds can win $1000.Contact (506) 325-3033 or (506) 325-4302 for more information.
Community Bingo
Bingo will be held on March 18 and April 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Meductic Community Centre. It is a great way to spend time with friends and family.
45’s and Card Games
Looking for a fun way to spend your evening? On March 20 at 6:30 p.m., the North Lake Community Centre will host a card games party.
Benefit Fundraiser for Peggy Foster
On March 22 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the North Lake Community Centre, enjoy ive music and entertainment by Country Connections and Friends, as well as a variety of desserts served with tea and coffee. Funds will go toward Peggy’s medical expenses.
Kids Winter Fun Day
On March 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a Kids Winter Fun Day at the Debec Women’s Institute Hall. This is a great way to get your kid outside and have fun! A cartoonist will be on site.
Atlantic Argonauts Soccer Club
Registration for the Atlantic Argonauts Soccer Club, for ages 3 to 18, opens March 15. The club runs in Harvey, McAdam, and Nackawic-Milleville. Coaches and volunteers are needed. If you or someone you know is interested, contact info@argonautssoccer.ca. To register, visit the Soccer NB website.
Free Tax Prep for low income people
If you are a single person with an annual income of $40,000 or less or a couple with a household income of $50,000 or less, call Jenifer Morgan at (506) 4638151 or email nackawicareawellness@ gmail.com to make an appointment with a trained tax specialist.
SHARE YOUR EVENT
Contact your municipal office to list your event with their events calendar.
TREASURE TROVE WHIMSY WONDERS CURIOSITY BAZAAR
Join us at the Woodstock Community Y located at 145 Connell Park Road 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays Upcoming dates include: April 5 & 26 May 3 & 31 June 7 & 28
Where imagination meets craftsmanship. StOP BY & MEET AN eclectic mix of local vendors.
For more information or to book a table please email: hollyfish104@gmail.com
Carleton North
Woodstock
Nackawic-Millville
Lakeland Ridges
SUNNY-SIDE UP
ECONOMY
Did you KNOW?
•The stock market concept is more than 400 years old. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange was created in 1602.
• Since 1980, more than 53 per cent of trading days have resulted in positive gains for the stock market.
• Before 9/11, the New York Stock Exchange was open to tourists.
•There are three stock exchanges in Canada - the Toronto Stock Exchange, the TX Venture Exchange, and the Canadian Securities Exchange.
•Statistics Canada noted that in 2022, one in three Canadians had invested in the stock market.
RVS TONGUE TWISTER
Money makes many men meet many more money-minded men.
CARLETON COUNTY Colloquialisms
By John Morris
boughten \’baw-ten\ adj - Used with reference to anything that is not home-made, such as “boughten bread,” “boughten doughnuts,” or “boughten tapes”; “No, Grammie didn’t knit those mittens, they’re boughten.” The term “store-bought” is occasionally substituted for boughten.
Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.
YOUTH ZONE AFTER SCHOOL DROP-IN
BABYSITTING COURSE
For youth ages 11 years and up
Learn basic first aid skills, how to make a child’s environment safe and enjoyable, how to handle emergencies with confidence, how to cope with common problems like tantrums and crying, etc.
Date: Friday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $45
Limited spots available! Register by calling 506-325-4302 or email amcreception@woodstocknb.ca
325-3993 or (506) 325-4988
BRONZE CROSS
COST: $50 DATES: May 9 to 12 PREREQUISITE: Bronze Medallion National Lifeguard with Standard First Aid
COST: $100 DATES: April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3, 4 PREREQUISITE: Age 15, proof of completing Bronze Cross or Lifesaving ID code
For more information or to register for either course call 506-325-3993 or 506-325-4988
FREE SWIMS
First Sunday of every month, sponsored by Highlift Auto. Third Sunday of every month, sponsored by Woodstock Fire Dept.
FREE EQUIPMENT RENTALS
We’ve got FREE Snowshoe and snow tube rentals! A variety of sizes for 50 lbs. + up Based on 1 day rental. First come first serve basis MUST BOOK IN ADVANCE Call 506-325-4302 or email amcreceptionwoodstocknb.ca
THE WOODSTOCK BOXING SPORT CLUB
Intro to Senior Boxing
RVS SUNSHINE KID
Meet Bryer Kevin Robert Crouse, the little brother of three older sisters. Bryer is now a busy ninemonth-old who is on the move and telling endless stories. He is famous for always having a smile on his face and perfectly styled hair. This little snuggle bug has been the best addition to his family.
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.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day is coming! Order at agelessnb.ca or email theresa@agelessnb.ca or call (506) 324-5700 GIFT CARDS ARE AVAILABLE!
The District of Carleton North is delighted to announce that the art project for the R.G. “Bun” Veysey Centre has been awarded to Alanna Baird for her proposal called “Quiet Spots.”
“Quiet Spots” is a series of colourful wall panels that flow around the perimeter of the walking track, just as the river flows through
the community and the people using the track flow in and around the activities of the Veysey Centre.
The bright rainbow of colour chosen for this project is playful. The circles soften the industrial structure of the space while the material (acoustic felt) softens sounds.
How was this art chosen? It was a very
competitive process. All three proposals (by Karen LeBlanc, Cat Candow, and Allana Baird) were strong, unique, and creative, making the Selection Committee’s choice tough.
The committee received extensive feedback from centre users and thanked everyone who dropped by to look at the models and share their thoughts.
Spots’
‘Bun’ Veysey Centre in
(Submitted photo)
Snow Blast 2025 was a ‘blast’ in spite of storm Crisp, sunny weather and a variety of events delight residents
By James Ness
Crisp, sunny winter weather, hotdogs over campfires, toboggan races, community, and more – this was Snow Blast 2025!
The three-day winter fest took place on February 15, 16, and 22 in Florenceville-Bristol, Bath, and Centreville. Despite a severe winter storm hitting the area that weekend, the event continued; however, one day had to be rescheduled to the following weekend.
“We had a bit of a lower turnout on some days because of the storm”, said Sharon Johnson, organizer, and Tourism, Heritage, and Culture Manager for the District of Carleton North. “But for those who showed up, it was obvious that everyone had an awesome time and really made the best of it.”
Snow Blast day one started with a bang - or rather, a fire, as youths competed to be the first to
make a successful campfire and boil water. While others chugged hot chocolate courtesy of the Rotary Club, got their faces painted by the “Groovey Girls,” and treated themselves to taffy in the snow, the Carleton North Stars took to the ice.
Michael Edwards from Fredericton’s Science East was also on hand with an array of information about snow and snowflakes—the perfect booth for Snow Blast.
Day two of the event continued despite the rough weather. It included free outdoor skating, a free ski at the Outdoor Valley Centre, and a family magic show. Ray Anderson wowed the crowd with a wonderful show of hypo-magic.
Despite day three being delayed until the following weekend, the most anticipated event, the Cardboard Classic Sled Challenge, was a huge
hit. Children ages 4-8 and 9-12 got to try their homemade sleds against each other. The catch? Everything had to be made from cardboard, tape, and basic household items—no skiis or crazy carpets allowed!
“I’m really happy with the registration we had this year,” said Johnson. “It’s amazing to see all the creativity and effort that goes into each sled. Everyone in the crowd watching really gets into it, cheering them on as they race or wiggle down that unforgiving hill!”
Overall, regardless of the weather, the weekends’ were a wonderful representation of the Carleton North community spirit.
“The vibe was warm and fun, with great people and plenty of memorable moments,” said Johnson.
For more photos from the event, visit www.rivervalleysun.ca
Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines! Contestants line up for the Cardboard Classic. (James Ness photo)
Laurali Tribe says hello from inside her cardboard sled. The Cardboard Classic is one of the most popular events at Snow Blast. (James Ness photo)
The Groovy Girls provided free face painting for children and adults during Snow Blast celebrations. (James Ness photo) Snow
Down but not out: An unidentified Cardboard Classic racer crawls out of his creation at the finish line. (James Ness photo)
Adam O’Donnell knows you can’t have Snow Blast without a few grilled dogs to warm your belly. (James Ness photo)
Obituaries, Memorials & Announcements
Thomas Guy Hierlihy 1941 – 2025
Alife
well-lived and wellloved, Tom passed away as he lived his life, gently and peacefully, with family at his side.
Born in Edmundston, New Brunswick to Herb and Jessie and welcomed by big sister Joan, Tom had a fun-filled, loving childhood full of escapades and family. It is also when his love of golf first began.
He attended Mount Allison University, where he made lifelong friends and met his life partner and love, Sue (nee Gillis). Married in 1963, shortly after graduating, they soon welcomed Cathy, Lynn and John, of whom he was so proud. He did not miss a single activity of theirs or later of his grandchildren’s. Many hot chocolates were enjoyed and friends made in are-
nas everywhere, on soccer fields, at school plays and recitals. No child or grandchild had a bigger fan or champion. Tom started his career straight from university at KPMG’s predecessor, Riddell Stead Graham and Hutchison in Halifax. He earned his CA designation three years later and became a partner in 1972. Tom spent eight years in the Montreal office, where he and his family lived in PointeClaire; then, in 1978, they relocated to Oakville when Tom joined the National Office in Toronto. Later, he led the tax practice in the Mississauga office, and following that, he specialized in International Tax, working out of the Toronto office. He retired in 2003.
Tom served on KP-
MG’s first elected Partnership Board for several years. He was a member of the Toronto Regional Council as well as a member of the firm’s Tax Practice Committee. He was a CICA Tax Course lecturer for many years and sat on the CICA’s Tax Courses Committee.
A busy executive and family man, Tom still found time to serve on many community committees and boards, such as the United Way of Oakville, Canadian Red Cross NS division, Mount Allison University, Mississaugua Golf and Country Club, Community Foundation of Oakville, Renascent Foundation, St John’s United Church and Oakville Hydro while still maintaining a 10 handicap.
A true gentleman, Tom
valued integrity, fairness, honesty, community and, above all else, family. He would quietly help anyone in need (and was a canvasser’s dream at the door), impart wise advice when asked and do anything for his family. He will be dearly missed by Sue, Cathy, Lynn and John; son-in-law Todd Carter, daughter-in-law Christin Moss, and his cherished grandchildren Matthew (Liz) and Sarah Carter; Ben, David and Rachel Hamburg; and Aiden and Charlotte Hierlihy; and by sister Joan and her husband Reverend Brian Gee, sister-in-law Sally Caldwell and husband Ed, brother-in-law John Gillis and wife Shari, and dear cousin Kathy Mullin, her husband Blake and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family gives immense thanks to the incredible staff of 5B at Wellbrook Place.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 29, 2025, from 12 to 2 pm at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club. The family is establishing a scholarship in Tom’s name at
Mount Allison University. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tom Hierlihy Scholarship by going online at www. mta.ca/donate, by phone at 1-866-890-6318 or by mail to University Advancement, Mount Allison University, 62 York Street, Sackville, NB, E4L 1E2.
Police provide details about incident at NBCC Police operation centred on man in crisis
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Woodstock Police Force (WPF) said officers took one person into custody following an incident at the NBCC Woodstock campus on Tuesday morning, Feb. 25.
Police announced the arrest in a social media post shortly after 11 a.m., a little over an hour after posting a notice asking the public to avoid the NBCC Woodstock campus.
“This operation has now been concluded. Woodstock Police Force has one person in custody, and there is no risk to the public. We would like to thank the RCMP for their assistance with this matter,” the WPF posted.
In a social media press release on Wednesday, Feb. 26, WPF Chief Mark Bennett provided more details about the operation.
“On Tuesday, Feb. 25... the Woodstock Police Force assisted by the RCMP, responded to a 36-year-old male
in crisis near the New Brunswick Community College. The individual, who was armed with a knife, had stopped in the area where a large police presence was conducting a training exercise,” he said in the release.
Chief Bennett said that despite the coincidental timing, WPF and RCMP officers safely deescalated the situation, and the male was apprehended without incident or injury. He also thanked the RCMP for their cooperation, saying this “potentially dangerous situation was resolved peacefully.”
After the man was safely taken into custody, he was transported to the Upper River Valley Hospital for medical evaluation and later released.
It was noted that after his release, he was placed in police custody on unrelated charges. Initially, it was believed the police operation at the college was related to a training exercise, but
Chief Bennett noted that was not the case in this instance.
Students leave NBCC after the WPF asked people to stay away from the Woodstock campus on Feb. 25 due to a police operation in the area. (Theresa Blackburn photo)
The feeling of home in an active retirement community. That’s Riverside Court! We take care of everything! Call Emily at (506) 325-7501 to arrange a tour today!
870
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!
Red Neck Curling returns after year’s absence
By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
With jugs of windshield cleaner and a wide array of brooms, five teams hit the ice of the Debec outdoor rink for a fun day of Red Neck Curling on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Club 540 added its name to the Red Neck Curling Championship trophy, defeating defending champion Rock Hard Jugs in the final. Rock Hard Jugs captured the title in 2023 as weather issues forced the cancellation of the 2024 tournament.
The other teams were the Sliding Stones, Slip
Curler Shawn Ralston accepted the MVP plaque, named in honour of the late Ashley Orr, who loved the unique sport focused on fun and community spirit. Orr’s wife, Jocelyn Graham, presented the plaque.
The Sliding Stones embraced the fun-filled atmosphere of the annual event, earning the Best Dressed for Fun Award, with Rock Hard Jugs earning second spot.
The Debec Recreation Council sponsored the event, and several
unteered their time and effort to make it possible. Members Donna Carson, Win Davies, Gladine Berry and Dani Williams worked in the Debec Community Park canteen, while Cindy Moser and Tori Anderson provided volunteer help throughout the event.
The event’s continued success is a result of a community effort.
The Debec WI hopes to become more involved in the future, suggesting plans to promote an allgirl team at next year’s event.
— With files from Tam
Club 540 accepts the 2025 RedneckCurling Championship Trophy. Team members are Charlie Lavigne, Bobby Arsenault, Bobby MacFarlane and Evan Kozoriz. (Tammey McLean photo)
Jocelyn Graham presents the Ashley Orr Memorial MVP Award, named in memory of her late husband, to Shawn Ralston. (Tammey McLean photo)
Kass Johnston points to the jug that ended closest to the button. (Tammey McLean photo)
Tawnya McComb sets a target for a teammate at the Red Neck Curling Championship in Debec on Feb. 22. (Tammey McLean photo)
A decade of art and community
Creek Village Gallery & Café turns 10,
By Paul Twyford
Adecade ago, a vision for a communityfocused art space took root in Woodstock. Today, Creek Village Gallery & Café celebrates its 10th anniversary, reflecting on its journey, challenges, and the unwavering support of local artists and the community.
The story began when the O’Toole Gallery artists & Celtic Fox Coffee House, originally in Grafton at Kerry O’Toole’s, needed a new home. Determined to sustain a space for local artists, Suzan Carsley, Donna Smallenberg, and Paul Twyford searched for the perfect location. They found it in the former Pizza Delight building on Connell Street, which is full of potential
but needs significant renovations.
Meanwhile, Carol and Amanda Trizna sought to establish a café. The two groups connected and formed a partnership thanks to Darren Johnson’s suggestion. Together, they envisioned a space that combined an art gallery with a welcoming café, leading to the birth of Creek Village Gallery & Café. Former O’Toole Gallery artists were invited to join this exciting venture.
Renovations required months of hard work, financial assistance from BIA, and recruitment of new artists.
Finally, on April 1, 2015, Creek Village Gallery & Café officially opened.
From the start, Creek Village Gallery
has been a nonprofit cooperative, offering local artists and artisans a space to showcase and sell their work. With an initial roster of 32 artists, the gallery has maintained a strong presence in the community, prioritizing local talent and fostering creativity. Today, 35 artists contribute their work, ensuring a dynamic, ever-changing display.
Creek Village Gallery’s success is driven by its cooperative members. Artists volunteer as directors, cashiers, and bookkeepers and handle advertising, maintenance, and event planning. This collective effort keeps the gallery thriving. A highlight of its mission is the Young Artists Spotlight, sponsored by Greg
celebrates with April 1 event
MacPherson, which provides emerging artists with exposure and experience.
The café has also played a vital role in Creek Village’s identity. Committed to a “farm to table” approach, it supports local farmers and sustainable agriculture. All food is made onsite, including its popular homemade bread. The eatery also offers organic fair-trade coffee and specialty espresso drinks while providing a cozy space for visitors to enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals. Catering services and take-out options further expand its reach.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Creek Village Gallery & Café will host a special event on Tuesday, April 1,
Fire destroys home under renovation
High winds, frigid temps make firefighting difficult
By Jim Dumville – LJI Reporter
AMonday evening blaze on Feb. 17 destroyed a mobile home under renovation on Scott Siding Road near Canterbury.
Canterbury Fire Department Chief Mike Furrow said members of his department, with mutual aid from the Meductic and Debec fire departments, battled the raging fire through high winds and bitter temperatures. He said the blaze destroyed the structure.
Furrow said the owner recently purchased
the used mini home and placed it on a lot on Scott Siding Road, approximately seven kilometres from Canterbury. He said the owner was doing major renovations and had worked on the mini-home earlier in the day, but no one was there when the fire broke out. He said the owner had not restored electricity to the building. Furrow said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
He said a snow-plow driver noticed the fire when passing by at 5:35 p.m.
Furrow said the structure was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived on the scene, with flames coming from both ends of the trailer.
“The high winds spread the fire fast,” he said.
2025. The festivities will feature anniversary cookies, cupcakes, and a signature “Anniversary Latte” at the café. Guests can enjoy live music, enter prize draws featuring artwork from gallery artists, and see the unveiling of a new featured artist display.
As Creek Village marks this milestone, it extends heartfelt gratitude to the community for its unwavering support. The gallery and café have thrived thanks to the passion of its artists and the patronage of art lovers who believe in the power of local creativity. Here’s to the next decade of art, culture, and community in Woodstock!
Lovingly Remembered
In loving memory of Marion Lawson who we lost 18 years ago on March 12, 2006. There will always be heartache and often a silent tear
In a social media post, Chief Furrow thanked the strong turnout of firefighters and the support of others, including the Ladies Auxiliary as they battled the elements to subdue the blaze.
We shall cherish those precious memories of the days when you were here Remembering you is easy, we do it ever day But missing you is a heartache that never goes away
With love, and remembering you always, Willard and family
The structure was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived on the scene on Scott Siding Road, near Canterbury. (Submitted photo)
Cutting the ribbon in 2015. The Creek Village Gallery & Café in Woodstock celebrates a decade on April 1. (Submitted photo)
Kylie Fox brings acclaimed album ‘Sequoia’ to Connell House
RIVER VALLEY SUN
Based in Fredericton, Canadian singer/ songwriter Kylie Fox hits stages in a dozen Atlantic Canadian venues on her ‘There Are Only So Many Great Nights’ tour. Accompanied by a bandmate, Fox will share the stories behind the songs, many of which delve into themes of gratitude toward the women in her life, the environment, relationships, and herself. Concertgoers can expect to hear whimsical flute solos, three-part harmony, quiet
acoustic moments, and a captivating voice.
Opening for Fox in Woodstock is rising star Iris Lloyd from Hartland, who (alongside The Martin Boys from Red Bridge) will compete for $1 million in the upcoming season of Canada’s Got Talent.
Fox’s Woodstock performance will be at Connell House on Thursday, March 13. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit kyliefox.ca.
SCAMS: DON’T TAKE THE BAIT!
By Cherie Linder
As we are all aware, prices in Canada are rising. Statistics show that in 2023, over 1.1 million working Canadians held down more than one job. For some, it is a choice, but for many, it is the only option if they want to pay their bills. A second job might look like teaching music lessons in the evenings or working 18-hour days in two jobs. These long days take a toll on us both mentally and physi-
CHAMBER NEWS AND VIEWS
By Chamber Members
Happening Now
Well, it’s that time of year when we have been planning our AGM. I know that makes you want to skip reading the rest of this. An AGM is boring!
We hope to change that boring stereotype and that you’ll join us this year. Of course, we have
Employment scams: “Trust, but verify,” – Ronald Regan
cally. Many jobs are found through online ads and job sites such as Monster, Workopolis, and Indeed. An added stress in people’s search for extra work is the number of scammers posting jobs. Even reputable job boards are bombarded with ads that look like actual companies, regardless of how actively they monitor and filter the new job postings. Impostors will pose as a company or an affiliate. They may present themselves as a hiring agency that offers information that can help you optimize your chances of getting a good job. They often try to get money by charging you fees, banking, and personal information. Employment scams rose during the pandemic. Many employers were
moving to remote hiring, and fake job recruiters began posting online on social media and paid platforms. They created fake social media pages and LinkedIn profiles. Regardless of how platforms analyzed these scams, many still passed through. Always check the posting history of the page that you are viewing and the number of hits or followers. Many create fake websites and make them look very professional. Things to look for:
Upfront fees and purchases: You should never be asked to pay for a job. If someone wants to hire you immediately and requests money, it’s a scam. Reputable employers will not request your banking information before your hire.
If a potential employer
sends you a cheque, and you are asked to deposit it to your account and return a portion of the money through a money-transfer service, it is a scam. They may disguise this as a sign-on bonus. Cryptocurrency may be deposited into an account, but you will not have the ability to withdraw the funds. Do not be a money mule contributing to the illicit business of money laundering.
Equipment purchases — A legitimate company may ask you to provide equipment for a remote position, such as a laptop. However, no one should ask you to pay directly to purchase equipment for you to use.
Urgent hires: Although there are times when companies need employees, they will not hire you
without asking questions, requesting credentials and interviewing you. Please do your research. Verify company information by checking their official website. Use their contact information to verify that the job offer is legitimate. Protect your personal and banking information. We face chal-
Cherie Linder is an administrative assistant with the Woodstock Police Force. She collaborates with Community Resource Officer Cst. Shaun Kimball for this column.
Chamber news: AGM info and a profile of VP Margie McGuire
some business to take care of, but we will keep that quick.
Are you new to town and want an opportunity to meet other business professionals? Would you like to promote your new or existing business? Have you lived in town forever and have no idea what the chamber does? Would you like to provide group health benefits to your employees or your family?
There are many reasons to join the chamber. One reason many members cite is having access to a comprehensive health plan. I’m going to highlight quickly that even if you are a ‘oneperson show,’ you can become a member and
get member health benefits. You get the savings of being part of a group health plan even if you are a solo entrepreneur. Spread the word!
Want more details? Chamberlain Wealth Management will present at the AGM and help us all understand the benefits of a Chamber group health plan. They are also bringing refreshments, so you are welcome to come just for the snacks, too!
Join us for our AGM.
We are open to members who are curiousminded. It takes place on Wednesday, March 26 at 6 p.m. at NBCC. There will be light refreshments and an opportunity to network and meet other
business owners. There will be a tour of NBCC and a change to learn about member benefits. You do not have to be a member to attend. Come for information, snacks, or to meet board members.
Chamber Highlights
We have some introductions for 2025! A big welcome to our new board members - Karen Lawrence of Soul Healing Space, Melody Dickinson of Woodstock Sanctuary House and our new Executive Director Josh Laverty of FPS Media. PSSst, we still have room for you to join the board. Our new recruits jumped in for the February meeting, and some exciting things are on the horizon.
Member Profile
Meet our Vice President, Margie McGuire, owner of Fashion Today on King Street in Downtown Woodstock. Margie has a passion for revitalizing our downtown. She is proud to have been part of the Night Market initiative and how market planning really brought the board together.
Margie has been a long-standing Chamber member, winning both Business of the Year and Women in Business En-
trepreneur of the Year. We are grateful for her expertise on the board. Here’s how to get in touch with us: Visit our website at www.gwcc.ca Find us on Facebook: Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce
You can always email: info@gwcc.ca
Greater Woodstock Chamber members will be sharing business news and special features here every other month.
lenging times and work too hard for scammers to add to our hardship. Stay safe.
BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES
By Linda McHatten
The snow is blowing, and the sun is out, but I can still dream and plan my bumbles for 2025. There are just a few more weeks before the trails are open, and the fun begins for another season.
One thing in common with all the guys and gals that join us on any particular bumble is “food.”
IBy Julie Stone
t’s March, the third month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars and has 31 days. In the Northern Hemisphere, the meteorological beginning of spring occurs on March 1.
It is also Irish Heritage Month with Saint Patrick’s Day. (Patron Saint) occurring on March 17. Noel Nason and Jim Grennan will be entertaining the folks at The Gathering
Dreaming of summer bumbles
We try to have potlucks on some of our bumbles, and believe me when I say “potluck,” I mean there is more food than we can eat – anything from chilli, beans, salads, hotdogs, hamburgers, sausages and anything in between. Oh, I must not forget the desserts. For other bumbles, we have our own lunch. There are always those who have yummy treats to share. We often will have lunch at a pub or restaurant or take out in communities we can travel through. One of those communities is Nackawic.
On July 27, we unloaded at Pembroke Hall (23 ATVs with 13 people) and bumbled to Nackawic for lunch
at the Waterfront Pub and Eatery. The weather was warm and sunny as we bumbled through Car Siding, Millville, and then onto Nackawic. We stopped along the way to stretch our legs. The laughing and storytelling told it all. Everyone was enjoying themselves. We arrived at the pub hungry. When we arrived, all I can say is WOW - what a reception we got! Our tables were all set up with place settings and even glasses of water, and the ladies and gentlemen were ready to serve us. I called the day before to make reservations and then again about half an hour before we arrived to give them a heads-up. The food was
outstanding. The laughter and storytelling continued, and the staff were right there, joining in with us.
Our bellies were full, but we could not leave Nackawic without taking everyone across the bridge to Yum Yums, where the scoops are as big as the axe! It was relaxing eating our ice cream and watching the boats travelling up and down the river.
As the saying goes, “all good things come to an end.” It was time to climb back into the buggies and head back to Pembroke. We bid farewell to Gary and thanked him for joining us, and we bumbled back through the town to connect with
the trail. What a wonderful day! Thank you to the people in the town of Nackawic for your hospitality and for allowing us access to your downtown. Until next time, happy trails!
Events, exchange-student opportunities, and missing Gerald
Place at 2 p.m. on that day.
March 8 is International Women’s Day, and the 14 is Commonwealth Day. We welcome spring in March, usually between the 19 and the 21 of the month.
Clocks spring ahead on March 9, and the month is known for its cold winds. Folklore says that if March comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion and vice-versa. Hope you enjoy the month for whatever reason you may have. Volunteer of the Month
The Volunteer for the Month of March is a relative newcomer to our community.
Tom Tompkins of Southampton is the lead for the Wheels
to Wellness program. Not only does he keep the appointments straight, but he also drives clients.
Tom supports other initiatives within Wellness, including helping with food preparation for our senior meals and working at the Community Bingo and Breakfast.
We appreciate all that you do, Tom, and are happy you choose to reside in our community. Thank you for your volunteer work.
Cribbage Tournament
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #27 will host a Cribbage Tournament on Saturday, March 22.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the games begin at 10:00. The cost is $40 per team with room for a
maximum of 20 teams. Teams pay at the registration desk.
This event is popular, so get your teams together soon to see who can chase the pegs past the skunk and up to the winning mark.
Exchange Students
This school year has been great (best ever) for the Nackawic High School (NHS) International Student Exchange Program.
At various times throughout the year, NHS has hosted 13 students from eight different countries. It is now the time of year when host families must be identified so that plans are all in place before the students arrive.
Hosts can opt to take students from September to Janu -
ary, February to June or for the whole school year. Visiting students live with the host, attend regular classes at NHS, and participate in family, community and extracurricular activities during their stay.
There is a financial incentive of approximately $850 per month to help compensate for the extra expenses of welcoming a guest into their home.
If you want to host an international student for the upcoming school year, please get in touch with Sean Newlands at 506-5756041 or at sean.newlands@nbed,nb.ca.
Remembering Gerald
On February 27, a crowd assembled at The Gathering Place to honour one of the centre’s first and most
frequent visitors. Gerald died a few weeks ago of a lingering illness, but that did not stop him from making his nearly daily visits. It was a delicious lunch that featured all of Gerald’s favourite snacks, especially the sweets.
The wellness group prepared and served lunch. Those in attendance chatted and shared their personal stories of the Gerald they knew, and to a person, all memories were of a kind, generous, coffee-drinking or napping guest who was loved by all.
You will be missed, Gerald!
Linda McHatten
The ATV group was warmly greeted by staff at the Waterfront Pub and Eatery in Nackawic. (Linda McHatten photo)
IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING
By Jane Jones
When world events gets you down, count your blessings
When life gets all political and topsy-turvy, here’s what we’ve learned to do: we get thankful and count our blessings. Over the past couple of months, there have been many reasons why we’ve been so grateful and are feeling so blessed here at the Carleton Manor. Here are just some of the blessings we’ve counted recently: Volunteers who helped us undecorate Christmas throughout the entire manor!
Playing card games and learning new games with staff, friends, family and volunteers!
Singing our hearts out during Karaoke! Our rendition of Amazing Grace will bring tears to your eyes!
Musicians who share their talent with us and sometimes get us up on the dance floor! Gary and Bob; Monday Gospel Musicians; the fabulously talented Louise Beers; the ukulele group; Gerald Gavel; and everyone who sits at our piano and tickles those ivories!
McDonald’s social hour – packs a happy crowd every time!
Seeing NBCC and WHS students up and down the halls, gaining hands-on experiences in various departments throughout the manor!
Bus outings and shopping! And, of course, our bus drivers and helpers!
The Ladies Auxiliary and all other beautiful souls who keep donating, visiting, and volunteering!
Our competent, capable and lovely staff who are always there to care for us and nourish our bodies and souls (and sometimes jump on the dance floor with us)!
Jane Jones is a mom, wife, business owner and volunteer who lives in Woodstock.
Left: Jane P. is the lucky Valentine’s Day prize winner at the McDonald’s Social.
Right: Ruth H. shows off her crafting skills. (Submitted photos)
Puppies as Bingo prizes?! No, but they were a thoughtful surprise. Their visits always brighten our day. (Submitted photo)
Brian S. was one of the Valentine’s Day crafters and is pictured here with his creation. (Submitted photo)
By Judy Cole
COURT NEWS
A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court
Limestone man awaits sentencing Riley Cowper, 20, of Limestone, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody by video on March 3 and changed his plea to guilty on two charges related to a violent attack on another local man. A sentencing date was set for April 22 at 1:30 p.m.
RCMP charged Cowper with attempted murder by using a hammer and a wrench to assault Rodney Butler, mischief causing property damage to a car window, uttering threats, and robbery of a vehicle in connection with an incident on Aug. 10, 2024, at Jackson Falls.
He pleaded guilty to the lesser included offences of indictable assault with a weapon and indictable theft of a motor vehicle. The crown withdrew the remaining two charges.
Cowper was arrested on Aug. 13, 2024, and ordered to have no contact with Butler, who was treated at a hospital for injuries and later released. Cowper waived his bail and has been in custody since his arrest.
On March 3, the court heard Cowper and Butler met at a swimming hole called the rock quarry on Critter Road outside of Woodstock. Butler was drinking that evening, so Cowper offered to drive him home to Bulls Creek. They left together in Butler’s vehicle around 10:30 p.m.
Much to Butler’s surprise, Cowper drove to a farm in Jackson Falls owned by his employer Danny Metherall. Cowper told Butler the vehicle was low on gas, got out of the car and went into a shop nearby. Cowper then yelled for Butler to “come check this out.”
As Butler walked into the shop, Cowper struck him on the head, face and arms with a hammer and wrench. When Butler cried out, Cowper said, “shut up,” so Butler played dead on the ground. Then he saw Cowper reaching for a bigger hammer.
Butler got up and ran back to his vehicle, but Cowper had the car keys. He followed Butler and used the hammer to smash out a window in the car. Butler then fled on foot and hid in a nearby cornfield while Cowper yelled for him to come back.
After the attack, Cowper went to Metherall’s
residence and informed his boss he had “taken care of Butler” by beating him with a hammer. Cowper then left the property in Butler’s car.
Shortly after, Butler showed up at Metherall’s door covered in blood. He said Cowper tried to kill him. The police were called and Butler was taken to hospital. Blood was found on the tools and the shop floor.
Butler’s vehicle was later found burned in Fredericton, and his cell phone was located in Carleton Park on the city’s north side. Cowper turned himself in to the police.
RCMP officer elects judge and jury trial
Constable Christopher Sorensen, 44, a member of the Woodstock RCMP, will be tried by judge and jury on charges of theft and one breach of trust.
Sorensen was scheduled to appear in provincial court on Feb. 24.
Defence Counsel Bruce Phillips of Moncton entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf and told the court Sorensen was electing trial by judge and jury at the Court of King’s Bench. A date for his trial will be set on the next Motion’s Day on April 1.
The police officer 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 SiRT investigation was launched in April 2024.
Nine months in jail for assault
Andrew Pelkey, 43, of Plymouth Road, was sentenced to nine months in jail when he appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Feb. 20 for a series of domestic violence assaults.
Judge Karen Lee also placed him on 24 months of probation and ordered him to register with the federal DNA database. A 20-year prohibition on firearms was also imposed. In addition, Pelkey must attend counselling for mental health and alcohol abuse. All guns seized by police during the investigation were forfeited to
the crown.
“I trust that as you stated you will learn your lesson from this incarceration,” Judge Lee told the accused.
Lee said Pelkey’s actions involved “profound and sustained violence” over a period of weeks that caused significant physical and psychological harm to his former partner.
“I feel horrible and I would take it back if I could,” Pelkey said before hearing his sentence. “It’s in the past and I’m no longer that person. I’m a better person now. I’d like to better my life and live peacefully with everybody.”
Pelkey told the court he had been through detox and treatment for alcohol addiction and wanted no further contact with the victim. He was facing eight charges and pleaded guilty to five of them on summary conviction. He pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon (a belt, bottle and stick), assaulting a woman by choking her, uttering threats, pointing a firearm at another person, and careless use of a gun. He had a limited prior criminal record.
Three other charges of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (BB guns and a pellet gun), assault, and willfully causing pain to a dog by shooting it with a pellet gun, were withdrawn by the crown at sentencing. The woman told police two dogs were shot and killed by the accused, but Pelkey refused to admit it. She said she finally fled the home and hitchhiked to safety.
The court heard the charges involved a series of violent domestic assaults between Feb. 1, 2023, and March 21, 2023, at Richmond Corner. The woman suffered head and facial injuries, bruises to her arms and back, and a cut on her leg.
She was kicked, beaten with a leather belt and belt buckle, and hit over the head with a stick of wood and a plastic liquor bottle. Pelkey also pulled her hair, choked her on the living room floor, put a knife to her throat, and tore her clothes.
During one incident, he shot the victim with a BB gun. One other morning, she woke up to a beating when he smashed her in the teeth. She finally went to the police and told them his violent attacks were es-
calating, and she feared for her life.
Police arrested Pelkey when an emergency intervention order was issued to remove him from the home. Five firearms (BB guns and a pellet gun) were found in the residence and were seized by police.
The woman told the crown it took a month for all of her injuries to heal, and she still suffers from headaches. She has no further contact with the accused and attended court with family members who were seated with her in the gallery.
Pelkey also pleaded guilty to failing to appear in court on Dec. 19, 2023, and breaching his release order by violating curfew on Sept. 30, 2023.
He told the court he wore an ankle bracelet for two years after his arrest and was the subject of public scrutiny as a result of the charges laid by RCMP.
Perth man handed 99 days in jail
Mitchell LaFrance, 26, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court on Feb. 13 for sentencing on two charges laid by RCMP. He was sentenced to 99 days in jail and was placed on 12 months of probation.
LaFrance pleaded guilty to breaching an undertaking by failing to comply with a no-contact order at East Brighton on Oct. 2, 2023.
He also pleaded guilty to criminal harassment for incidents between Aug. 28 and Sept. 25, 2023, in Lower Brighton, involving the same female complainant. The court heard he tried to contact the same female victim hundreds of times by phone, text message and on Facebook. The crown withdrew a threat charge.
LaFrance was taken into custody on a new charge of breaching his release order for an incident on Jan. 24 in Edmundston.
At a previous court appearance, he pleaded not guilty to other offences and a trial date was set for Jan. 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
LaFrance appeared in court in custody by video on Dec. 16, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him in connection with an alleged breach of his house arrest on Dec. 7, 2024. He pleaded not guilty.
RCMP also charged LaFrance with breaching
These pages contain some of the court coverage we provide for the community. Find all court stories at rivervalleysun.ca
a no-contact order for an incident on Sept. 21, 2024, at Florenceville-Bristol. He also faces a charge of assault causing bodily harm involving a female victim stemming from an incident on July 19, 2024, at Carlingford. He pleaded not guilty.
90 days in jail for domestic assault
Hilton Romeo Fredericks, 26, of Kirkland, was sentenced to 90 days in jail or time served when appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Feb. 26 on charges related to domestic assault.
Judge Sebastian Michaud also placed him on 18 months of probation and ordered him to seek counselling for mental health and drug addiction. He remains in custody on other matters in Fredericton.
Fredericks has been in jail since May 2024 following remand for aggravated assault on a minor in Fredericton on March 21, 2023. His trial is set for March 10-14 in Fredericton Provincial Court.
In Woodstock, Defence Counsel Wanda Severns told the court Fredericks struggles with serious mental health issues and drug addiction. He had no prior criminal record as a result of a conditional discharge.
Fredericks pleaded guilty to assaulting a female victim between Jan. 14 and Jan. 22, 2024, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew a second assault charge.
The court heard about a domestic dispute between the accused and his former girlfriend at a residence in Woodstock. The woman told police Fredericks pushed her, lifted her off the ground, yelled in her face, pulled her hair, and wanted to trap her in a bedroom. He also kicked in the bathroom door and produced a razor blade, slitting his wrist and then holding the blade to his own throat. He was arrested by Woodstock Police and detained under the Mental Health Act.
In her victim impact statement, the woman said Fredericks was abusive and ruined her life. She wanted no further contact with him or his family.
“You have ruined everything,” she said in her written statement to the court.
He also pleaded guilty to breaching an undertaking by violating a nocontact order on Jan. 23, 2024, and breaching
a release order (no-contact) on April 6, 2024, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew another breach charge on April 13, 2024. Fredericks agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond related to a charge of assaulting another man on April 2, 2024, in Woodstock. The peace bond will result in that charge being withdrawn.
Fredericks appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 7, 2024, and was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was later arrested in Fredericton.
Pair charged in shooting at Mainstream Patrick Harris, 40, of Fredericton, and Tamara Hamilton, 30, of Woodstock, are both facing charges following a shooting in Mainstream on Feb. 17. They will both appear in provincial court on March 11 at noon.
Harris appeared in court in custody by video on Feb. 27 when his bail hearing was adjourned to the new date. He told the court he was also awaiting a hearing on a breach charge in Fredericton. Hamilton was released on Feb. 20 with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle. She was placed under house arrest with a curfew at a residence in Woodstock. She appeared in court in custody on Feb. 27 after arriving late for court. Her matter was adjourned to the new date, and she was released again.
Harris was charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited (a sawed-off shotgun), discharging a firearm at a place while reckless as to whether a person was present, possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition without a licence, wearing a mask with intent to commit an offence; uttering threats against another man, breach of probation, pointing a gun at another person, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, and being an occupant of a vehicle (a half-ton truck) knowing it carried a firearm.
Hamilton was charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited (a sawed-off shotgun), possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, discharging a firearm at a place while reckless as to whether a See COURT on pg. 27
COURT
Continued from page 28
person was present, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition without a licence, and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun.
The pair was arrested by RCMP inside a garage in Pembroke after a blue half-ton truck was spotted leaving the scene of the shooting in Mainstream on Feb. 17.
Two arrested for indictable robbery
Larry Shane Kennedy, 50, of Kirkland, and another local man, Joshua Sterling Trail, 41, of Benton, appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Feb. 18 on indictable robbery charges laid by RCMP.
Kennedy was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He returns to court for plea on March 13 at 9:30 a.m. Trail waived his bail until later and was remanded to jail to await his plea on March 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Kennedy and Trail were each charged with indictable robbery of a motor vehicle on Feb. 5 at Wostak (Woodstock First Nation), illegal possession of a firearm (a Russian SKS semi-automatic rifle), and improper storage of a gun concerning another incident on Feb. 16 at Kirkland. Trail was also charged with fraudulent impersonation at Richmond Corner on Dec. 9, 2024.
279 days or time served, house arrest
Emily McSheffrey, 27, of Waterville, appeared for sentencing in provincial court on Feb. 18 after changing her plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP and Woodstock Police.
McSheffrey pleaded guilty to break and enter at a camper, theft of a TV, and breach of probation for an incident at a camper trailer at Connell Park in Woodstock between April 8 and April 16, 2024. She also pleaded guilty to shoplifting at the Superstore on March 21, 2024.
She was sentenced to 279 days in jail or time served for these offences and was ordered to pay $604 in restitution for the stolen TV.
The court heard McSheffrey and a co-accused, Gary Kilcollins, had been living in the camper trailer for about a week when they were caught on a video camera and then spotted inside the motor home by Woodstock Police.
In addition, she pleaded guilty to assault involving a male victim, mischief causing property damage to a residence, and breach of probation concerning an incident on April 27, 2024, at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation). She received three months of house arrest for this offence.
She also pleaded guilty to assaulting another man and breach of probation for another incident on May 4, 2024, at Killoween. She received a suspended sentence and 18 months of probation and was ordered to seek counselling and treatment for drug addiction. McSheffrey had a prior criminal record.
McSheffrey was released from custody with conditions in November. She told the court she planned to enter a rehab facility in Montreal but was still waiting to go when she returned for her sentencing hearing on Tuesday.
Charged with being ‘peeping tom’
Derrick Roy Goodine, 67, of Oxbow, Victoria County, will appear for trial in provincial court on Jan. 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to charges related to being a peeping tom.
Goodine appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 6 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was charged by RCMP with prowling at night, secretly observing a female person without their consent, and breach of probation for an incident on Jan. 2 at Florenceville-Bristol. The charges were amended to delete allegations about a visual recording.
Five months in jail for fraud
Jacob Perley, 34, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), was sentenced to five months in jail when he appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 25.
Perley pleaded guilty to fraud under $5,000 in connection with 13 cheques, totalling $1,527, deposited into his bank account via digital transfer between June 11, 2022, and Sept. 16, 2022. The court heard the cheques were part of a sophisticated forgery scheme involving several individuals in the community. The band office was defrauded of $67,000 when a social services cheque was copied, altered, and deposited multiple times by a number of different people who were using online banking over cell phones. The Bank of Montreal later reimbursed the band office.
Perley has a prior criminal record. He was denied bail and remanded on Feb. 20 in connection with a separate incident involving the alleged kidnapping and assault of a woman at Neqotkuk in April 2024.
Three months house arrest, probation
Delta Joy Bowmaster, 46, of Arthurette, was handed three months of house arrest and 12 months of probation when she appeared in provincial court on Feb. 25 for sentencing on an impaired driving charge laid by RCMP.
Bowmaster was also fined $100 and banned from driving for two years. During her house arrest, she will be able to attend work.
She was charged by RCMP with impaired driving, impaired driving causing bodily harm, and reckless endangerment involving a minor following an incident on May 11, 2023, at Odell.
The crown withdrew the original charges and replaced them with a charge of impaired driving causing bodily harm and driving with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit. Bowmaster pleaded guilty to driving with a blood alcohol limit over the legal limit, and the remaining charge was withdrawn.
On Tuesday, the court heard Bowmaster was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Route 390 at Odell around 7:15 p.m. A young child was travelling as a passenger in the backseat. When police arrived, Bowmaster was sitting on the side of the highway. She told police she swerved to avoid hitting a moose. The child was not injured in the mishap.
Judge Karen Lee ordered Bowmaster to seek counselling for alcohol addiction, noting her blood alcohol reading was almost three times the legal limit. Bowmaster had no prior criminal record.
Nortondale woman fined $1,300
Kayley Ann Briand, 23, of Nortondale, appeared in provincial court on Feb. 14 for sentencing after pleading guilty to an impaired driving charge. She was fined $1,300 and was prohibited from driving for one year.
Woodstock Police charged Briand in connection with an incident on May 17, 2024, in Woodstock. She had no prior criminal record. The court heard she was charged following a collision on Connell Street. Fine and jail time for
hunting offence
Tristan Dale Trafford, 29, of Tracey Mills, was sentenced on March 4 to seven days in jail, to be served on weekends, after pleading guilty to one charge laid under the Fish and Wildlife Act. He was also fined $2,400. Conservation officers charged Trafford with hunting bear during a closed season following an incident on Sept. 24, 2024, at Rustine Lake in York County. The crown withdrew two other charges. He had no prior record.
House arrest, probation for assault
Garrison Cane Perley, 34, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court for sentencing on March 4 after pleading guilty to two charges of assault. He received six months of house arrest and 18 months of probation.
Perley pleaded guilty to assault by choking involving a female victim and assault with a weapon (a knife) in connection with an incident on Oct. 14, 2023, near Perth-Andover. The crown withdrew another charge of assault.
As part of his sentence, he was also ordered to register with the federal DNA database and was prohibited from weapons for five years. Perley will be able to attend work during his house arrest.
The court heard details of a violent domestic dispute at an apartment where the accused attacked a woman while he was heavily intoxicated. Police arrived and found the premises trashed, and the accused left the building with a laundry basket full of his belongings.
Defence Counsel Alex Carleton said Perley was remorseful for his actions and undertook counselling and treatment for alcohol abuse. He was gainfully employed and has been sober for the past year.
Fined $1,950 for impaired driving
Baily Timothy Wilson, 20, of Bedell, appeared for trial in provincial court on Feb. 19 and changed his plea to guilty of impaired driving.
Woodstock Police charged Wilson following an incident on Sept. 23, 2023. He was fined $1,950 and prohibited from driving for one year. Suspended sentence, probation
Roger Powers, 63, of Wapske, received a suspended sentence and 18 months of probation when he appeared in
provincial court on March 3 to be sentenced on an assault charge. He was also fined $100.
Powers appeared for trial in provincial court on Nov. 27, 2024, after pleading not guilty to sexual assault. He pleaded guilty to common assault, and the crown withdrew the sex charge. RCMP charged him with an incident on June 3, 2023, in Plaster Rock. He had a dated prior criminal record.
Charged with trafficking
Jacob Richard Sewell, 34, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court on March 4 and pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges.
Sewell was charged with two counts of trafficking in cocaine in connection with incidents on April 24 and May 2, 2024, in Woodstock. His trial date was set for Feb. 19-20, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also set for Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m.
Sewell was also charged with uttering threats and assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a female victim, stemming from an incident on Sept. 27, 2024, at Wotstak. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for Feb. 6, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Sentencing adjourned Edward Hayes Jr., 29, of Benton, appeared for sentencing in provincial court in custody by video on March 4 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by the RCMP. At the request of his defence counsel, his sentencing was adjourned until March 18 at 1:30 p.m.
Hayes pleaded guilty to refusing a breathalyzer demand, resisting arrest, assaulting two police officers, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, assault causing bodily harm on a female victim, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and driving while prohibited in connection with an incident on Aug. 27, 2024, at Centreville.
At an earlier court appearance, Hayes also pleaded guilty to flight from police and breach of probation, shoplifting at the Superstore in Grand Falls on May 24, 2023, and breach of probation on March 14, 2023, in Grand Falls. His sentencing was adjourned to March 18 at 1:30 p.m.
Fined $1,300 for impaired
Dallas Adrian Bernard, 24, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared for trial in provincial court on Feb. 27 and changed
his plea to guilty on an impaired driving charge. He was fined $1,300 and prohibited from driving for one year.
RCMP charged Bernard following an incident on Nov. 17, 2023, near Perth-Andover. Assault outside Woodstock Legion
Takoda Louis Lee Christian, 19, of Woodstock, formerly of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation, appeared in provincial court on Feb. 25 to answer three charges laid by Woodstock Police. His matter was adjourned for plea until April 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Christian and a co-accused, Hannah Dawn McGuire, 18, of Woodstock, were each charged by Woodstock Police with aggravated assault, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident following an incident outside the Royal Canadian Legion in Woodstock on Nov. 14, 2024, around 8:55 p.m. Police were called to the scene and a man was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
McGuire appeared in court on Feb. 25 for plea and her matter was adjourned until March 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of her defence counsel. The pair was arrested on a warrant while attempting to cross the Woodstock-Houlton border on Dec. 20, 2024. They were held in custody for a bail hearing on Dec. 23, 2024, and released with conditions. Sentencing rescheduled
Collin Francis Bear, 35, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared for sentencing in provincial court on Feb. 26 after pleading guilty to an assault charge laid by RCMP.
His sentencing was adjourned until March 19 at 9:30 a.m. to allow for the submission of a victim impact statement.
Bear was charged with assault, two counts of assault with a weapon (an axe and a mirror) involving a female victim, possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence (an axe) in connection with an incident on Aug. 26, 2023, at Neqotkuk. He appeared in court in custody for a bail hearing and was released with conditions.
On Nov. 21, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a weapon (an axe and a mirror) and the remaining charges were withdrawn by the crown.
Hockey legend excited to be a part of Legends of Hockey tour
NHL stars set to take to the ice in Florenceville-Bristol March 29
By Andrew McCormick
Bernie Nicholls retired from the National Hockey League almost 25 years ago. However, his love for the game remains in its prime.
Nicholls will be part of the “Legends of Hockey” Tour, making another stop in Carleton County at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre in Florenceville-Bristol on March 29. The puck will drop at 6 p.m.
The author of “The Pumpernickel” goal celebration, Nicholls is expected to be accompanied by accomplished ex-NHL’ers such as Chris “Knuckles” Nilan, Brian Skrudland, Rick Vaive, Rich Sutter, Darius Kasparitis and Ron Duguay, among several other former stars.
The River Valley Sun reached Nicholls at his parents’ home in Halliburton, Ontario. He said he is eager to be part of the Atlantic Canadian tour
this year.
“I’ve been to the Maritimes several times with this group and we love seeing the smiling faces of the kids and parents,” Nicholls shares.
The tour stop acts as a local fundraiser. As an example, the 50/50 raffle for the event will see all proceeds go to Carleton Minor Hockey.
On Saturday, March 29, The Legends will conduct hockey clinics for Carleton Minor Hockey Association players. Minor hockey players must register online through the District of Carleton North Recreation Department.
For those with tickets to the evening game, doors open at 5 p.m. The Legends will take on a group of local hockey legends. General admission is $25 + HST.
The public can also purchase additional tickets for an in-game dress-
ing room visit of The Legends, which would take place at either the first or second intermission. Finally, there’s a post-game reception, allowing fans to take pictures with and obtain autographs from the likes of Nicholls, who tallied 475 NHL goals in his career. Tickets for the post-game reception are $50 and do not include admittance to the game.
As a player, Nicholls played in over 1100 games. His best season was with the Los Angeles Kings in 1988-89. Nicholls magically tallied 70 goals and racked up 80 assists. These out-of-this-world numbers place Nicholls in rare company as one of only eight players to score 70 in a single season. His 150 points are even scarcer among a group of only five players in league history to notch 150 points in one season. Although he has played in NHL All-Star
games and been a teammate of future Hall of Famers, when the River Valley Sun asked Nicholls for his favourite career highlight, he didn’t hesitate to recognize his family.
“From my early days, having my family share my joy of playing the game. I think of my Mom and Dad, now both gone, staying up late to watch my west coast games in Los Angeles from our home in Haliburton, It
feels good knowing I brought them joy watching me play,” he says proudly.
“Today, it’s seeing all the people we meet in the small towns and the kids’ faces which makes it the most fun. Having pictures taken and signing autographs, it never gets old. That’s what it’s all about,” Nicholls added.
Nicholls is an NHL goal scorer who became a cult icon of sorts after introducing his “Pumper-
nickel” goal celebration in April 1982.
“It was a game against Edmonton in the playoffs which we won 10 to 8. My team mate Bob Miller celebrated a goal earlier in the game and when I scored an empty netter to clinch the win, I went the length of the ice pumping my arms and fists. It stuck from there,” Nicholls states.
For those attending, it’s sure to be a Pumpernickel kind of evening.
T his year’s Maritime Snowmobile Championship Races (MSCR) in Woodstock had a few hiccups, but that didn’t hamper the weekend’s success for organizers, racers, and fans.
The 2025 MSCR were held from Friday, Feb 14 to Sunday, Feb 16. The races were scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. However, Sunday’s program was adapted to fit the forecasted snowstorm, which called for 30 to 40 cm
of snow starting Sunday and progressing into Monday.
“Some teams chose to leave early because of the storm forecast for Sunday, but we still managed to get the most of the schedule done,” said MSCR chair Kendall Leech
While this year’s spectator attendance was down due to weather conditions, MSCR was still able to sell 3212 tickets. The overall tally ended with 395 advance tickets sold (43 for Saturday, one for Sunday, and 351 weekend passes). ‘At the
door’ ticket sales also increased, with 171 purchased on Friday, 699 on Saturday, and 75 on Sunday, with 606 weekend passes sold at the event.
There were 88 racers registered for the weekend, with many local racers participating for the first time.
Sydney Hianes is a racer for the New Star team, a program started by Gord MacDonald to bring local racers to the oval track. This year was Haines’ first time driving and racing a snowmobile.
“It was a great ex-
Your participation allows us to buy the best equipment to help keep you safe!
perience that I look forward to continuing next year,” said Haines.
Due to some problems, Haines and her team had to tweak her sled on Sunday morning. Despite the weather and some sled malfunctions, Haines said the weekend went very well for her, seeing improvement with each race.
Haines says she is pleased with the track despite the mechanical rollercoaster ride.
“The track was in excellent condition, and the organizers did an amazing job with the event,” said Haines.
NHL Legends, including Bernie Nicholls, will take to the ice at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre on March 29. (Submitted photo)
Top: Fans line up for some warm food at the canteen. Crowds still showed up to cheer their favourite racers despite the weather conditions. Bottom: Racers from across Canada and from the New England states speed on the Connell Park Raceway oval track from Friday, Feb 14, to Sunday, Feb 16. (Paige Morgan photos)
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