Another street on Saint John's central peninsula is in line for a dedicated bike lane as the city pursues more ways for people to get around. 

Harvest’s first artist announcement of 2024 sets a high bar for this year’s lineup.  Matt Carter  Go big or go home. That seems to be the unspoken motto of Fredericton’s…

The post Harvest announces Victor Wooten, Jim Cuddy, Feist and Broken Social Scene appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Five local athletes ready to bring home the hardware from 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

Five Western Valley athletes head to Calgary for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games at the end of the month. The event runs from Feb. 27 to March 2 and will see over 4,000 athletes from across Canada come together to compete.

Marco Gauvin, Frank Long, and Joshua Cousins will compete in Floor Hockey, while Calvin Grant and Patti Connors will participate in Snowshoe Racing for Team New Brunswick.

Western Valley Special Olympics Regional Coordinator Debbi Graham said the team is ready. She’s also heading to Calgary as part of the mission staff with Team New Brunswick. Graham says her position is a full-time job where she gets paid in hugs and high-fives.

“We’ve been practicing with our snowshoers once a week since last fall, but have ramped it up to twice a week. Our last practice is the 25th, and we leave on the 26th,” explained Graham.

For some athletes, the games are more than just a chance to compete; this will be a life-changing experience.

“This is Calvin’s first time he’s been to nationals. It’s also the first time he’s travelled outside of New Brunswick and the first time he’ll be on a plane and the first time he’ll see a big city,” added Graham. “He’s really excited, but he really doesn’t know what he’s excited for, because he’s never experienced this, so it’s going to be special to experience this with him.”

Graham says this is ‘old hat’ for Patti Connors.

“I was looking at some of her older stuff today. Her speaking notes from when she came back from Dubai (Special Olympics World Games in 2019) she had 134 medals in her display case, so she’s now closing in on 150 medals,” explained Graham.

Connors, a Woodstock native, is Canada’s most decorated Special Olympian.

“These are professional athletes,” said Graham. “Some people have the impression that we’re just like a rec program, but we’re not. You’ll see Patti in her backyard training with her snowshoes doing laps with her dog. She works hard to keep fit. She keeps a diary of everything she eats and her activity each day. Each of our athletes train just like professional athletes. They work hard to get to go to these games.”

This is also Graham’s first national games experience. She’s hoping to witness the athletes have the time of their lives.

“The very first time I went to the provincials, I went as a bowling coach. At the end of the games, when the handed out the medals, one of the other coaches said to me, ‘do you have Kleenex in your pockets?’ When they started handing out the medals, the athletes were proud beyond anything I had ever witnessed. They were crying happy tears, their families were crying tears of joy. You see, in some cases, these are people that doctors said would never walk, or do this or that, and here they are, competing as an athlete and getting medals around their necks. It’s a powerful thing to witness. I know to have Kleenex handy now,” said Graham.

Graham said the Western Valley athletes recently received their team kits, with new uniforms, baggage, backpacks, and other travel items emblazoned with the Team NB logo. Team members are having a hard time waiting to wear the NB colours, but they know they need to keep them for the big reveal before they fly.

“They’re so excited,” said Graham. “They’ll get to experience the games, meet new friends, and have the time of their lives.”

The post Western Valley Special Olympians heading to Calgary first appeared on River Valley Sun.

About a dozen unhoused people camping on Waterloo Street, including Robin Monks, whose tent was set on fire Sunday night, are hoping for safer temporary shelter when a pilot program launches in a few days. But not everyone is happy about the news.

Moncton councillors gave the go-ahead Tuesday for various housing proposals, including an 18-storey tower downtown and a separate development off McLaughlin Drive that neighbours opposed.

Saint John police have released a video showing someone getting out of a car and quickly starting a fire at a homeless encampment on Sunday night.

Port Saint John sent American Iron & Metal a bill for more than $177,000 for costs to date related to the fire at the company's harbourside scrapyard last fall.

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As a Fredericton police officer awaits sentencing for domestic violence, the Fredericton Independent has learned two other members of the force are facing Police Act complaints as well.

But unlike the officer who admitted to criminal offences, those two other officers remain on the job.

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Second annual women-only snowmobile rally scheduled for March 16

When Zarla Gorton, a prominent member of her local snowmobile club, the Northern Lights Trail Blazers, noticed the lack of women in snowmobiling, she knew she had to do something.

That’s why, in 2023, she and others from her club put on New Brunswick’s first ladies-only snowmobile rally.

The first rally also acted as a food drive for the Valley Food Bank, leading it to be called The Grocery Run, with all 50 participants donating either money or non-perishable food as an entry fee.

The Run raised 163 pounds of food and over $1,200.

This year, however, with 36 women already registered, Gorton hopes to surpass last year’s total participants and the amount donated.

This year’s proceeds will go to Hartland Helpers, a local charity that feeds over 50 families in Hartland.

Participants will go on an 85-kilometre ride starting in Waterville, with Hartland serving as a short stop before looping back to the beginning, with other 85-kilometre loops being considered in case of bad weather. Throughout the loop, participants will occasionally stop and have a quick snack alongside other participants.

Drivers will stop at various other snowmobile clubs, with the Hartland stop staffed by Hartland Helpers to show thanks for the donations. The Grocery Run will be held on March 16, and people are encouraged to register on their Facebook page.

The post Grocery Run to feed families, encourage women sledders first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A backlog of family court cases involving child protection has finally been eliminated and the New Brunswick government is no longer missing legislated deadlines to get such matters before judges, a committee of MLAs was told Tuesday.

A 43-year-old man from Miramichi is dead after a single-vehicle crash in Oak Point, about 22 kilometres northeast of the city. 

Effective immediately, Woodstock residents in Ward 4 serviced by the Eastwood Water Tower, can use water without issue

The post BREAKING NEWS: Woodstock Boil Water Order lifted first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Mail and copper wire theft top discussion

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, three members of the Western Valley RCMP met with the District of Carleton North Council to discuss ongoing concerns regarding theft and crime rates in the region.

Leading the presentation was Sgt. Dan Sharpe. He immediately addressed concerns regarding the rise in mail and copper wire theft.

“It’s not a new crime,” said Sharpe. “It’s been rampant throughout the district for the last few years.”

He noted that mail and wire theft rates tend to go through “ups and downs,” with months without any incidents followed by months where it happens frequently.

Sgt. Sharpe said that in 2022, the RCMP investigated five cases of wire theft in the region, adding that that number jumped to 16 cases in 2023. So far, in 2024, there have been three investigations for the Western Valley detachment. He said rates are significantly higher for rural detachment areas such as Keswick, as the criminals know the risk of being caught is lower.

“It’s an enticing crime for them to commit due to the delayed response,” said Sharpe after explaining how criminals steal the wire. While the wire cutting does trigger an alarm for the company, Sharpe noted by the time the RCMP are notified and dispatched, the criminals are “long gone.”

Sharpe told councillors the RCMP is keeping an eye on those known to steal copper wire but said dozens are involved, so it’s challenging. He encouraged the council and community members to look for signs of someone being involved in wire-cutting, such as seeing a vehicle in the early morning with the rear end weighed down, carrying hedge trimming equipment, or if someone appears to have soot on them. Residents are urged to contact the RCMP immediately if anything suspicious is observed.

Sgt. Sharpe explained that the criminals are either unaware or do not care about the significant impact of copper wire theft on the community, disrupting essential communication services to hospitals, doctors’ offices, and businesses. He said the province is working on updating laws which will make it far more difficult for criminals to sell their stolen copper, which will hopefully discourage the theft.

In discussing Canada Post mail theft, Sharpe noted that this crime is also “rampant.” He assured the council that Canada Post is paying attention to where theft is occurring, and in areas that are seeing increased amounts, they are changing out the post office boxes to tamper-resistant ones.

“They’re not foolproof; they can still get into them, but it takes quite a bit longer,” said Sharpe, who noted that the increased time it takes to break into the boxes is a deterrent.

Sgt. Sharpe told councillors that criminals typically target government cheques since the mailing dates are common knowledge. He noted that the ability to create bank accounts and deposit cheques online now adds to the difficulty of catching the perpetrators.

“They create fake online bank accounts with fake information, deposit the cheque, withdraw the cash, and then close out the account. It’s very difficult to track the money,” said Sharpe.

While the RCMP is working with Canada Post to target known criminals, Sharpe noted that many people are involved, increasing the difficulty in tackling the problem. He pointed out that both crimes, mail theft and copper wire theft, are connected to the rising problem of drug use. Like wire theft, rates of mail theft are on the rise. Sharpe shared that in 2022, they completed nine investigations. In 2023, they completed 14; in 2024, there were “five or six.”

The conversation became somewhat charged after Mayor Andrew Harvey asked Sharpe if he could provide detachment availability and patrolling details with the council.

Sgt. Sharpe told the mayor he could not share that information as it puts their detachment at risk. He did assure Mayor Harvey that they are available 24/7 and that if they know an area is being targeted, they respond accordingly.

Councillor Angel Connor told Sharpe that she lives in a very rural area, and they only see RCMP presence if it is called in. Sgt. Sharpe advised that if residents feel the need for a patrol, they can call and ask for a proactive patrol of their area. He said if there is a specific concern, to give as much information as possible, such as the colour or make/model of a vehicle.

“We are intel-driven; we can only respond to what we know about,” he told her.

Mayor Harvey expressed his concern that having the RCMP based out of Woodstock makes it difficult for the District of Carleton North to receive adequate surveillance since they are the farthest away from the detachment, which is located in Woodstock.

“I don’t want my guys out driving around; I want them doing something. If you’re having a problem, call,” he told the mayor.

“Your calls are probably reducing because people are becoming complacent and jaded because at three or four in the morning, I don’t know if you’re on patrol at night,” Councillor Scott Oakes told Sharpe.

Sharpe acknowledged the frustration.

“We hear this complaint a lot,” he said, assuring Oakes and other council members.

“We have the resources. I have the members to deal with these calls, so just pick up the phone and call. If you’re calling and you’re not seeing a police car out in your yard, then call me directly. I have the resources to make sure those calls are going to be answered.”

RCMP Cpl. James Gallant, who was at the meeting with Sharpe, told the council that the RCMP also undergoes regular curfew checks with those who have been released and have ankle monitors.

“So I know we are out in the communities, checking, but we can’t be out in one specific community 24/7 like everyone would love. We just can’t do that,” said Gallant.

“You can be,” said Mayor Harvey, visibly frustrated. “We pay enough for policing that you can be doing this; you’re just not. If you’re just relying on intel and responding to that intel, then there’s no visibility in these communities. Why can’t you be doing patrols and still respond to intel?”

Sharpe told Harvey the RCMP does undertake regular patrols. However, being intel-driven, the areas they are told to go to are based on the intel they receive.

“We have the resources, just tell us where you want us.”

The meeting closed with Mayor Harvey thanking the officers for attending.

“We appreciate the work you do and the challenges that you have,” he said.

The post RCMP brief District of Carleton North council on local crime first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Fire broke out Sunday night at tent site on Exmouth Street. Platoon Chief Josh Hennessey says 12 firefighters arrived to find a tent in flames. No injuries were reported.

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A judge said a sex-offender registration order would have a disproportionate effect on a Waasis man who admitted to sexual assault, ruling such a measure wasn’t necessary in his case.

Stephen Molloy, 32, of Waasis Farm Road, pleaded guilty last year to summary counts of sexual assault and mischief causing damage.

Court heard last year that Molloy and a woman were engaging in what was initially a consensual encounter, but he then penetrated the victim’s vagina with his fingers and performed oral sex on her without her consent June 1, 2022. 

When she got upset, the offender damaged her cellphone.

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Don McAlpine was an outdoorsy, inquiring kid — the sort of born explorer who 'sprang from the womb with a bug net in one hand and a collecting jar in the other.'  

More than 50,000 New Brunswick households will be waiting until April or later to receive a $300 "affordability" payment promised in January, according to New Brunswick government estimates.

A Moncton man is attempting to break a Guinness world record for running a full marathon while juggling three balls. Joggler Jean-Marc Doiron can be the new record holder if he finishes the 42.2-km run in under two hours, 50 minutes and 12 seconds.

A local group is hoping to start a co-operative so that it can purchase part of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan junior hockey team. It was announced last month the northern New Brunswick team is up for sale.

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One defendant in a capital-region drug-trafficking case elected Friday to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty, but his jointly charged co-accused isn’t ready to make his choices yet.

Christopher Scott Phillips, 42, of Crouse Road in Zealand, and Maurice Chester Paul, 43, of Fredericton, appeared separately by telephone in Fredericton provincial court from custodial facilities Tuesday, scheduled to elect mode of trial and to enter pleas.

They’re accused jointly of possessing hydromorphone, cocaine, fentanyl, meth and Xanax for the purpose of trafficking; possessing a stolen 2021 Dodge Ram belonging to Kenneth Van Aarle; possessing break-in instruments; possessing of cash deemed to be the proceeds of crime; possessing of 22-calibre ammunition while prohibited by court orders; and breaching probation orders, all on Dec. 16.

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A Fredericton man discovered to have an elevated blood-alcohol level shortly after driving was fined and barred from driving after a judge dismissed his constitutional challenge Friday.

Jean Claude Nzisabira, 30, of Fieldstone Court, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Friday for a decision in his criminal case.

He faced alternate counts of having an elevated blood-alcohol level within two hours of driving, and operating a motor vehicle while his ability to do so was impaired by alcohol, alleged to have occurred May 30, 2022.

Previously, defence lawyer Ron Morris filed a Charter challenge in his client’s case, taking issue with new provisions in the Criminal Code of Canada that were introduced in 2018.

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Open house sponsored by rural community and Housing Hub N.B. draws significant interest

With the province and nation facing a severe housing shortage, the rural community of Nackawic-Millville has stepped up as a leader ready to meet the challenge.

On Monday, Feb. 12, Nackawic-Millville and the recently formed Housing Hub N.B. co-hosted a four-hour open house showcasing the community’s housing efforts and seeking feedback from its residents.

The ambitious development of a 47-acre parcel of town-owned land behind the Nackawic High and Middle schools was the event’s focus at the Nackawic Lions Club.

Nackawic-Millville Mayor Tim Fox, Deputy Mayor Greg MacFarlane, council members, CAO Kathryn Clark, York North MLA Richard Ames and Housing Hub N.B. Chief Development Officer Mylene Vincent and her staff helped guide the large crowd through the community’s detailed housing plans.

“We’re very pleased to see the turnout,” said Fox as he met and talked with the many residents who took advantage of the open house.

Vincent described Housing Hub N.B. as a non-profit organization formed last year by the province to help New Brunswick communities outside the province’s big-three cities develop housing plans.

“Nackawic is the first community we started working with,” she said, adding the Feb. 12 event was the first open house of its type anywhere in the province.

Vincent explained Nackawic launched its housing plan well before the creation of Housing Hub N.B.

“They’re a step ahead of most other communities in the province,” she said.

Vincent explained that turning housing plans into reality requires input from numerous levels, including three levels of government, consultants, contractors, several business sectors and eventual users.

“We help bring it together,” she said.

MacFarlane, a member of Nackawic council before the amalgamation into Nackawic-Millville, said the open house was the latest step in five years of work.

He explained the housing initiative as one part of the municipality’s development, which began with the establishment of Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation.

MacFarlane explained Destination Nackawic pursues several avenues of economic development in Nackawic-Millville, including the Marina project and housing.

The deputy mayor said the Destination Nackawic board and members quickly identified housing as a pivotal building block to the long-term growth of the community.

He explained entrepreneurs consider access to housing a key factor when establishing a business in a community. At the same time, MacFarlane added, a growing population provides an ever-increasing market for new and established companies.

He said the town set out several years ago to find available land to pursue housing development. It quickly identified the nearly 50 acres of town-owned land with access from Landegger Drive and Route 105.

MacFarlane said the town partnered with Gemtec, a consulting and planning firm with a record of residential developments, to lay out a plan.

With a legitimate plan already in place, MacFarlane said the town could immediately take advantage of the support Housing Hub NB could offer.

He said that with both the federal and provincial governments developing programs and funding options to address the severe housing shortages across the country, Housing Hub NB can help the municipality access the different pots of money.

MacFarlane said Nackawic-Millville works with both levels of government, including their Carleton-York MLA, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Richard Ames and Jill Green, Minister Responsible for the N.B. Housing Corporation.

Ames, who attended the open house, liked what he saw.

“It’s good to see the amount of people out,” he said.

Ames praised the effort of the Nackawic-Millville council to address the needs of the municipality and housing, which he described as a “serious problem” in general.

He said meeting housing challenges requires all levels of government and the private sector working together.

Vincent, members of her team and town representatives explained the plans for the 220-unit development in detail, using artist concept drawings on display throughout the hall.

She explained the proposed development includes plans to meet all housing needs. She said that includes apartment complexes, single-family dwellings, a seniors development, townhouses and garden suites.

Vincent said the price ranges would span from affordable housing to upper-scale homes and apartments.

Like many showcasing the plans, she noted the senior-focused options address an ongoing challenge in Nackawic-Millville. She said many seniors would like to downscale from their current homes but don’t want to leave Nackawic-Millville.

The availability of down-scale options in their hometown means their current homes become available to others in the town’s housing market.

CAO Clark said the open house also encouraged feedback from residents. A suggestion box and notepads are available for visitors to provide feedback. She added the rural community may offer a survey to encourage further input from residents.

Vincent explained a development the size of the one proposed by Nackawic-Millville requires intense planning, including the development of water and sewer, streets, parks and other amenities. She said part of Housing Hub’s role is to help alleviate problems.

With a solid head start, MacFarlane hopes to fast-track the development. He would like to see shovels in the ground by no later than 2025 and building construction by at least 2026.

The post Nackawic-Millville unveils future housing plan first appeared on River Valley Sun.

There were no injuries reported after a tent caught fire at a known encampment Sunday evening on Exmouth Street. 

Woodstock completes water repairs, but boil order continues

As province completes water-test protocols, town extends boil order until at least Tuesday

Woodstock utility crews completed repairs of a significant water main break on Saturday, Feb. 17. Still, water-testing protocols require a boiling order to remain in place until at least Tuesday, Feb. 20.

A press release issued by the town on Sunday, Feb. 18, provided an explanation and update of the ongoing water supply problem.

It explained a split on the 10-inch main trunk line feeding the Eastwood water reservoir occurred on Friday, Feb. 16, around 4 p.m., quickly draining the Eastwood water reservoir.

“Quick work from public works staff by isolating lines kept the water loss to only people fed from the Eastwood tower,” the release explained.

The town explained that public work crews, assisted by a private contractor, finished the main line repairs at approximately 6 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, allowing the task of filling the drained reservoir and water mains to begin. This was completed around 11 p.m.

“As soon as a water main and, in this case, also a reservoir is dewatered, the town utility working with the Department of Health implemented a boil order for the Eastwood water system,” the town explained. “To lift a boil order, provincial protocol calls for two sets of samples taken 24 hours apart and sent to an accredited lab for analysis.”

The press release explained that because of the large zone affected by the break, the protocol requires six individual samples.

The town said crews gathered and delivered the first samples to RPC in Fredericton on Sunday, Feb. 18

It explained crews will gather and deliver more samples on Monday, Feb. 19.

“Assuming all 12 of these samples have no traces of coliform, the boil order should be lifted Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the afternoon,” the town release explained. “At this point, the public will be notified that the boil water order has been lifted. Again, thank you to the residents of Woodstock (Ward 4) for your patience.”

The water main break and affected area included a large section of the north end of Woodstock. A map issued by the town with affected streets highlighted in yellow shows the area, including much of Connell Street and Main Street and all connecting streets.

The post Boil Order Update first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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In the wake of a Quebec man’s arrest in New Brunswick on sex-related charges, the RCMP is putting out a call to see if other minors had contact with the suspect through online platforms.

The Codiac detachment of the RCMP issued a news release Monday advising that officers arrested Olivier Boisvert, 37, of Shawinigan, Que., on Thursday at a residence in Dieppe.

The case against him arose Dec. 21 after Codiac members received a report of child luring in Dieppe, the release said, and officers eventually secured a search warrant, which was executed at that location Thursday.

Boisvert was arrested and charged in Moncton provincial court the same day with online luring, inviting a minor to touch him sexually and making sexually explicit material available to a child, the RCMP reported.

The suspect was remanded pending a bail hearing, set for Tuesday.

Due to the nature of the circumstances giving rise to the charges, the release said, investigations are trying to determine if there might be other victims.

“Olivier Boisvert was using the username ‘TTVSkorp0’ on the Xbox game Dead by Daylight as well as on the Discord platform,” police said. 

“If your children use these platforms and have had any correspondence with this individual, please contact the Codiac Regional RCMP at 506-857-2400.”

The detachment is also urging anyone who might have information that could further the investigation to contact it as well.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by reporting online through Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

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More New Brunswick schools are installing high-tech sensors in their bathrooms to detect student vaping. Vaping seems to be happening in schools more often, says Darla Day, director of schools for the Fredericton area in the Anglophone West School District. 

Rob Nichol says it is going to take some time to get used to being called 'chief.' The veteran firefighter took over the title earlier this year when former chief Kevin Clifford retired.

Emily Johnson does it all — she works full-time with her dad’s construction business, she’s an artist who specializes in beading and on the side, she’s a doula for expectant parents at St. Mary’s First Nation. And now, the 24-year-old has added another title to her list — published children’s book author.

A shark that washed up on a beach in Grand Manan is drawing the attention of visitors. But scientists say it's an unusual find for this time of year.

Juanita Black has a humble demeanour as she recalls the early days of starting her local newspaper. But as she thumbs through the first and last editions, her smile betrays the facade that this was a simple endeavour.

Last week, New Brunswick RCMP reported they’ve received 23 reports of online sextortion since the start of the year.

Most retailers in New Brunswick will be closed on Monday for the Family Day holiday. Schools, universities and colleges will also be closed.

Sunrise ceremonies and talking circles: Indigenous folks come from all over to celebrate.

The latest round of winter scenes you sent us this week.

A 64-year-old man who went missing after going ice sailing in the southeastern New Brunswick community of Grande-Digue has been found dead, according to an RCMP news release.

NOAA researchers say the whale, which was just over a year old, suffered skull fractures and other blunt force injuries consistent with a vessel strike.

Town announces boil water order after water main break.

A boil order is now in place for the streets highlighted on the map above. Water will be restored shortly in this area.

How do I properly boil and store water during an advisory:
To kill potentially disease-causing microbes water will need to be brought to a rolling
boil for 1 minute in a heat-resistant container. Once boiled the water should be left to
cool in a safe place, away from children and pets, and then poured into clean covered
containers.
Please take care to avoid scalding yourself when boiling and storing water.

For more information regarding “Boil Water Orders”, check the Government of New Brunswick website.

The post Woodstock Boil Order first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The municipality of Lakeland Ridges is getting its third government-appointed supervisor in six months. On Friday, the Department of Environment and Local Government announced that Stephen Manuel had been appointed supervisor of the municipality.

In the age of cellphones, the devices have slowly made their way into classrooms across the world — with sneaky texting under desks, headphones hidden under hair and even outright use during quiet moments in class.

The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce will facilitate a roundtable discussion with health-care professionals to try to identify solutions to health-care challenges in the area.

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There’s been no discussion at Fredericton city hall about ways the municipality can support a struggling science education centre in the downtown core, says a spokesperson.

Science East’s board of directors announced on Facebook on Thursday that it was temporarily closing its doors and laying on many of its employees due to recent financial struggles.

It will continue to offer services for group and school bookings, the post stated, as it works to address its funding shortfall.

The Fredericton Independent reached out to the City of Fredericton for comment on the news, and in a written statement, Mayor Kate Rogers expressed support for the science museum and the hope that it will recover and return to full operation - but nothing about what could be done to rectify the situation.

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Stephen Manuel replaces Greg Lutes to become the third appointee to oversee the rural community’s operations as council remains suspended

Former Meductic Mayor Stephen Manuel will take over as supervisor of the Lakeland Ridges Rural Community, effective today, Feb. 16.

The Department of Environment and Local Government announced the appointment under the Control of Municipalities Act, effective immediately.

“Manuel will continue to oversee the day-to-day administration of all local government affairs and take on the role normally exercised by council. While under supervision, council members have no decision-making powers or authority,” the department stated in its appointment.

The department said Manuel, who served 15 years as Meductic mayor, brings extensive local governance experience to this role. The village of Meductic, along with the village of Canterbury and the local service districts of Canterbury, North Lake, Benton and Debec, amalgamated into a single community on Jan. 1.

The new mayor and council devolved into chaos early in its mandate to the point where the province suspended the council and installed Michael Blaney as supervisor on July 28. Greg Lutes took over as supervisor on Sept. 17. Manuel will replace Lutes.

Throughout the ongoing process, Lakeland Ridges residents remain in the dark about reasons for the council’s dysfunction and any remedies in place to address the situation.

In January, Mayor Tanya Cloutier and Ward 4 Councillors Mike Furrow and Mark Grant, representing the former village of Canterbury, resigned their seats, citing the ongoing dysfunction and continuing bullying by some council members.

Meanwhile, frustration continues to grow among residents. A petition is now circulating online and available at several businesses, calling on the province to address the situation immediately and inform residents.

“As taxpayers, we would request from the Province total transparency with respect to current conditions of our council members and their everyday duties and agenda,” the petition states. “We, the public, are requesting that Provincial representatives guide current council members of our municipality of the policies, procedures and further find solutions and consequences to resolve the past activities and in order for them (council) to work in a professional, healthy and successful manner.”

Along with his vast municipal government experience, Manuel brings detailed knowledge about Lakeland Ridges and the formation of the expanded community. He served as a member of the transition team that oversaw the formation of the new municipality.

Manuel is also aware of the divisions and resistance of many civic leaders to form the rural community. The appointment of the first supervisor in late July didn’t take him by surprise.

“I’m disappointed things worked out the way they did,” Manuel told the River Valley Sun in August, “but I’m not surprised.”

He told the River Valley Sun he considered running for council in last November’s election but reconsidered because “I could see where it was going.”

While Manuel’s appointment comes after she and two councillors resigned, Cloutier welcomed the news.

“Being a past councillor and mayor from the area, he understands the needs of the people,” she said. “He was also involved in the reform process from the beginning and has a true commitment to our community.”

Cloutier believes the province must repair the problems within Lakeland Ridges council and answer for the process’s failure to correct the ongoing dysfunction.

“I feel the lack of accountability and process throughout the supervision so far needs to be addressed,” Cloutier said. “It was what caused myself and two councilors to step down from our positions.

“We were never given proper direction, the alliance formed in council was never halted, the harassing, bullying, blaming and hosting meetings was never handled or stopped,” she added.

Environment and Local Government spokesperson Kelly Cormier told the River Valley Sun in an email that the new supervisor’s role remains unclear, noting Manuel has yet to meet with the council.

“He will continue to oversee the day-to-day administration of all local government affairs and take on the role normally exercised by council,” Cormier said. “Next steps will be discussed with the council in the coming days.”

Cloutier said the province never effectively addressed the problems which divided council nor held councillors responsible for their actions. She added councillors didn’t get to see the investigator’s report.

“There were sessions for all council and staff being held to help bring us back together, yet the presenters were never given any background into the dysfunction saying, ‘if I told you, you might not come.’ That to me says something,” said Cloutier.

Cormier said the department has now shared the previous supervisor’s report to the Commissioner of Municipal Affairs with current council members.

While happy to see Manuel appointed, Cloutier is disappointed it didn’t happen sooner.

“I feel I was forced to step away as mayor, which is what I loved with all my heart and soul, out of frustration and lack of guidance,” Cloutier said. “But knowing Stephen is there gives me hope that the people of Lakeland Ridges will be taken care of.”

The post Former Meductic mayor appointed Lakeland Ridges supervisor first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A judge said Friday despite an elderly man’s remorse, lack of a criminal record and health issues, the only way to denounce his sexual touching of a child was to send him to jail.

Donald Stephen Crawford, 77, of Kings College Road, previously pleaded guilty to a summary count of sexual interference, stemming from an incident in his home on May 1, 2022.

The victim in the case was a girl who was 12 years old at the time, and her identity is protected by a court-ordered publication ban. Court heard previously Crawford was a family friend.

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Two former Higgs government cabinet ministers on Friday questioned auto insurance companies using a person's credit score when calculating premiums.

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Counsel for a Nova Scotia man accused of incest said Friday the defence wants to hear from - and cross-examine - a lone witness at the preliminary inquiry: the complainant.

The case of a 57-year-old Dartmouth, N.S., man was back on the Fredericton provincial court docket Friday to schedule a preliminary inquiry.

Through defence lawyer Edward Derrah, the accused previously elected to be tried in the Court of King’s Bench by judge alone, without a jury, on charges of sexual assault, incest and sexual interference, alleged to have occurred between Jan. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2022, in the Coles Island area, east of Fredericton.

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A moose caught on camera circling a light post near Stanley, New Brunswick, was likely experiencing neurological problems caused by a parasite that got into the animal's spinal cord and brain, says a University of New Brunswick biologist.

Force’s Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit issues 93 tickets over two days

The RCMP issued 93 tickets and towed two cars on Feb. 8 and 9 during a Western Valley Region enforcement operation by the New Brunswick RCMP’s Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit (TTEU). 

In a press release, TTEU said it issued the tickets under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act, including 50 tickets for speeding and seven for using a hand-held electronic device while driving. 

Additionally, officers arrested one person for driving while impaired and another for driving while suspended.

“The RCMP Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit focuses on behaviours that pose the greatest risk to the public, whether it’s driving behaviours or criminal activity,” said Sgt. Ghislain David with the Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit. “We all have a role to play when it comes to making our roads and communities safer, and our top priority remains ensuring public safety by limiting the number of dangerous drivers on our roadways.”

The release reminded the public that it can assist in keeping dangerous drivers off the road by reporting them to the police. 

Anyone who sees a dangerous or suspected impaired driver should call 911. Their description of the driver, vehicle, licence plate number and direction of travel can assist police in making New Brunswick roads safer.

The post RCMP target Western Valley Region drivers for infractions first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick’s Energy Poverty Campaign kicks off February 24 with an unforgettable evening of music led by multifaceted Saint John musician Matthew Elliott (aka Stephen Hero). …

The post Energy Poverty Campaign Kickoff with Stephen Hero appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

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A Quebec man was acquitted Thursday on a charge of sexual assault, stemming from a 2019 incident during which he had anal sex with a teenage girl in Oromocto.

Evan Audet, 22, of Shannon, Que., stood trial before Court of King’s Bench Justice Terrence Morrison last fall on an indictable charge of sexual assault, alleged to have occurred between Aug. 11 and Dec. 31, 2019.

Audet was 18 years old at the time, and the female complainant was 16.

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TransAqua's board chair is questioning whether Moncton has proof the utility's sewage composting site is the source of a pungent smell in the north end a week after councillors gave the organization an ultimatum about the facility.