Tantramar’s council began its 2026 budget season just over a week ago by setting aside a night to hear from the community. At this special meeting, local groups requested funding for their operations. In addition, two residents made requests they’d like to see added to 2026’s general spending.
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In total, 13 presentations were heard. Requests spanned across housing and community services, arts, climate, and local safety. The requests here have been grouped together and are not in the order they were presented.
Calls for safer streets
One of the youngest presenters, Alaska Charron, spoke about safety on Queens Road.
“We think a sidewalk would slow the cars down and make it much safer for our growing neighborhood.”
Support for youth, families and seniors
Funding requests also came in for services for youth, families, and seniors. The Drama Queens troupe, a theatre group for young people, asked for continued support for youth theatre. The Tantramar Seniors College sought funds to expand learning opportunities for older adults. Katherine MacIntyre and Nicole Keeling of the Early Childhood Family Resource Centre requested help growing family programs.
“It’s smart economics. When parents feel supported and connected, children thrive and communities become healthier and stronger… Last year alone, we had over 7,000 visits and welcomed more than 400 new families. That tells us there is real and growing demand in what we do here in Tantramar,” said MacIntyre.
Housing strategy and infrastructure
Housing projects were also on the agenda. Freshwinds Eco-Village Housing Co-op asked council to include budget funds to match provincial and federal money for water and sewer upgrades that enable affordable housing projects, and to put funds towards developing a municipal housing strategy. Tom Snowdon from the co-op added:
“I want to say how much we appreciate your ongoing interest in and openness to and support for our housing project, which has just applied for funding to build more than 68 cooperative housing units on the Freshwinds property on Fairfield Road.”
Cultural and community service groups
Community service and cultural groups were also represented. Susan Spence of the IODE Shepherd Chapter requested continued municipal support for their volunteer service work. John Warner, Lisa Emery, and Geoff DeGannes of Tantramar Community Radio, CFTA 107.9, asked council for annual operating support.
Arts and heritage priorities
Arts and heritage organizations made their case as well. Sue Rose of Marshlight Theatre stressed the value of investment in the arts.
“Recent studies have found a return on investment of one to four coming back to communities from the activities of the cultural sector in New Brunswick. One dollar invested in the New Brunswick cultural sector generates a four dollar return through job creation, infrastructure development, tourism and community enhancement,”
Alana Morouney of the Everybody All Together artist co-op called for more municipal support for local artists. Karen Valanne of the Tantramar Heritage Trust reminded council about the costs of maintaining historic sites.
“We receive about 3000 visitors annually to our museums,” Valine said.
Climate action
On climate, Penny Mott of Seniors for Climate Tantramar asked council to strengthen its commitments to climate action.
Next steps in the process
At meetings like this, decisions are not made – requests are only heard. Mayor Andrew Black reminded those present this was only the first step in the budget process. More will follow before a final budget is approved at a dates not yet set.
Below is the list of organizations/residents that spoke, as well as the link to the presentation deck from the night of the budget meeting, and link to Tantramar’s broadcasts of council meetings.
Residents:
• Alaska Charron – sidewalk on Queens Road for kids and increase in homes
• Natalie Donaher – stronger municipal action on affordable housing
Organizations:
• Drama Queens Theatre Troupe
• Tantramar Seniors College
• Early Childhood Family Resource Centre
• Freshwinds Eco-Village Housing Co-op
• IODE Shepherd Chapter
• Tantramar Community Radio (CFTA 107.9)
• Marshlight Theatre
• Everybody All Together Artist Co-op
• Tantramar Heritage Trust
• Seniors for Climate Tantramar
Public Budget Presentations | Public Special Council Meeting
That’s the summary from Tantramar’s special budget meeting.
