Fundy Shores At-Large Candidate: Anne Laurie
1. As candidates, what would be your key priorities over the next four years in your community?
One of my key priorities is seeing our Community Complex come to fruition. As a member of the Economic Development Committee, I’ve been involved from the early stages, from site selection to ongoing discussions about what this space could become. Whether that’s childcare or piloting a preventive medical clinic, there has been strong community interest, and I want to continue supporting that momentum. This project has the potential to bring our nine communities together and create a central place for connection across generations.
I will also advocate to keep our community school open as it is a vital place for learning and attracting young families. I support exploring opportunities like medical isotope production, which could create economic growth and skilled jobs.
Above all, I am committed to making decisions that respect long-time residents while ensuring younger families have the quality of life to call Fundy Shores home.
2. How would you achieve those priorities within your mandate?
Through my work on the Economic and Community Development Committee, I’ve learned how to work as part of a team to move complex projects forward by asking questions, reviewing details, and building relationships with partners like Synergi. As Councillor, I’ll bring that same collaborative approach to Council, working alongside the Mayor and Councillors on priorities like the Community Complex and potential economic opportunities such as medical isotope production.
I’ll advocate for clear milestones and regular progress updates so residents can see how projects are advancing. For new opportunities, I’ll push for public information sessions before decisions are made so residents can ask questions and voice concerns directly.
I’m someone who asks questions, listens to residents, and pushes for solutions that serve both long-time residents and young families looking to build their lives here.
3. How will you ensure transparency and accountability in council decisions and communication with residents?
Transparency means explaining not just what decisions are made, but why, in language that’s easy to understand. Running a business and completing a PhD taught me that trust comes from clear explanations, not jargon. I’ll bring that same approach to Council communication.
I’ll use multiple channels to keep residents informed: sharing updates through social media, supporting public information sessions before major decisions, and being present at community events where people can ask questions directly. I’ll continue encouraging residents to watch council meetings and review agendas, because an informed community makes better decisions together. I want people to feel comfortable reaching out, not just during election season, but any time they have questions or concerns.
4. What is your approach to managing growth and development while preserving the character of the community?
Fundy Shores is shaped by generations of fishing families and by being home to Atlantic Canada’s only nuclear power plant. My ancestors were among the earliest settlers here, so I value both our history and future opportunities. My approach is preserving our rural, coastal character while supporting responsible economic development.
Growth should benefit everyone, not just a select few. Projects like the Community Complex create shared spaces for young families, seniors, and everyone in between. As an avid cyclist, I’ll push for growth that includes green spaces, trail networks, and outdoor amenities, because when people can enjoy our natural environment, they become its strongest defenders.
I’ll advocate for development that strengthens our community without losing what makes us distinct: our working waterfront, our connection to the coast, and the small-town relationships that define us.
5. What is your position on property taxes, and how would you balance affordability with maintaining services?
The current Mayor and Council committed to not raising municipal taxes, and they’ve delivered. I support keeping taxes affordable, especially for our large senior population on fixed incomes. At the same time, strategic investments like the Community Complex may require a modest increase, but one that creates services and spaces for everyone—young families, seniors, and the broader community.
Attracting young families grows our tax base over time, which helps keep taxes stable long-term. I’ll support investments that balance affordability today with sustainability tomorrow, like housing development, shared infrastructure, and quality-of-life improvements that make Fundy Shores competitive without losing our rural character.
If tax increases are needed, decisions should be shaped by resident input, not made behind closed doors. People deserve to be consulted, informed, and heard.
6. Why are you the best candidate to represent your ward, and what experience do you bring to the role?
I bring both relevant experience and genuine commitment. As a member of the Fundy Shores Economic and Community Development Committee, I’ve been involved in planning for our community’s growth and have built working relationships with the Mayor, Council, and partners like Synergi. But my commitment goes beyond committee meetings.
Over the past few years, I’ve gone door-to-door surveying seniors to ensure their voices were heard in community decisions. I did this before any an election campaign because I believe engagement matters. That’s the approach I’ll bring to Council: listening first, asking questions, and making decisions based on what’s best for the whole community.
My PhD in Education and experience as a business owner have taught me to analyze complex information and communicate it clearly. I’ll bring that same thoughtful, evidence-based approach to every Council decision.
Each candidate was provided with the same six questions and equal limits on response length and time. Candidates who did not have publicly available contact information through Elections New Brunswick were required to contact The Courier in accordance with its Municipal Election Coverage Fairness Policy. Candidates who did not respond or declined to participate are noted. Failure to participate will not result in additional coverage elsewhere in the newspaper.
