The Town of Saint Andrews is considering handing over heritage permitting to the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission.
Saint Andrews has a national historic designation in its downtown core. Many properties on Water Street have heritage designation.
The town was originally formed by loyalists in 1783 – and currently occupies the territory of the Passamaquoddy people.
“The town retains the four key elements of a British colonial settlement of that period: a gridiron plan, provision for public spaces, well-defined sites for defensive works, and a commons area surrounding the original townsite to provide a clear delineation between settled and non-settled areas,” according to information provided by Parks Canada.
It received the designation in 1995.
During his report to council, chief administrative officer Chris Spear said now that the heritage bylaw had passed and Alexander Gopen, the senior planner for SNBSC, was named heritage officer, the town would need to enter into an agreement with the the organization for the provision of heritage permitting.
“This type of offering is not typical for other municipalities in our region,” he said. “So this service is not part of the planning services agreement with the RSC.”
The agreement was presented to the council with a proposed fee schedule on a file basis. Spear described the fee as “reasonable.”
According to a motion presented by Coun. Lee Heenan, there is no process for managing heritage permitting in Saint Andrews.
Ultimately, the agreement was tabled due to a few clauses the staff needed to work out with the SNBSC, according to Spear.
Coun. Jamie Hirtle said while he didn’t disagree with the fee schedule, he asked if it could be explained.
Alexander Gopen, who was present for the meeting virtually, said it was based on staff time.
“I think it’s quite similar to some of the agreements we have for dangerous and slightly enforcement of a similar fee structure,” he told the council during the meeting.
It is expected, according to Spear, to come before the council again at the next meeting.
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