David Hickey, minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation, has responded to a request for funding for increased security around the Lighthouse Lodge, saying the community needs to provide land options for transitional housing.
“As you’ve referenced in your letter, I have publicly stated my position that the shelter should never have been established in its current location,” Hickey said in the letter. “We need to reduce harm for people who are accessing these services, and for the members of the community that host them.”
Hickey said decisions about high-acuity facilities should be made in partnership with the community.
“That’s why, in our meeting on Aug. 4, 2026, I requested that the Municipal District of St. Stephen come to the table with their top three pieces of land for the development of bridge housing,” Hickey said. “We are prepared to support the right project for the community with your support.”
St. Stephen Mayor Steve Backman previously told The Courier the municipality feels the province’s approach is disjointed and they were waiting on details for what the province was looking for in terms of land.
Hickey said the Department of Social Development funds security services on the shelter property, while policing and security needs beyond the shelter grounds falls under the authority of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
He said the pilot program launched in Moncton, which will see municipal bylaw officers appointed as special constables under the Police Act, is being administered through the Department of Justice and Public Safety.
“I understand the department will respond to your request, specific to the expansion of this program, but it’s important to recognize that the City of Moncton is bearing the cost of this program,” Hickey said.
Hickey’s response did not address whether the province would fully fund the additional security patrols requested by the Municipal District of St. Stephen.
He said he appreciated the council’s advocacy.
“As we stated in our meeting in August, we remain committed to working with the municipality to address the need for permanent, sustainable housing in St. Stephen,” Hickey said.
The Courier has reached out to the Municipal District of St. Stephen for comment and is awaiting a response.
Meanwhile, Neighbourhood Works Inc. said the municipality has a duty to protect the safety and well-being of all its constituents and must make whatever decisions it believes best fulfill that responsibility.
“Ultimately, that decision rests with MDSS,” Jim Stuart, NWI’s executive director, said. “My personal opinion, whether based on fact or otherwise, carries no weight or bearing on the decision that the municipality chooses to make.”
