The Mayor of the Town of Saint Andrews is stepping down in early June.
In a post to Facebook, Brad Henderson he said: “today, I share a decision that comes with both reflection and gratitude. After much thought, I will be stepping down as Mayor of Saint Andrews at the June 2 Regular Council Meeting, honouring a commitment I made to both my family and myself.”
Henderson was elected as a councillor in 2016 and served as deputy mayor from April 2017 until June 2021 – when he was elected mayor.
In an interview with The Courier, he reiterated his commitment to spending more time with his family.
“Probably the most important promise (you) can make is the one to your wife and your children, and my kids, they support me being mayor, and so does my wife,” he said. “But I think at this time, we’re really excited for me to be home a little more.”
His term, alongside the other councillors, was extended by a year due to municipal reform.
Henderson said he was vocal about the additional year placed on councils across the province and even introduced a resolution at a Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) conference to shorten the term to three years.
“I did bring to, UMNB, a resolution to try to get this council term to be just three years, so people could serve a normal eight years doing two terms on council,” he said, adding the resolution was defeated. “But for me, when I did hear about the extra year, I was disappointed.”
During his tenure, the council has undertaken significant housing projects, including a new affordable housing development on Mowat Drive and working toward housing to support the New Brunswick Community College. It has also purchased a much-needed ladder truck and begun the initial efforts to get the wharf refurbishment project underway. He has worked extensively to help support a winter tourism season as well.
Henderson said he expects decisions will be made about the wharf before his time on council is done, but isn’t quite sure what the project will look like.
“We’re getting closer,” he said. “So, the real question comes down to, when we go to RFP, is it going to come in on budget or is it not? If it doesn’t, then council is going to either have to minimize the scope of it, meaning look at, do we only fix the wharf? Do we only shore up the market square area? They’re going to have to adjust the plan if it does come in over budget because the funding partners have made it perfectly clear that there’s no extra funding.”
As for other projects, Henderson said the council he leaves behind is well equipped to handle the final year as council.
“There’s still a lot of people that are very knowledgeable and passionate about this community and a great staff that if I’m there or not, they’re going to still continue to make great decisions for this community,” he said.
Henderson has been open about not re-offering for the 2026 municipal elections, citing his desire to spend more time with his family.
Mayor Brad Henderson pictured with his son Luke during a hockey game over the winter. (Brad Henderson/Submitted)
“When I first put my name forward, I made it clear there were a few areas where I wanted to assist with real impact: tackling housing challenges, strengthening our relationship with NBCC, making full use of our arena, and ensuring council focused on meaningful issues—not divisive bylaws that do little to enhance the quality of life in our community,” he said in the post.
“And while my family would support me through anything, I know that after well over a thousand nights away from home at meetings, it’s time to choose them first. It wouldn’t be fair to ask for more sacrifice from my family for a provincial government decision,” he said.
He said he’s given the council plenty of notice to ensure a smooth transition. Deputy Mayor Kate Akagi will serve as acting mayor until the election is called in 2026.
“Many assumed municipal politics was a stepping stone to something else—but for me, it was always about one thing: my love for Saint Andrews,” he said. “I still feel that same pride and affection for our town and region as I did when I first took office. We are incredibly lucky to live in a place as beautiful as this—made even more special by the people who call it home.”
Henderson said he is committed to finishing his last two months “with the energy, integrity, and dedication you deserve.”
“Thank you, Saint Andrews—from the bottom of my heart—for the honour of serving you with a wonderful council and dedicated town staff,” he said in the post.
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