Earlier this month, communities across New Brunswick elected leaders that will shape if and how their municipalities will growth for the next four years. Now, as new councils prepare for their swearing-in ceremonies, we are entering a critical transition in leadership, in expectations, and in the collective responsibility we carry forward.
The moment represents both opportunity and challenge. Fresh mandates, renewed energy, and a chance to align on the pressing issues that define our economic and community well-being are intertwined with ensuring businesses are able to operate with conditions that are conducive to sustainability and growth. That, of course, does not only rest with municipalities, but rather all levels of government, business, community groups, institutions and citizens as well as how they interact. This last point is no small matter. How we engage with one another going forward will determine whether we meet this moment with progress or lose ground to division.
Across Canada and beyond, we have seen a shift in how we talk to one another in public life. The tone has too often become more polarized, more personal, and less productive. This is particularly true in the online environment, but not exclusively. Municipal politics has not been immune to this trend and yet, municipal governance may be where civil discourse matters the most. Decisions are immediate and the impacts are visible. Relationships are closer and collaboration is essential.
Civil discourse does not mean the absence of disagreement. In fact, it depends on the presence of diverse perspectives. What it demands is respect, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to engage constructively. We know that when that environment exists, better decisions follow.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce prides itself on providing spaces where we can have those big conversations in a constructive and respectful manner. We saw that most recently at our Mayoral Candidate Forum leading up to the election and the ability to engage in civil discourse will be absolutely critical as we decide on how to act on both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
In Fredericton, 8 of 12 councillors have been elected for the first time. We are excited to work with them and their fresh ideas to continue to build our community. Now that the dust has settled, we are looking for our new council to set a positive tone and bring forward their priorities while remaining focused on the issues that matter. As the new council takes shape, we encourage a clear focus on several priority areas that will define both our economic trajectory and quality of life:
- Continue to ardently pursue the implementation of the 47 recommendations of the Community Safety Task Force. Many of those recommendations are not easy and require collaboration between levels of government and the business community. But they do have substance and will make a meaningful difference to our community as a whole and the people that are struggling right now. As a member of that task force, I can confirm that the right people and organizations were represented, we heard from knowledgeable experts when that expertise wasn’t sitting at the table and the recommendations we went forward with are intentional and solid.
- The Province’s first tranche of property tax reforms will give municipalities powers to increase property tax on commercial properties – moving the upper end of the rate multiplier from 1.7 to 2.0. We strongly encourage Fredericton council to not consider more aggressively taxing business. Instead, focusing on the competitiveness of our business community is the most sustainable and strategic way to ensure that the tax base can generate the revenue needed to provide the services required over the long term. Businesses are being hit with costs from all directions at the moment and we are looking to our municipality to alleviate that burden, not exacerbate it.
- Make meaningful progress on long standing projects with the NBEX grounds and the Centennial Building. The stated purpose for the existing joint plan for the NBEX property is to ‘reimagine the exhibition grounds into a redevelopment that is future-focused, attainable, and respectful of the site’s almost 150-year agricultural legacy and location on Wolastoqiyik traditional territory.’ As stated specifically in the development plan, a new school [George Street Middle School replacement] built on this site would be a dynamic component in creating ‘a complete and walkable community’ which allows for ‘synergies with surrounding open spaces, potential recreation facilities, and Fredericton Exhibition Limited’s unique agricultural, recreational and community programming’ as well as a potential fieldhouse that would benefit both students and the community. This project has exciting potential and we look forward to the leadership of the City and NBEX bringing it to fruition.
- Development of the Centennial Building is becoming increasing critical by the day as the new justice building and performing arts centre get closer to completion while that property deteriorates. That property can continue the transformation on the east end of downtown with the right plan.
- Be clear that growth is good – population growth and economic growth that will provide the revenue for the infrastructure and services to support. This includes welcoming those new to our community. Part of the slide in civil discourse has been a rise in negativity towards immigration and newcomers. The old narrative that immigrants are here to take jobs and resources like housing and healthcare has gained some traction over the past couple of years and that must be reversed immediately. With federal reductions in immigration, our provincial population has again become stagnant and aging. Newcomers are already key contributors to many sectors including construction and healthcare and will become even more critical as time passes with a domestic birthrate that is well below natural growth levels.
- Embrace the ongoing work of existing municipal entities. Ignite’s Vision 2030 economic development strategy builds upon the achievements of Vision 2020, which cemented Fredericton’s reputation as Atlantic Canada’s Knowledge Capital, Vision 2030 advances this legacy by recognizing education and knowledge as a vital social and economic resource that will fuel the other three key sectors in the strategy: defence, cultural industries and natural resources. This next phase of growth focuses on elevating the Knowledge Industry as a cornerstone of Fredericton’s future, ensuring long-term prosperity at the provincial, regional, and national levels. Similarly, Fredericton Capital Region Tourism recently announced that tourism-related revenues reached an all-time high in 2025 with more than $407 million injected into the local economy and continue to execute on plans that smartly build on work completed year-over-year.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce stands ready to work alongside municipal leaders as partners in progress. Our role is to bring forward the perspective of the business community, those who are creating jobs, investing locally, and contributing to the province’s economic vitality. But beyond that, our role is to connect, to convene, and to collaborate. We have always viewed our work as part of a broader ecosystem, one that includes government, business, academia, and community organizations. When those pieces align, momentum builds. How we choose to engage, with one another, with stakeholders, and with our community, will shape not only the success of this council, but the future of Fredericton itself.