The 18 candidates running for seats on Tantramar Town Council gave a variety of answers Tuesday when asked how they see the municipality’s role regarding NB Power’s plans for a 500 MW gas/diesel generating plant near Centre Village.

“You all know how I feel about this,” said Ward 3 incumbent candidate Michael Tower.

“The idea of putting jet engines into the woods still doesn’t make any sense,” he added during an all-candidates’ forum held at the Church by the Lake in Middle Sackville.

“It affects our well-being, our social well-being, and boy, what’s it going to do with the environment? So I feel that we will continue to go out and get support, spread the word, and get somebody to try to knock some sense into the provincial government.”

Last December, Tower persuaded the current town council to reverse its previous position and take a strong stand against the gas plant.

Ward 2 incumbent candidate Barry Hicks came down on the opposite side of the question at the all-candidates’ forum.

“This issue falls outside of municipal jurisdiction,” he said.

“It is not Tantramar council’s role to decide on it. The town has been pulled into something it doesn’t control, and residents ultimately pay the price,” he added.

“This project also brings tangible local benefits, approximately 12 jobs, increased tax revenue to support communities. The bottom line: council must respect jurisdictions, stay focused on local priorities, and make decisions that improve residents’ day-to-day lives.

Although most other candidates expressed their opposition to the gas plant, they differed on how the town should respond.

Ward 3 candidate James MacDonald said the town should serve as an advocate for the interests of its residents, but needs to be pragmatic if the gas plant gets built.

“The municipality must ensure we aren’t just a host for industry, but a partner that receives every benefit we deserve. Our focus would be on maximizing financial gains and community improvements so that as our landscape changes, our residents see reward,” he said.

Ward 2 candidate Ken Hicks expressed a similar view after noting that he hears differing opinions as he campaigns door-to-door with some saying we need the grid security and jobs the project would bring, while others have valid concerns about the location and its impact.

“If Tantramar is to host this infrastructure, we shouldn’t just deal with it. We should capitalize on it. We should be leveraging this to become a regional energy hub, attracting battery storage industry and high-tech spin-off jobs that come with it. Let’s turn a provincial mandate into a local economic win,” Ken Hicks said.

During the all-candidates forum, moderator Carol Cooke gave each candidate one minute to answer the following question, which they were given in advance:

“What do you see as the municipality’s role regarding the gas plant?

Ward 1 candidates

Alyssa Greene

In conversations with residents of Dorchester, the proposed gas plan is often met with the statement, “Well, it’s going to happen anyways.” This is in no way a sign of lack of concern on their part, but rather built on a history of challenging decisions and changes made by the federal government related to the penitentiary. Over the years, people of Dorchester have adapted to making it work to preserve their village. Going forward to ensure that Tantramar is best prepared, council needs to establish policies, procedures, and acceptable parameters for developments that don’t stall progress, but rather guide it to best serve our community. We need to make it work for us: Establishing bylaws, programming, and programming that clearly defines the responsibilities of developers and what incentives and benefits they need to bring to our community. The legacy of the gas plant, whether it goes ahead or not, should be a council ensuring the checks and balances are in place to guide all future developments in our community on how to be a good neighbor to the people, places, and history of Tantramar.

Jason Holmes

I think we can all agree that nobody in council or the candidates going for council agree with the gas plant. What we can do is support the local groups who are challenging it. Make sure if they are going to do it, that they follow all their policies, all their safety procedures. In a time where we’re in droughts and our climate is changing, now with the people out there, we’re going to have to worry about their wells drying up and their clean drinking water being contaminated from the plant. So we need to really stress to the government, provincial, federal, that they need to keep these people in check. I don’t need the whole minute.

Katelyn Olive

I agree with council’s current statement on opposition of the gas plant. Deciding to run for council, I decided to attend the council meeting in April, and I had the honour of getting to listen to Mr. Gregor MacAskill speak about the economics of the gas plant. The environmental aspects are horrible. We’ve all heard about that, but the economics are horrible for New Brunswickers as a whole. I would urge people to listen to Mr. MacAskill speak anytime you get the opportunity or to go onto YouTube and listen to the first 10 minutes of the council meeting. It’s very informative. I looked at my platform of common sense, balanced approach to things, needs over wants, facts over feelings, preserving our services and our environments, and advocating for a place where our kids can call home for generations to come, and this gas plant is not it.

Ward 2 candidates

Barry Hicks

Environmental assessments have already been completed by federal and provincial regulators, experts with jurisdiction. Indigenous impacts were reviewed at the federal level and approved. If a project meets all regulatory requirements, these processes should be respected and allowed to work. This issue falls outside of municipal jurisdiction. It is not Tantramar council’s role to decide on it. The town has been pulled into something it doesn’t control, and residents ultimately pay the price. Time and resources are limited. council and staff should focus on core municipal responsibilities such as fire service, policing, road maintenance, fair taxation, recreation and cultural programs, economic development. When council is distracted by out of scope issues, service delivery to residents suffers. Concerns about projects like this should be directed to the appropriate levels of government, MLA and MP, not municipal council. The rules of the council are clear. Listen to the residents and act on issues within its authority. This project also brings tangible local benefits, approximately 12 jobs, increased tax revenue to support communities. The bottom line, council must respect jurisdictions, stay focused on local priorities, and make decisions that improve residents’ day-to-day lives.

Ken Hicks

On the issue of the gas plant, I want to be very clear. As the candidate for Ward 2, my opinion is secondary to my obligation to the people in Ward 2. In my conversations at the door, I hear many who say this plant is necessary for energy security and for jobs. And I hear others with valid concerns about the location and the impact. My job is to ensure that Ward 2 is no longer the silent partner in these provincial discussions. Ward 2 wants to be heard, and I will be that voice. We know that the energy grid is changing. Transitioning towards renewable is the future. But we need grid security now. If Tantramar is to host this infrastructure, we shouldn’t just deal with it. We should capitalize on it. We should be leveraging this to become a regional energy hub, attracting battery storage industry and high-tech spin-off jobs that come with it. Let’s turn a provincial mandate into a local economic win. But whether the plant is built or not, there are urgent issues inside our own borders that cannot wait. And we need the council to focus on that. Public safety, we cannot have an energy hub without a stable, fully supported Sackville fire department. We need a formal return-to-work plan for our volunteers, period.

Ward 3 candidates

Andrew Black

I timed this to a minute. There’s much more you could say, of course. But I want to first say that this current council passed a resolution to oppose the RIGS project. So we are bound by that opposition. We are bound by that resolution. And a council that will be coming in June is also bound by that resolution unless they decide to change it, which if I was elected, I would absolutely not do that. Even though it’s been recognized that the RIGS project from day one is not under municipal jurisdiction, which means it’s difficult for us to put our teeth into it, there are certainly things that we can do as a municipality. There are amazing groups that are doing work on action on this issue already, so it’s up to the municipality to continue to work with those groups, like the Protect the Chignecto Isthmus Coalition, the Stop the Tantramar Gas Plant, these groups, for example, and anyone affiliated or adjacent to. Making connections with people at other levels of government and introducing them to those people doing that work, and then advocating on behalf of residents and pushing where we need to, when we need to.

Allison Butcher

Hi. So very similar to what Mayor Black has said, I’m already on council and I voted against or voted in favour of sending a letter to the provincial government. Unfortunately, we don’t have, as a municipal government, much control over what happens. But we do have the ability to advocate for our constituents. We have the ability to voice our concerns, of which we have many. And if I am on council again, I will continue to do that because I do not think that the gas plant is a benefit to our community for many reasons. So thank you. I’ll continue to do that.

Josh Goguen

Good evening everybody. I am on council also and I did vote not to support the gas plant. As for what we can do as a municipality, we don’t have much teeth in it like the other candidates had said but we can definitely push to make sure that if they do build it, that they’re followed by, the regulations are followed, everything is to a T, and hold them out to be accountable for what they’ve told us that they’re going to do. Unfortunately, it’s one of those situations that we don’t have much say, but as a municipality and a bigger group, we can definitely make some noise and make our voices heard.

James MacDonald

I see the municipality’s role as the primary advocate for our residents for any project the town doesn’t have direct control of, like the Wheaton covered bridge or the Peck’s Cove bridge or the gas plant. Our job is to step up and represent the community’s interests. We need to do our best to support our neighbours by advocating for or against these projects based on collective needs and safety. We also have to be pragmatic if the gas plant moves forward. The municipality must ensure we aren’t just a host for industry, but a partner that receives every benefit we deserve. Our focus would be on maximizing financial gains and community improvements so that as our landscape changes, our residents see reward. Finally, the town needs to stay vigilant. We must monitor the progress and environmental impacts closely acting as a constant voice through the proper channels to ensure our residents are taken care of and the developers are held accountable every step of the way.

Bruce Phinney

As my colleagues or candidates have said, as a matter of fact, we don’t have much say in it, other than the fact that we can put forth our opposition to it. I remember as a kid coming from or going to Midgic. I love Midgic. The other thing I don’t understand with what they want to do with this is why. I don’t know. They put millions of dollars into the Atlantic Wildlife Institute, so why would they put that, and they’re concerned about the environment, but then they turn around and put this gas plant up there. I don’t know the way of the thinking of some of the politicians, I really wonder. I’m opposed to it and always will be. A friend of mine said that actually she thinks it’s a good idea, but it’s the wrong place. Now, she’s worked in the industry for many, many years, and the thing is I have to take her at her word because I trust her and I respect her. Overall, though, I don’t think it’s what we need here, and regardless of what people say, those who are in favour, I truly believe they’re wrong, and I think we need to keep up the opposition.

Haidee Robertson

A big question. I feel a questionnaire should be done to see how the community members feel about this issue. Municipal council follows the Local Governance Act to ensure local services to residents are maintained. I would encourage council to continue to provide opportunities for informing the greater population of Tantramar. I would also encourage a robust review of all land planning documents and work to revise and implement new bylaws that encourage investment for responsible growth.

Michael Tower

You all know how I feel about this. Unfortunately, the second half of my motion hasn’t happened to get our premier down here, and there may be obvious reasons for that. And we all know that the DNR has already acknowledged that this is going to be the hottest summer on record for New Brunswick, so the idea of putting jet engines into the woods still doesn’t make any sense. Now, the location or putting it there is not within our jurisdiction, but it is within our jurisdiction, as I tried to say before, for us to speak up for everyone within Tantramar. It affects our well-being, our social well-being, and boy, what’s it going to do with the environment? So I feel that we will continue to go out and get support, spread the word, and get somebody to try to knock some sense into the provincial government.

Tori Weldon

I mean, a lot’s been said. You can only say so many things about it, but I guess one thing I really appreciate is just the amount of citizen engagement. Like, people feel strongly about it, and they’re doing something about it, and they’re saying something about it. And I think there’s a real power in numbers, like we saw it in 2013 with shale gas. So as far as the role of council, council has already made a decision. So from there, it’s really just about having a seat at the table. Because I don’t think the loudest voice wins, but it’s more about strategy. The council’s decided that it’s against the gas plant, so it’s against the gas plant. And it’s really just talking to the people in charge. Like, everyone who feels strongly against it, you’re out there, you’re doing something, and I think that’s exactly what needs to be done. I think council needs to talk to the people in charge and just try to get a seat at the table. If the gas plant does go through, I think the most important thing is just diligence, that every single regulation is followed to a T, and then from there, I guess it’s just a matter of trying to get every tax dollar out of this project possible.

Ward 5 candidates

K.C. Hingley

I found this an interesting question for two reasons. First, there’s the question of jurisdiction. What can a municipality actually do to influence the province? Formally, not much. We do not approve or deny a project with the proposed gas plant in Centre Village. But that does not mean we are powerless. Municipal governments can advocate strongly for their communities, work collectively through the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick and other organizations, and speak clearly to the province about what local people expect and deserve. Our residents are also provincial voters, and when communities raise their voices together, I dare the province not to listen. Second, there’s the question behind the question that I know a lot of folks are interested to hear. Where do I stand? At this point, I do not support the RIGS project. I would prefer a made-in-Canada solution, and I’m concerned about its proximity to Atlantic Wildlife Institute. I look forward to reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment and the Energy & Utilities Board decision when they’re released. Like many of you, I’m watching this project very closely.

Wayne Wells

I really wasn’t looking into the gas plant, but now that I’ve been looking into it, I don’t think it’s a good idea. And I think we should have more reusable energy like wind and solar power. And they should be looking at that.

Mayoralty candidates

Sabine Dietz

Just to get this out of the way, no gas plant, not now, never. Just to be very clear on this. As the candidates have stated very clearly, there are jurisdictional issues around this, but I’m sorry, former current council, you could have implemented a municipal plan by now, which was on your plate, and a municipal plan gives the municipality actually some power over what happens in its territory. So, at this time, it’s a matter of supporting the organizations that are very active in the region. It is supporting the resolution that was already passed by council, and it is, as has been stated before, continuing to advocate for the community with provincial and federal governments. And I believe the next council will do that because the concern is in this community about the health and well-being, which is very much so the responsibility of council to look after the health and well-being of our community. The council will have to commit to continuing supporting that.

Terry Jones

I had a speech, but I think I’ll just speak from the heart instead. The Tantramar, our Centre Village gas plant is my neighbour. I know what’s going on up there. I know it’s bad. And it’s not something that we can look away from. It’s time for our mayor and council to step up, get loud, be a public leader instead of just sending letters. We don’t have to wait for Premier Holt to come visit us. We can get in our cars and drive to Fredericton and meet with them. It’s time to demand some answers. The plant is not a go yet. We still have the EUB process, which is not finished. We still have the provincial environmental assessment, which is not finished. So it’s time for us as a community, as a municipality, as people who care about the environment, to step forward. But think about this. This is going to impact all of your health, your children’s health, your grandchildren’s health, and for the next 25 years, it’s going to spew poison into the atmosphere, into the water, and into your lungs. Remember that when you’re thinking about are your kids going to stay in this community? People don’t want to live next to a gas plant. Property values are dropping out there like a rock, and it hasn’t even started to build.

Debbie Wiggins-Colwell

As council has been doing and will continue to do is share public concerns, and that’s exactly what we did. We listened to what you had to say. We brought your problem forward. We opposed, and we wrote letters for you. I’d like to equate this to be in the provincial government as being that wall or that tree, that tree that’s got everything hidden behind. And we’re that pileated woodpecker that’s knocking on the door to let it through and make it aware of how serious this is for our community, the environment. And so we’re here to listen to what you say and bring it forward.

Table summarizing candidate positions & strategies

	Core Position	Strategy	Municipal Role Emphasis	Candidates
	Strong opposition	Activist agitation	Mobilize public pressure; confront province directly	Michael Tower, Terry Jones
	Defer to regulators	Jurisdictional restraint	Focus on core municipal services only	Barry Hicks
	Opposed; follow council resolution	Procedural advocacy	Advocate to province/feds; support citizen groups	Andrew Black, Allison Butcher, Sabine Dietz, Debbie Wiggins-Colwell
	Opposed, but pragmatic if plant is built	Compliance / oversight	Ensure regulations, monitoring, accountability	Josh Goguen, Tori Weldon, Jason Holmes
	Opposed or cautious	Planning / reform	Strengthen bylaws, municipal plans, long-term controls	Alyssa Greene, Haidee Robertson
	Conditional acceptance	Economic negotiation	Maximize jobs, tax revenue, local benefits	James MacDonald, Ken Hicks
	Opposed in principle	Values-based	Limited policy detail	Bruce Phinney, Wayne Wells, Katelyn Olive

Note: Kristen LeBlanc, who has been acclaimed in Ward 4 where the gas plant would go, is firmly opposed to the NB Power project and is working actively against it.

To listen to a recording of the entire all-candidates forum, click on this link to the CHMA-FM website.