More on the New Building

Steve LeBlanc · May 8, 2026

As we are just a few days from election day and campaigning ending tomorrow (Saturday), I am reinforcing certain portions of my platform and concerns I have as a candidate and where we go, as a municipality in the next 4 years. This is a bit of a read.

One of the concerns I have is regarding the potential construction of a multipurpose building. In this campaign, some have tried to tell you this is a “non-issue”; just talk, rumours and social media myths. I feel differently.

Prior to amalgamation, some sort of new building was already being advocated for. The fact that the municipal office was established in a rented construction trailer, versus a “ready” solution just down the road, demonstrates this. The transition committee also dictated that a new municipal building should be built in the geographical center of Arcadia.

This “building” idea has gone through multiple iterations: initially just municipal offices, then a privately built building that could house the municipal offices, and other residential/ commercial spaces, then a collaborative care center with municipal offices, and now a multipurpose building.

There have been multiple notes in the council minutes (see below) since 2023 regarding a new building. The Fund raising committee at a previous Committee of the Whole meeting stated their number one priority was raising funds for a multipurpose building.

There have been multiple closed sessions (4 in the last 6 council meetings) involving the “acquisition”/ “disposition” of land.

At Council – Apr 27, 2026:

Mayor Sharpe commented on this matter stating that he felt a multipurpose building next to the highway at Exit 339 would be a positive move for Arcadia: a possible kickstart to development, bringing in tax dollars from future business and tourism dollars, pulling those people off the highway.”

“Talk, rumours and social media myths” can easily become reality: as easy as a motion at the next council meeting to purchase/ acquire land or a motion to embark on the retention of architects and other professionals to start the process of construction of a new multipurpose building with the taxpayer being unaware until the motion is made. Just ask the residents of Sunbury York South about their experience.

Here’s an idea, ask the taxpayers of Arcadia for their views, given it is us, the taxpayer taking all the risks and who will ultimately be impacted by a decision to build.

This is why, if I am entrusted with your vote for Mayor, I will propose a bylaw that requires public engagement (whether that means multiple public meetings, a plebiscite, etc.) on any project or expenditure that exceeds a pre-determined threshold, and any significant project that could have an impact on the municipality’s finances, including debt, reserves and taxes.

There is an opportunity on Monday to “move on” from this subject in a more definitive way, to focus on other important issues.

Review the “quoted” minutes below and make your own decision.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I do appreciate it.

We’re getting close to decision day that dictates Arcadia’s path for the next four years. Please get out and vote. The “ratified” council meeting minutes:

March 27, 2023:

Deputy Mayor Sharpe has been travelling around Arcadia visiting buildings and properties and has an inventory of each property owned.

In the near future a decision needs to be made regarding a permanent location in which our staff will operate.

September 6, 2023:

Mayor Pleadwell asked for a motion that Council consider using this building (Cambridge-Narrows Municipal Building) for future municipal office and for council meetings to remove those expenses for the upcoming budgeting process.
It was moved by Councillor Mennier and seconded by Councillor Gahan-Magee that Council reside in the Cambridge-Narrows Municipal Building.

Councillor Gahan-Magee stated that she was in support of the office being located in the Cambridge-Narrows Municipal Building since the beginning.

Councillor Black stated that there have been discussions surrounding the use of the building but there is not plan and place and she would like to see a plan in place.

Deputy Mayor Sharpe stated that he had not heard of concerns but rather appreciation for having the meetings in individual wards. Working with the transition committee the intent was to provide each ward, twice a year to hold the Council meetings within their wards. Costs associated with moving the rental office are minor in the grander scheme of things. Moving the office would affect operations of the building. The space that would be needed would put the organization out. Discussions are needed before moving ahead. Moving the office trailer to the Cambridge-Narrows Municipal Building does not address residents’ accessibility to the office.

Upgrades to the internet should be looked into for easier setup/access to the meetings and that a schedule for the year for information purposes could be set.

With no further questions, motion was defeated with no Councillor supporting the motion

December 18, 2023:

Approval of the Arcadia 2024 Budget: Tax rates will remain the same in all wards except for Waterborough and Hampstead but those increases are unrelated to that line item, and an allocation of $100,000 for unforeseen capital costs which could be moved to reserve if not required in the coming year, anticipating future costs for establishing an office for the Village- either modifying an existing building or towards a capital project to build.

September 16, 2024:

On behalf of committee, Deputy Mayor Sharpe recommended Jemseg as the geographical center of Arcadia to host permanent offices with proposal that the Administration Building to be an expansion to the existing Jemseg Fire Hall

October 22, 2024:

It was moved by Deputy Mayor Sharpe and seconded by Councillor Mennier

that staff to issue Request for Proposal to architectural firms to provide plans and preliminary costing for the establishment of municipal offices with council chambers as an addition to the Jemseg Fire Hall and as a new build.

All those in favour: Deputy Mayor Sharpe, Councillor Black, Councillor Mennier, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Thomson

All those against: Councillor Gahan-MaGee

January 20, 2025

A request for proposal has been sent to eight companies for a feasibility study based on the requirements that were approved at a previous council meeting. We have received two proposals that have been given to the Building and Properties Committee for discussion

February 18, 2025

Buildings and Properties Committee 8 firms were invited to submit proposals to conduct a feasibility study for an extension to either the Jemseg Fire Hall or a new build to provide office space. 2 firms have submitted proposals which were reviewed by the committee on February 6th. Both firms were requested to clarify a number of points and get back to the committee, at which the committee will provide an update to Council

May 20, 2025

Buildings and Properties Committee -The committee met on May 5th and reviewed current options as well as discussed various possible alternatives for the future

July 21, 2025

We have requested the Department of Health provide us with requirements for a collaborative care clinic which could be incorporated into a larger project and resulting in a feasibility study.

January 19, 2026

Horizon Health Network is inviting submissions from interested parties regarding the availability of space suitable for clinical and health service operations across New Brunswick. Space requirements will vary by project but are expected to be in the range of 5,000 to 15,000 usable square feet.

b) Horizon Health Network – Expression of Interest

Horizon Health Network is inviting submissions from interested parties regarding the availability of space suitable for clinical and health service operations across New Brunswick.

Space requirements will vary by project but are expected to be in the range of 5,000 to 15,000 usable square feet. It was moved by Councillor Mennier and seconded by Councillor Black that:

WHEREAS the Municipality of Arcadia continues to experience evolving community, service delivery, and program space needs; and WHEREAS a multi-use facility may provide opportunities for municipal services, community programming, collaborative care services, partner organizations, and other compatible uses in a cost-effective and accessible manner; and

WHEREAS Council wishes to better understand potential options, feasibility, partnerships, locations, costs, and funding opportunities associated with a multi-use facility concept before considering any future decisions;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of Arcadia hereby authorizes staff to explore options related to the potential development of a multi-use facility, which may include but is not limited to:

Identifying potential uses and space needs;
Exploring partnership opportunities with community, governmental, or non-profit organizations;
Reviewing possible locations, including existing municipal assets;
Identifying high-level cost considerations and potential funding sources; and
Assessing alignment with municipal strategic priorities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this exploration does not constitute approval of a specific project, location, or financial commitment, and that any future recommendations will be brought back to Council for consideration.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff report findings and potential next steps to Council at a future meeting. With all in favour, the motion was carried

It was moved by Councillor Black and seconded by Councillor Gordon to submit the Expression of Interest to Horizon Health Network as presented.

With all in favour, the motion was carried.

“Rumours”, “Talk” and “Social Media Myths”?