Two proposed gas power plants in New Brunswick may operate past 2035 without meeting new federal clean electricity rules, raising environmental concerns.

 

The first facility, a 500-megawatt gas and diesel plant in Tantramar, could receive a “planned unit” exemption, allowing it to bypass emission limits until 2049 if it meets agreement and construction deadlines.

 

The second project, planned for west Saint John, is a 190-megawatt gas plant intended to power a data center.

 

If this plant operates “behind the meter,” supplying power directly to the data center and not the provincial grid, it would also avoid federal emission regulations.

 

Environmental advocates warn these exemptions threaten local efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and shift toward cleaner energy.

 

Amid plans to phase out coal by 2030, the province faces tough choices on natural gas and the future of its energy mix.

The Moncton City Council has voted 8-2 against expanding the Peoples Park Tower, a prominent seniors’ housing complex on St. George Boulevard.

 

The proposed six-storey, 65-unit building faced strong resistance from Kipling Court residents, who cited concerns about shadows, noise, and increased traffic.

 

Despite support from the city’s planning staff, the opposition included a petition signed by 66 neighborhood residents.

 

Stephen Davies, speaking for Peoples Park Tower, stressed the need for more seniors’ units as the current waitlist has grown to over 880 people.

 

He affirmed the organization’s ongoing efforts to find alternative solutions and respond to neighbor concerns.

 

Meanwhile, council approved $1.7 million and a land allocation for a new seniors’ center at 80 Limerick Street, showing Moncton’s ongoing commitment to seniors’ services.

 

This decision highlights the tension between community impacts and urgent housing needs in a rapidly aging city.

In Moncton, Krista Richard leads the Bikes and Trikes for Everyone program, collecting and refurbishing donated bicycles to give to kids in need.

 

Recently, five-year-old Gracie Mae Brown excitedly chose a sparkling pink bike from over 80 options, thanks to Richard's efforts.

 

Her mother, Natasha Lewis, shared how Gracie Mae now rides with friends and enjoys evening family walks, noting the positive impact on local children’s well-being.

 

Over 50 children in their neighborhood alone have received bikes, making exercise and outdoor play more accessible.

 

Last year, Richard gave away over 400 bikes and set a personal record by handing out 88 bikes in a single day.

 

Her commitment, supported by a small team of volunteers, ensures children and some parents can find freedom, joy, and community connection through cycling.

 

She remains dedicated to her mission, inspired by every child’s smile.

Richelle Martin, an environmental lawyer with East Coast Environmental Law, is calling on New Brunswick lawmakers to formally guarantee the right to clean water in provincial legislation.

 

Speaking to a legislative committee in Fredericton, Martin warned that lacking such legal protection could result in unequal access to safe water and threaten public health.

 

She pointed out that, despite federal law affirming a general right to a healthy environment, no province explicitly secures clean water rights—highlighting gaps in Ontario, Quebec, and the territories.

 

Martin also pressed for deeper collaboration with Indigenous communities on freshwater management.

 

Meanwhile, J.D. Irving, Limited representatives cautioned that stricter regulations could undermine New Brunswick's forestry sector, which drives nearly eight percent of provincial GDP.

 

Ongoing committee hearings will help determine how the province can safeguard water quality while supporting economic growth.

Moncton, New Brunswick, is ramping up wildfire precautions as the 2026 season stretches from April through October.

 

Local authorities have issued a sweeping ban on all open fires, including fire pits and outdoor burning, in response to increasing fire risks. Barbecue use in parks is also off-limits, and some parks and trails are temporarily closed to protect the community.

 

Residents are urged to check the provincial Fire Watch website daily for up-to-date burning conditions, especially as the Fire Danger Index (FDI) updates every afternoon at 2 p.m.

 

The FDI gauges fire risk by analyzing weather and fuel moisture, guiding both citizens and officials in making safety decisions.

 

All outdoor burning requires a fire permit, valid for five years and available online for $10, but burning remains prohibited during provincial bans.

 

Moncton urges vigilance and community cooperation to keep wildfire threats at bay this season.

The federal government’s $6 billion plan to recruit and train up to 100,000 new tradespeople over five years is generating cautious optimism in New Brunswick’s skilled trades sector.

 

The launch of Skilled Trades NB in Moncton signals a renewed push to attract apprentices and elevate skilled trades as strong career choices.

 

Since 2019-20, New Brunswick has seen a 20% rise in apprenticeships, with more women and Indigenous participants joining the ranks.

 

Still, the province faces a daunting gap—about 10,000 more construction workers will be needed over the next decade.

 

Industry leaders note challenges in scaling up training capacity and finding enough qualified instructors.

 

Efforts are underway to address these hurdles, including a new committee focused on leveraging immigration to help fill job shortages.

 

Success will depend on the province’s ability to overcome training and workforce barriers.

New Brunswick’s plan to introduce a $4 toll for out-of-province vehicles on the Trans-Canada Highway near Aulac is fueling intense local backlash.

 

Business owners like Tom Trueman of Trueman Blueberry Farms, who draws about 35% of customers from Nova Scotia, worry the fee will drive visitors away and threaten revenues.

 

Tantramar’s Mayor Andrew Black stresses how border towns rely on frequent cross-province travel for commerce, education, and vital community connections.

 

The trucking sector is especially alarmed. Chris McKee of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association warns supply chain costs—and thus consumer prices—could spike, with roughly 2,500 trucks crossing the corridor each day.

 

Despite mounting objections, Premier Susan Holt remains firm, defending the toll as necessary for road upkeep and consistent with regional practices.

 

Community leaders and industry representatives continue pressing the province to reconsider, citing economic risks for the entire border region.