Mayor Grant’s Reflections
Fourteen years can go by quickly — and yet, when I look back at what this community has accomplished together, it feels like so much more. It has been an honour to serve Rothesay, first as Deputy Mayor and then as Mayor, for the past fourteen years. As my term draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the moments that stand out. Here are a few highlights I’ll carry with me.
1. Opening of the Rothesay HIVE
A 2016 Rothesay Council decision to seek Age-Friendly status for Rothesay resulted in creation of the Rothesay HIVE Age-Friendly (and Intergenerational, Multicultural) Community Centre, which officially opened in May 2019. Subsequently, what growth! 270 members in 2025, with wait lists for many programs. They have outgrown their space at Town Hall, and have even become “entertainment producers”, doing a Spring Fashion Show. One of my election goals was “Community Building”: the HIVE is community building at its best.
2. Women at the Helm!
The 2021 Election brought a first to our Region: the election of four women Mayors. Donna, Libby, Brittany and I have collaborated throughout our term, helping to drive the Region forward. And I remember one special summer day, when we spent the day at Port SJ, with then-Minister Chrystia Freeland. So much fun!
3. Opening of the Wells Centre — December 2023
The Wells Recreation Park sees ever-growing regional use. Great recreational amenities, but it lacked washrooms and indoor space for inclement weather. The missing piece — the Wells Recreation Centre — was opened in December 2023. Finally: it provides washrooms for park users, indoor space for Rothesay’s Summer Day Camps, and meeting space for French Village residents, as well as for the entire community. With thanks to Secretary Long and then Minister Flemming.
4. Federal Funding Announcement for the RICC — March 2024
Rothesay has been in need of a new arena for years; more recently, the HIVE has outgrown its space at Town Hall. Something had to be done. So, plans were made for the Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex (RICC) — a new arena and walking track, and renovation of the old arena into space for court sports and a larger space for the HIVE. In March 2024, we received the first piece of funding from another level of government for this project: $7 million from the Government of Canada for the renovation piece. Happy Day! Finally, we could move forward with this project! Thank you to Secretary Wayne Long.
5. Sidewalks on Scott and Dobbin, and New Traffic Light at Spruce/Clark
With a large new housing development at the end of Dobbin Street, and many young families in the Scott/Dobbin/Sierra neighbourhoods, safety considerations came top of mind. Sidewalks were added, Spruce Ave was extended past Clark Rd, and a traffic light was added at the Spruce Ave/Clark Rd intersection. Kids in the area will now have a safer walk to school — part of long-term planning to make Rothesay’s core entirely walkable.
6. Recent Developments in Rothesay
Doing our part to ease the housing crisis. In the past 5 years, Rothesay has produced 504 new housing units, completed or under construction. Gearing housing types to changing demands, the units are a mixture of single family, townhouses and apartments. Punching above our weight on housing!
7. Provincial Funding Announcement for the RICC
After years of advocating for a provincial funding commitment for our recreational project — it finally happened! $6 million for the rink portion was announced on January 14, 2026. Truly a great day for Rothesay! Finally, we can proceed with this long-overdue project! Thank you to Premier Holt, and Ministers Townsend and Lepage. We are so excited about this!
8. Dog Days at Town Hall
My new favourite day in the office is Friday, when pooches belonging to Staff come to visit. They come for the treats, and the cuddles, and the atmosphere immediately becomes calmer, funnier, and nicer. Dogs make everything better!
None of this happens without the people who show up. All the volunteers, the staff, the residents who care deeply about this place. Rothesay is what it is because of you. It has been a privilege to serve this community, and I am grateful for every moment of it. To the incoming Council: I wish you all the very best.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nancy Grant
Mayor of Rothesay
