Quispamsis Mayor Reflects On 2020, Looks Ahead To 2021

The mayor of Quispamsis says the global pandemic has brought residents of his community closer together — in a figurative sense.

In a year-end interview, Mayor Gary Clark said the pandemic has taught people to think differently and adapt to changing environments.

“People galvanized to organize events such as a new-look prom and graduation at the Kennebecasis Valley High School this past year,” said Clark. “We held an incredible drive-thru selfie with Santa in November and this was organized by the town staff and was very well received.”

Town Forges Ahead With Capital Projects

While the pandemic has led to many closures and event cancellations, it had very little impact on the town’s capital program.

Clark said Quispamsis still forged ahead with a number of major capital projects over the past 12 months.

“We had three major infrastructure projects in the town,” said Clark. “The Gondola Point Arterial, the renovations to the Meenan’s Cove beach house, and the construction of our new utility building.”

Roads will continue to be a big priority in 2021, said Clark, with council borrowing an extra $1 million to pave more of them.

Economic Development

The mayor said one of the more important files he has been watching is the new regional economic development agency.

This would bring a number of agencies under one roof, including Develop Saint John, Discover Saint John, Economic Development Greater Saint John and the city’s population growth department.

“We believe in a singular economic development entity with Greater Saint John and the greater impact and alignment will propel growth in the Greater Saint John region,” said Clark.

“In the past, the EDGSJ [Economic Development Greater Saint John] group, Discover Saint John, Develop Saint John were off rowing on their own direction. Now, we’re all in the same boat and working together.”

Will Clark Run For Mayor Again?

Clark and his council’s four-year term was extended earlier this year after the pandemic forced a one-year delay of the municipal elections in May.

As for whether Clark will reoffer for mayor in May of 2021, he has not yet decided.

“It’s a little too premature to say,” he said. “You definitely have to look at everything but we will find out soon whether I decide to run again in the next election.”