Wildfire Advances Toward Maple Hills

A rapidly spreading wildfire broke out Sunday north of Moncton, prompting the rural New Brunswick community of Maple Hills to warn residents to prepare for possible evacuation. The fire, spanning about 30 hectares near MacArthur Lane, drew firefighting teams from Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview.

High-Risk Zones Mapped

According to a community update, areas most at risk are bounded by Cape Breton Road, Weisner Road, Elmwood Drive, and Roma Way. As of 10 p.m., no evacuation order had been issued, but residents were urged to pack personal items and ensure pets were ready to move.

Leadership Urges Preparedness

Mayor Erica Warren said the blaze remained out of control but was not currently moving toward homes. She added that the Department of Natural Resources was digging trenches to create fire breaks and slow its spread. The mayor praised first responders for swift action, noting conditions could be “a whole lot worse” without their efforts.

Public Safety Measures in Place

The City of Moncton issued a boil-water advisory for properties along Elmwood Drive, north of the Trans-Canada Highway, due to turbidity caused by high water demand for firefighting. The advisory covers Granite Drive, Royal Oaks subdivision, and civic addresses starting at 759 Elmwood Dr. Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before use. Irishtown Nature Park has been closed until further notice.

Community Response

The Moncton Firefighters Association urged the public to avoid the fire zone to allow emergency vehicle access. Local resident Renelle Lanteigne, who returned from Shediac to prepare her property, expressed concern for farms in the area. “People are starting to worry about evacuating their horses and cows,” she said.

Province Faces Multiple Fires

Elsewhere in New Brunswick, the Oldfield Road fire near Miramichi has forced the evacuation of three homes and a cottage, with 15 more on alert. That blaze spans about 340 hectares and remains beyond control, according to Natural Resources Minister John Herron. Access to all Crown land has been banned due to extreme fire conditions, marking the driest period in the province since records began in 1986.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

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Tax Freeze Triggers Budget Concerns

Moncton City Council is weighing the possibility of raising property tax rates for the first time in nearly ten years after the provincial government froze property assessments, a move that could cost the city millions in expected revenue.

The freeze, introduced earlier this year by the New Brunswick government, halts growth in property assessment values—values the city has long relied on to fuel infrastructure projects and meet rising costs. Jacques Doucet, Moncton’s general manager of financial services, presented the issue at a council committee meeting on Monday, urging councillors to prepare for difficult decisions ahead.

City Faced With Three Options

Doucet outlined three potential paths: maintaining the current tax rate by cutting spending, increasing the tax rate by 2.5%, or opting for a larger 4.5% hike. Each option carries significant implications for the city’s $223.8 million operating budget.

The city’s current rate stands at $1.3614 per $100 of assessed value. Over the past four years, Moncton had cut its rate by 21 cents to offset fast-rising assessments. However, with that growth halted, Doucet said the city is now facing a shortfall of up to $13 million it had anticipated based on past trends.

Councillors Weigh Impact on Residents

Although no votes were cast, councillors discussed the impact of the options. Coun. Bryan Butler urged a steady rate, asking whether that was sustainable for one year. “Yes, it’s doable,” Doucet responded.

Coun. Charles Leger suggested a broader conversation about prioritizing spending and delaying certain investments. “Maybe we’re going to be faced with that—we have to slow down,” Leger said, emphasizing the city’s need to balance community reinvestment with fiscal caution.

Spending Cuts and Delays Under Review

Doucet acknowledged that many rising costs—such as inflation and union contracts—are locked in. As a result, cuts would likely fall on capital spending for roads, buildings, and city vehicles. Other possibilities include delaying hiring or raising transit and recreation fees.

He emphasized that funding from provincial sources, such as a $45 million capital renewal fund, remains uncertain and could further impact budget planning.

Budget Outlook Expected by Fall

Doucet plans to return to council in September with updated revenue projections and spending recommendations, following clarification on provincial funding levels.

The province, meanwhile, maintains that the assessment freeze offers relief for taxpayers. But as Doucet’s report noted, it shifts financial pressure onto municipalities like Moncton, which may now be forced to choose between raising taxes or slowing growth.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

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