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As Fundy Albert voters prepare for the 2026 municipal election, Ward 4 candidate Alastair MacFarlane is positioning himself as a community-driven candidate focused on transparency, environmental sustainability, and stronger connections between council and residents.
A relatively new resident of Hillsborough, MacFarlane brings a grassroots approach to his campaign, shaped largely by his recent involvement in a local petition effort and his desire to contribute to the future of the community where his family is growing.
As Fundy Albert voters prepare for the 2026 municipal election, Ward 4 candidate Alastair MacFarlane is positioning himself as a community-driven candidate focused on transparency, environmental sustainability, and stronger connections between council and residents.
A relatively new resident of Hillsborough, MacFarlane brings a grassroots approach to his campaign, shaped largely by his recent involvement in a local petition effort and his desire to contribute to the future of the community where his family is growing.
Background and Community Roots
MacFarlane, a machinist by trade, moved to Hillsborough, in Fundy Albert, four years ago with his wife after developing a long-standing connection to the area.
“I used to always come in the summers… and ever since I was little, I fell in love with this town,” he said.
He and his family have established strong personal ties to the community, including marriage, religious involvement, and the birth of their daughter locally. “I have a vested interest in the future of our town, knowing my daughter is going to grow up here,” he said.
Leadership Style and Early Community Involvement
MacFarlane describes his leadership style as collaborative and rooted in listening. “I consider myself to be a collaborative leader… I think it’s really important to listen to people,” he said.
His most notable example of community leadership came through organizing a petition opposing elements of a proposed rural plan, particularly changes affecting backyard chickens and local zoning.
“I spent about 40 hours… going all the way around the town and getting signatures,” he said, noting strong community support for the initiative.
While he describes himself as willing to advocate strongly for issues he believes in, he also emphasizes maintaining respectful dialogue. “I don’t shy away from conflict… but I like to resolve things amenably,” he said.
Motivation for Running
MacFarlane said his candidacy was encouraged by community members following his petition work. “A lot of people… suggested that I should run for council,” he said.
He also pointed to conversations with local business owners and residents who expressed a desire for change, along with his personal investment in the community’s future.
“I really love our village, and I believe I’m the person who’s best suited to help us navigate the challenges we face,” he said.
Platform Overview
MacFarlane’s platform is built around three main pillars:
Key Priority Focus
A central priority for MacFarlane is shaping the municipality’s rural plan. He emphasized the importance of protecting existing zoning and maintaining the rural character of the community.
“I want to make sure that it respects our existing zoning… and keeps our right to grow food and raise animals,” he said.
He also highlighted the need to support small businesses and preserve architectural heritage.
Approach to Governance
MacFarlane stressed the importance of accountability and communication in municipal leadership. “I’ll always be ready to provide a clear explanation of why decisions are being made,” he said.
He supports training for councillors, particularly in areas such as conflict of interest. “Training… is very important because I think we did run into some issues there,” he noted.
Transparency and Accountability
Transparency is a central theme of MacFarlane’s campaign. He identified concerns about conflicts of interest and limited communication as key issues affecting public trust.
“Conflicts of interest… are a very quick way to lose trust with the community,” he said.
He advocates for more proactive communication and easier access to information for residents.
Environment and Natural Resources
MacFarlane places strong emphasis on environmental protection and sustainability, drawing on his personal interest in horticulture and ecology.
“I have a horticulture diploma… I’m kind of an environment nerd,” he said.
He supports ending glyphosate spraying within municipal boundaries and promoting sustainable forestry practices. He also sees opportunities to position the region as an ecotourism destination.
Additionally, he raised concerns about invasive species, proposing early action to address issues such as Japanese knotweed.
Housing, Cost of Living, and Food Security
MacFarlane identified affordability as a significant challenge and suggested several municipal approaches, including responsible budgeting and collaboration with local developers.
“I think an important thing we can do is limit… property tax increases by better managing our budget,” he said.
He also proposed community-based initiatives such as edible forests and increased support for local food production.
As part of his campaign, he committed to donating a portion of his council salary to the local food bank. “I’ll be donating $2,000 a year… to our local food bank,” he said.
Economic Development
MacFarlane emphasized improving communication between council and local businesses. He suggested establishing more direct channels for feedback, such as a Hillsborough-focused business group.
“I want to work with those businesses… to help them thrive,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of attracting businesses that enhance local liveability while supporting existing essential services.
Arts, Culture, and Heritage
MacFarlane views arts and culture as integral to the community’s identity and appeal. “Our area has an uncanny ability to attract artists,” he said.
He supports investment in heritage preservation and greater promotion of local artists and cultural assets.
Infrastructure
On infrastructure, MacFarlane emphasized collaboration between municipal, provincial, and federal levels. He highlighted the need for clarity in responsibilities, particularly on shared roads like Route 114.
He also proposed improvements such as traffic calming measures and safer pedestrian infrastructure.
“I’d like to see safer crossings… for our school and downtown businesses,” he said.
Amalgamation and Regional Collaboration
MacFarlane acknowledged the challenges of amalgamation but emphasized the need to move forward collectively.
“We can’t put the genie back in the bottle… we are all in this together,” he said.
He expressed a willingness to collaborate across wards to address shared challenges.
Closing Thoughts
MacFarlane framed his candidacy around long-term community investment. “I live in this community, I love this community… and I’m ready and willing to do as much work as it takes,” he said.
Contact MacFarlane by telephone: 506-406-5644 or on facebook: www.facebook.com/AlastairMacFarlaneOfficial
MacFarlane, a machinist by trade, moved to Hillsborough, in Fundy Albert, four years ago with his wife after developing a long-standing connection to the area.
“I used to always come in the summers… and ever since I was little, I fell in love with this town,” he said.
He and his family have established strong personal ties to the community, including marriage, religious involvement, and the birth of their daughter locally. “I have a vested interest in the future of our town, knowing my daughter is going to grow up here,” he said.
Leadership Style and Early Community Involvement
MacFarlane describes his leadership style as collaborative and rooted in listening. “I consider myself to be a collaborative leader… I think it’s really important to listen to people,” he said.
His most notable example of community leadership came through organizing a petition opposing elements of a proposed rural plan, particularly changes affecting backyard chickens and local zoning.
“I spent about 40 hours… going all the way around the town and getting signatures,” he said, noting strong community support for the initiative.
While he describes himself as willing to advocate strongly for issues he believes in, he also emphasizes maintaining respectful dialogue. “I don’t shy away from conflict… but I like to resolve things amenably,” he said.
Motivation for Running
MacFarlane said his candidacy was encouraged by community members following his petition work. “A lot of people… suggested that I should run for council,” he said.
He also pointed to conversations with local business owners and residents who expressed a desire for change, along with his personal investment in the community’s future.
“I really love our village, and I believe I’m the person who’s best suited to help us navigate the challenges we face,” he said.
Platform Overview
MacFarlane’s platform is built around three main pillars:
- Transparent local government
- Ecological development and sustainability
- Local investment and community outreach
Key Priority Focus
A central priority for MacFarlane is shaping the municipality’s rural plan. He emphasized the importance of protecting existing zoning and maintaining the rural character of the community.
“I want to make sure that it respects our existing zoning… and keeps our right to grow food and raise animals,” he said.
He also highlighted the need to support small businesses and preserve architectural heritage.
Approach to Governance
MacFarlane stressed the importance of accountability and communication in municipal leadership. “I’ll always be ready to provide a clear explanation of why decisions are being made,” he said.
He supports training for councillors, particularly in areas such as conflict of interest. “Training… is very important because I think we did run into some issues there,” he noted.
Transparency and Accountability
Transparency is a central theme of MacFarlane’s campaign. He identified concerns about conflicts of interest and limited communication as key issues affecting public trust.
“Conflicts of interest… are a very quick way to lose trust with the community,” he said.
He advocates for more proactive communication and easier access to information for residents.
Environment and Natural Resources
MacFarlane places strong emphasis on environmental protection and sustainability, drawing on his personal interest in horticulture and ecology.
“I have a horticulture diploma… I’m kind of an environment nerd,” he said.
He supports ending glyphosate spraying within municipal boundaries and promoting sustainable forestry practices. He also sees opportunities to position the region as an ecotourism destination.
Additionally, he raised concerns about invasive species, proposing early action to address issues such as Japanese knotweed.
Housing, Cost of Living, and Food Security
MacFarlane identified affordability as a significant challenge and suggested several municipal approaches, including responsible budgeting and collaboration with local developers.
“I think an important thing we can do is limit… property tax increases by better managing our budget,” he said.
He also proposed community-based initiatives such as edible forests and increased support for local food production.
As part of his campaign, he committed to donating a portion of his council salary to the local food bank. “I’ll be donating $2,000 a year… to our local food bank,” he said.
Economic Development
MacFarlane emphasized improving communication between council and local businesses. He suggested establishing more direct channels for feedback, such as a Hillsborough-focused business group.
“I want to work with those businesses… to help them thrive,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of attracting businesses that enhance local liveability while supporting existing essential services.
Arts, Culture, and Heritage
MacFarlane views arts and culture as integral to the community’s identity and appeal. “Our area has an uncanny ability to attract artists,” he said.
He supports investment in heritage preservation and greater promotion of local artists and cultural assets.
Infrastructure
On infrastructure, MacFarlane emphasized collaboration between municipal, provincial, and federal levels. He highlighted the need for clarity in responsibilities, particularly on shared roads like Route 114.
He also proposed improvements such as traffic calming measures and safer pedestrian infrastructure.
“I’d like to see safer crossings… for our school and downtown businesses,” he said.
Amalgamation and Regional Collaboration
MacFarlane acknowledged the challenges of amalgamation but emphasized the need to move forward collectively.
“We can’t put the genie back in the bottle… we are all in this together,” he said.
He expressed a willingness to collaborate across wards to address shared challenges.
Closing Thoughts
MacFarlane framed his candidacy around long-term community investment. “I live in this community, I love this community… and I’m ready and willing to do as much work as it takes,” he said.
Contact MacFarlane by telephone: 506-406-5644 or on facebook: www.facebook.com/AlastairMacFarlaneOfficial
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