The mayor of Saint Andrews says he will be stepping down from his role in early June.

Brad Henderson made the “bittersweet” announcement in a social media post on Tuesday.

Henderson wrote that he has has always been open about this being his last term on council.

“Together, in 2021, my family and I agreed that four more years would be the right amount. After nine incredible years in public service, it’s time for me to be more present at home,” he said.

“While I was proud to serve an extended five-year term as Deputy Mayor during the challenges of a global pandemic, this current five-year term—extended by the province as part of municipal reform—came with no consultation or pressing need.”

Henderson was elected as a councillor in 2016 and served as deputy mayor from April 2017 until May 2021, when he was elected mayor.

During his tenure, the council has undertaken significant housing projects, including a new affordable housing development on Mowat Drive and working toward housing to support the New Brunswick Community College.

It has also purchased a much-needed ladder truck and begun the initial efforts to get the wharf refurbishment project underway. He has worked extensively to help support a winter tourism season.

Henderson went on to say that it is time to put his family first after “well over a thousand nights away from home at meetings.”

“Serving on council has been a privilege, but it has also meant many evenings and weekends away from my wife and kids,” he said.

“It has been a remarkable journey, and I’m committed to finishing these last two months with the energy, integrity, and dedication you deserve. There are still a few important files I’d like to help see through before my time is done.”

Henderson will officially step down during the June 2 meeting. Deputy Mayor Kate Akagi will assume the role of mayor until the next municipal election in May 2026.

With files from the Local Journalism Initiative/The Courier.