There will be no access to the parking lot behind the Municipal Administration Building on the morning of Thursday, May 14. Contractors will be onsite to install a light by the accessible parking space. The work should be finished by noon.
Please do not use the parking lot during this time. Keeping the area clear will give contractors room to work safely.
Water service will be temporarily shut off to repair a water leak on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Affected customers are located between 244 Dingwall Road to the Markland Resort (802 Dingwall Road). Please run your water for a few minutes once service is restored to clear any air or debris from your water line.
We appreciate your patience as the repairs are undertaken and apologize for any inconvenience.
Update: Water service has now been restored. Residents may experience some discolouration or water pressure changes. Please run your water for a minute to clear your line.
Water service will be temporarily shut off for maintenance on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Affected customers are located between 244 Dingwall Road to the Markland Resort (802 Dingwall Road). Please run your water for a few minutes once service is restored to clear any air from your water lines.
We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.
The by-election for District 3 (Baddeck area) will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Electors may vote between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Administration Building, 495 Chebucto Street, Baddeck, NS.
Voting will take place by paper ballot.
Candidates
The following candidates are running for the office of district 3 councillor:
OFFICE
CANDIDATES
Councillor, District 3 (Baddeck area)
Gary Crowder Ian Nicholson
Advanced Polls
The advance polls will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, and on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, between the hours of 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. at the Municipal Administration Building, 495 Chebucto Street, Baddeck, NS.
Returning Officer
For more information or to request the polling division description contact:
Funding for fire services in Victoria County will go towards firefighter training and water supply systems for local stations.
Lyle Donovan, Emergency Management/Fire Services Coordinator, told Councillors at their regular meeting in April that Victoria County received $25,210 from the province. This funding will be used to support Level 1 Firefighting Training for local volunteer firefighters.
Mr. Donovan also gave an update on previously approved municipal funding ($10,000 in both 2026 and 2027) for dry fire hydrants. Dry hydrants use a reliable source of water like a lake, pond or stream when there is no access to a traditional fire hydrant. Hardware has been purchased for 4 dry hydrants and the remaining funding will be used to install dry hydrants at two local stations this year.
Fire Service Stats in Victoria County
Victoria County is currently served by 11 volunteer fire departments, with substations in place to provide coverage across larger geographic areas. There are also three dispatch services operating in the County:
Cape Breton Regional Dispatch
Canso Dispatch
Shubenacadie Radio Communication Center (SRCC)
The goal is to move toward one centralized dispatch system.
In 2025, fire departments responded to a total of 451 calls and of those 21% were medical related, highlighting the growing demand on volunteer fire services. The North Shore and District Volunteer Fire Department had 101 calls and of those 51 were medical related and the Ross Ferry Volunteer Fire Department responded to 28 calls and of those 22 were medical related.
2025 Victoria County Fire Calls
Volunteer Fire Department
Number of dispatched calls in 2025
Baddeck
89
Bay St. Lawrence
22
Big Bras d’Or
49
Cabot
39
Ingonish
13
Ingonish Beach
21
Iona
26
Middle River
36
Neils Harbour
27
North Shore & District
101
Ross Ferry
28
Changes are coming to fire services in Nova Scotia
The province has introduced new legislation and is working to modernize how fire departments are supported, trained and coordinated.
These changes will guide how departments operate and work together across the province.
Victoria County will continue to monitor developments and work with local departments to understand how these changes will impact the municipality’s role in:
supporting local fire departments and volunteers and
ensuring residents continue to receive reliable emergency response.
Finding local work close to home isn’t always easy, but meaningful opportunities are available. For the 2026 Census, Statistics Canada is hiring thousands of people in Indigenous communities. These positions offer a chance to build experience while working where you live. Local workers bring valuable insight related to the people, the culture, and the land.
What the jobs involve
As an enumerator (non-supervisory role), you’ll go door-to-door in your community, to help assist residents complete their census questionnaires. Pay is $25.87 per hour, plus approved expenses such as mileage and parking. Availability of a minimum of 20 hours per week is required, with the majority of the work completed in the evenings and on weekends. Employment runs from May 2026 to July 2026, depending on the position and location.
As a crew leader (supervisory role), you’ll lead and supervise an assistant and a team of enumerators. They are responsible for all activities related to the collection of completed census questionnaires in their assigned area. Pay is $31.32 per hour, plus authorized expenses. You must be available for full-time work (40 hours per week), including days, evenings, and weekends. Employment runs from March 2026 to July 2026, depending on the position and location.
Why these jobs matter
The data gathered in the census help build a statistical portrait of communities across the country. These insights help to inform decisions about education, healthcare, housing, social services, and more.
For job seekers in Indigenous communities, census positions can help you gain hands-on experience, strengthen in-demand skills, and contribute locally.
Applications are now open for both enumerator and crew leader positions.
The Province of Nova Scotia is moving forward with changes to strengthen fire services across the province, including new legislation, updated training and the creation of a provincial Fire Commissioner role.
In Nova Scotia, fire services are delivered locally, but these provincial updates will shape how departments are supported, trained and coordinated.
For municipalities like ours, this work relates to ongoing efforts to:
support local fire departments and volunteers
plan for sustainable service delivery
ensure residents continue to receive reliable emergency response
This is a multi-year process, and Victoria County will continue to monitor developments and work with local departments. We will share updates as more details become available.
Today’s workplace evolves quickly. New technology, shifting priorities, and collaborative environments mean that the most valuable employees are those who can adapt, grow, and contribute in many ways. Building strong, versatile skills can help you succeed in any role and prepare you for future opportunities.
Working for the census is a practical way to build and strengthen these skills while contributing to your community:
Collaboration Working well with others is still one of the most important abilities you can bring to any job. Effective collaborators listen actively, share ideas respectfully, and help create a positive environment. Employers value people who support their teammates and contribute to a workplace where everyone feels comfortable and motivated.
Clear communication Whether you’re explaining a task, writing an email, or presenting an idea, strong communication skills help you succeed. Being able to express yourself clearly improves productivity, reduces misunderstandings, and helps you build strong relationships at work. It’s also a skill that carries through your entire career—from job interviews to leadership opportunities.
Leadership mindset Leadership isn’t only about managing a team. It’s about taking initiative, showing confidence, and helping others succeed. People with leadership qualities motivate their colleagues, contribute thoughtful ideas, and bring forward solutions—not just problems. Employers are always on the lookout for individuals who elevate the workplace around them.
Managing multiple priorities Modern jobs often require balancing several tasks at once. Effective multitasking isn’t about doing everything at the same time—it’s about staying organized, understanding what needs attention first, and adapting when plans change. Good time-management and organizational skills demonstrate reliability and help you stand out.
Building these skills doesn’t always require long-term roles or full-time commitments. Part-time or seasonal work can be a great way to strengthen your résumé, gain real experience, and grow your confidence.
If you’re looking for a practical way to build these skills, consider joining the 2026 Census team. Enumerator and crew leader roles offer flexible hours, hands-on experience, and the chance to contribute to an important national initiative.