Aerial view of the Village of Baddeck waterfront with houses, trees, and a marina filled with sailboats and docks under a blue sky. The lower portion features a blue graphic banner. White text reads: “District 3 By-Election” and “Official Results.”

Official Election Results Are In!

The Official Count for the District 3 By-Election has been completed.

Election Statistics

  • Eligible Voters: 787
  • Ballots Cast: 355
  • Voter Turnout: 45.1%
  • Spoiled Ballots: 1

Official Results

  • Gary Crowder: 173 votes
  • Ian Nicholson: 182 votes

Congratulations to Ian Nicholson, who has been officially declared elected as Councillor for District 3.

Mr. Nicholson will be sworn in as Councillor at the regular Council meeting on June 22, 2026 at 10am.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the election process and to both candidates for their willingness to serve the residents of District 3 through a respectful and positive election campaign.

A coastal scene shows a white lighthouse with red accents standing on a small rocky point surrounded by trees, with calm blue water in the foreground and a partly cloudy sky above. A bold blue graphic overlay covers the lower portion of the image. White text on the overlay reads “District 3 By-Election” and “Polls Closed.”

District 3 By-Election: Unofficial Results

The District 3 By-Election polls are now closed.

The unofficial results are:

  • 173 votes for Gary Crowder
  • 182 votes for Ian Nicholson

Official results will be announced on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Victoria County logo and banner announcing “Budget 2026–27 – Victoria County Approves 2026–27 Municipal Budget.”

Victoria County Approves 2026–27 Municipal Budget 

Victoria County Council approved the 2026–27 Municipal Budget on May 19, 2026. 

The approved operating budget is $16,216,837. Council’s budget decisions were informed by a resident budget survey completed by 527 residents, with affordability identified as one of the community’s top priorities. 

Despite rising costs, Council was able to keep overall municipal tax rates unchanged for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

The overall tax rates remain: 

  • $1.15 per $100 of assessment for residential and resource properties  
  • $2.09 per $100 of assessment for commercial properties  

Fire Protection Rate Now Shown Separately 

Starting this year, municipal tax bills will show the fire protection rate as a separate line item. 

The fire protection rate is not new and does not increase the overall tax rate. In previous years, the cost of fire protection services was included within the general municipal tax rate. The change simply makes that portion visible on tax bills for greater transparency. 

“Showing the fire protection rate separately improves transparency and helps residents see where their tax dollars go, without changing the overall tax rate,” said Warden Jackie Organ.  

The fire protection rate is $0.114 per $100 of assessment. The remaining general municipal rates are: 

  • $1.036 per $100 of assessment for residential and resource properties  
  • $1.976 per $100 of assessment for commercial properties  

There is no change to the level of fire protection service being provided. 

Investments in Community Priorities 

The 2026–27 budget continues investments in municipal services, infrastructure and community programs, including: 

  • Waste management infrastructure  
  • Public washrooms  
  • Housing initiatives    
  • Trails and recreation  
  • Community grant programs  

This year, the Community Grants Program increased from $275,000 to $300,000 to support local non-profit organizations and community groups. 

Council also renewed and expanded the Senior Safety Social Network pilot program, increasing funding to $12,000 per district to support weekly social gatherings for seniors across all eight districts. 

In addition, more than $1 million was transferred to capital reserves to support future infrastructure and long-term planning. 

Municipal tax bills will be mailed in June. 

Poster showing a municipal building with tulips in bloom and text promoting an ICYMI council meeting recap for May 2026.

ICYMI: Council Meeting Recap for May 2026 

Victoria County Council met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. 

This recap highlights key discussions and decisions from the meeting. It is not a complete record. Official meeting minutes will be posted on the Committee and Council Meeting Records page once approved at the next Council session.  

Watch the meeting on our YouTube page: https://youtube.com/live/XWdU21E_cP4 

Presentations to Council 

L’Arche Cape Breton Affordable Housing Initiative presented by Josephine MacEachern  

Council was given an overview of the changes to the disability support system in Nova Scotia and a housing initiative in Inverness County.  

The presentation highlighted a housing project in Iron Mines consisting of modular three-bedroom homes intended for mixed tenancy affordable housing. Council heard that many residents and staff connected to L’Arche Cape Breton are from Victoria County. 

Council was asked for the following: 

  • A letter of endorsement to support federal and provincial grant applications  
  • Municipal financial support and/or assistance identifying additional grant opportunities  

Council also discussed connecting the group with the Victoria County Housing Committee to support ongoing collaboration and planning. 

Solid Waste Presentation by Morgan MacInnis  

The Solid Waste Educator provided Council with an overview of her role, how waste is managed in Victoria County and ways residents can reduce waste and improve sorting practices. 

The Solid Waste Educator: 

  • Helps schools, individuals, businesses and community groups reduce waste  
  • Educates residents on proper sorting and recycling practices  
  • Works to reduce landfill waste and protect the environment 

Key highlights included: 

  • All waste collected in Victoria County is transported to Guysborough, as Cape Breton does not have active landfills  
  • Waste from Victoria County is transported once per day or more during the tourist season 
  • Organic waste is removed from bags and processed in large compost piles on site 
  • Recycling is sorted by staff when it arrives at the transfer station 
  • Waste collection trucks have 3 sections to keep garbage, recycling and compost separate 

Residents were also encouraged to donate gently used items to the ReUse Centre whenever possible. Staff also clarified that municipal compost is not available to the public. 

Volunteer of the Year Awards presented by Yvette Rogers  

Council reviewed evaluations for the Volunteer of the Year Award. To support a fair selection process, nominee names were removed from applications before being provided to Council for scoring. A total of nine nominations were received, including five youth nominations. This year’s recipient is a student in grade 8, Maya MacLeod.  

 Motions and Decisions  

  • Council approved a motion to provide a letter of support for L’Arche Cape Breton’s affordable housing development and future housing plans.  
  • Council approved a motion to provide $500 in support the Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs.  
  • Council approved a motion to support Courageous Companions through the purchase of business card sponsorship at a cost of $329.  
  • Council approved a motion for the First Reading of the Wastewater Charges and Rates Bylaw. 

Municipal Matters 

Upcoming Meetings  

The next public meetings of Victoria County Council in 2026 are scheduled for:  

All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.   

Upcoming Events

Victoria County Council will be meeting for the following events at the Municipal Administration Building (495 Chebucto Street, Baddeck) in the coming weeks:

We invite everyone join us for the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, taking place in the front courtyard of the Administrative Building. The public is also welcome at all council meetings!

Photograph of a white municipal building with stone base, large windows, and a central entrance, set on a grassy lawn with shrubs and flowers. A stone monument stands on the left and trees frame the scene under a clear blue sky. A green banner near the top reads “Council Meeting.” A curved dark blue section at the bottom contains white text: “Everyone is welcome,” “Regular Council Meeting,” “10:00 a.m. Livestream,” and “Council Chambers, Municipal Administration Building, 495 Chebucto Street, Baddeck.”

Coming Up Next Week: Regular Council Meeting

Victoria County Council will meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 for its next Regular Council Meeting. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Administration Building located at 495 Chebucto Street in Baddeck. The meeting will be live streamed so that residents can tune in at a time that is convenient for them. Everyone is welcome to attend council meetings!

The meeting agenda and other related documents will be posted on the Committee and Council Meeting Records web page as they become available.

Related Links

Promotional graphic showing two wooden podiums with microphones on a stage in front of blue curtains, with a blue panel below displaying the text: “District 3 By‑Election” and “Get to Know the Candidates.”

District 3 By-Election: Get to Know the Candidates  

As part of the upcoming District 3 by-election, the two candidates have been invited to share information about themselves to help electors make informed decisions before voting. 

Candidate Name: Gary Crowder 

In October 2024, I ran for District 3 Councillor in the Victoria County Municipal election and finished second, with very strong voter support. Today, in this 2026 by-election, I am just as committed to representing the residents and businesses in District 3 as I was then, and even more prepared. 

I joined the Village of Baddeck Commission back in June 2022, at a time when positions remained vacant following an unsuccessful attempt at dissolution, and the Village was in governance crisis and financial turmoil. Since that time, I have worked diligently alongside other Commissioners, staff and volunteers, on behalf of our community, and have contributed directly to achieving Ministerial Compliance, hiring a strong Village Manager, budgeting, strategic planning, and establishing Policies & Procedures for Village operations. My active committee participation has included Audit, Accessibility, Baddeck Area Advisory, VCMH Community Working Group, and Waterfront Baddeck. In my almost four years as a Commissioner, the Village has made huge progress, organizationally, financially and operationally.  With the Village now in a stronger position, I want to represent District 3 on the Municipal Council and work with the other seven Councillors to address the needs and concerns in District 3, and all of Victoria County.  

Since the last Municipal Election, I have stayed up to date on current issues and continued to attend Council meetings, as well as review the Victoria County Budget and Strategic Plan in detail. I understand the unique dynamic here in District 3 and know how important it is for all 8 Districts to work together to support healthy growth, secure funding for essential infrastructure and manage every taxpayer dollar carefully. If elected as Councillor, I’m prepared to do my homework, listen, ask important questions, and advocate on your behalf.  During my previous campaign, I shared details about my background, education, professional experience, values and beliefs. I will happily provide any of that information, but I hope that the work I’ve done since coming to Baddeck and Victoria County demonstrates my willingness and ability to do the job. 

My wife, Sara, and I love living in Baddeck, and we have made our home here. I would love to work on behalf of everyone here to help make District 3 and all of Victoria County an even better place to work, raise a family, build a business, and just enjoy life, now and in the future. 

Candidate Name: Ian Nicholson

Ian Nicholson is a lifelong resident of Baddeck Area with a long-standing record of community involvement and public service. A retired NSLC manager, Ian is currently employed as a construction inspector with public works.  

Over the years he has dedicated significant time to volunteer and community organizations, six years serving the Victoria Highland Civic Centre board, ten years Bell Bay Golf Society, four years on the Baddeck Village Commission and four years Brad’s d’or Yacht Club Board. Ian currently serves as an Executive member of the Royal Canadian Legion.  

His lifelong commitment to the Baddeck community reflects his strong sense of service, leadership and dedication to local organizations and residents alike. 

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. 

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: 

Steff MacLeod 
Telephone: 902-295-3659  
Fax: 902-295-3331  
E-mail: steff.macleod@victoriacounty.ca  

Related Links 

District 3 By-Election Notice of Polls

District 3 By-Election: Notice of Polls

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:

OFFICECANDIDATES
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:

Steff MacLeod
Telephone: 902-295-3659 
Fax: 902-295-3331 
E-mail: steff.macleod@victoriacounty.ca 

Related Links

Candidates for the District 3 By-election
District 3 By-Election: Confirm you are on the electors list

Promotional graphic showing a close-up of a ballot with checkboxes beside candidate names, overlaid with a blue banner reading “District 3 By‑Election” and “Nomination Day.”

Today is Nomination Day!

To run for council in the District 3 by-election (Baddeck area) you must submit your paperwork between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in person to the Returning Officer at the Municipal Building (495 Chebucto Street, Baddeck).

Here’s your checklist:

  • Meet all eligibility requirements to become a candidate
  • Complete the nomination forms
  • Collect a minimum of 5 signatures from eligible voters in the district (more is recommended)
  • Submit a $200 deposit (cash, money order, or certified cheque)

Nominations close May 5 at 5:00 p.m. sharp, and late or incomplete submissions may not be accepted so submitting early is strongly recommended.

Questions? Contact Steff MacLeod, Returning Officer at steff.macleod@victoriacounty.ca or 902-295-3659.