A close-up of a podium microphone against a softly blurred background, overlaid with a blue graphic panel displaying the text “District 3 By‑Election” and “Official Candidates.”

Candidates for the District 3 By-election

Candidates for the District 3 By-election (Baddeck area) on May 30, 2026 are:

  • Gary Crowder 

(this list will be updated when candidates are confirmed by the Returning Officer)  

Nominations will be accepted by appointment until May 4 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 (Nomination Day) at the Municipal Administration Building.  

For complete details on how to become a candidate visit: https://victoriacounty.com/election/ or contact Steff MacLeod, Returning Officer by email at steff.macleod@victoriacounty.ca or by phone at 902-295-3659.  

Graphic showing a daylight photo of a historic municipal building with overlaid text reading “In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) Council Meeting Recap April 2026,” indicating a recap of a council meeting.

ICYMI: Council Meeting Recap for April 2026 

Victoria County Council met on Monday, April 20, 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.  

Presentations to Council 

Fires Services Update presented by Lyle Donovan  

Victoria County is currently served by 11 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 for Victoria County. 

In 2025, fire departments responded to 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. 

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.  

We 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 services.  

Residents can learn more about the province’s three-year implementation plan on their website: https://novascotia.ca/modernized-firefighter-training/ 

The municipality received $25,210 from the province to support Level 1 Firefighting Training. This funding will be used to train local volunteer firefighters.  

Council had previously approved funding ($10,000 in both 2026 and 2027) for dry fire hydrants. Dry hydrants allow firefighters to use a reliable source of water like a lake, pond, or stream when they do not have access to a traditional fire hydrant. The hardware for four dry hydrants was purchased and the remaining funding will be used to install dry hydrants at two local stations.  

Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education (CBVRCE) Update presented by Lewis MacDonald, Director of Operations with Susan Kelley  

The long-range forecast of Baddeck Academy was presented to Council. The forecast included year over year enrolment numbers, years of construction and capacity levels. Baddeck Academy’s current capacity is 75 per cent and it is not anticipated to increase based on forecasted enrolment numbers. Capacity at the class level can vary and is managed with flexible spaces without the need for adding modular or portable buildings.

RCMP Update presented by Brian Bonnell 

The RCMP are making changes to their uniforms and vehicles. 

  • Uniforms will change from grey shirts to blue  
  • Vehicles will be black and white with updated graphics  

These changes will roll out nationally and will be communicated through official RCMP communications channels.  

Municipal Matters 

  • This quarter 256 tonnes of trash, recyclables and compost were collected. 
  • Public Works had a 49% increase in fuel cost, $20,000 just in March.  
  • A survey for residents about solid waste is being planned to get feedback from the community and get insights into what works well and where improvements can be made.  
  • Earth Day (April 22) is the unofficial start of community clean ups. Victoria County will have clean up supplies available and our Solid Waste Educator will be creating community clean up kits for local libraries. As a reminder, black bags are not accepted in Victoria County.  
  • The second annual health fair at the Bay St Lawrence Fire Department is on April 29 from 1 – 4 p.m. Find more details here: https://www.facebook.com/bslcommunitycentre  
  • Cabot Trail 100 Engagement Sessions are ongoing. To find an event near you, visit: https://destinationcapebreton.com/cabot-trail-100-commemoration/ 
  • May is designated as Gaelic Nova Scotia Month. A proclamation will be declared during a flag raising event at the Municipal Administration Building in Baddeck on Monday, May 4.  
  • Volunteer of the Year Award Nominations are being accepted until April 27, 2026. Nominate a youth, individual or group today! https://victoriacounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Volunteer-Nomination-Form.pdf 
  • Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System Update was posted on April 15: https://www.engage.victoriacounty.com/ingonish-wastewater-treatment-system 
  • District 8 Councillor Wanda Hennick wished everyone a Happy Setting Day – Lobster fishing season starts early on May 8.  
  • Warden Organ noted that the fishing season is underway and wished all fishers a safe season, calm seas and bountiful catches. 

Upcoming Meetings  

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

All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar

Graphic announcing a Regular Council Meeting. The top half shows a photograph of a large two‑storey municipal building with white siding, stone foundation, and a well‑kept lawn with shrubs. A green label at the top reads ‘Council Meeting.’ The bottom half is a blue section with white text stating: ‘Regular Council Meeting – Monday at 10 a.m. – Livestream.’ Additional text at the bottom reads: ‘Council Chambers, Municipal Administration Building, 495 Chebucto Street, Baddeck.’ An icon representing livestreaming appears next to the text.

Coming Up Next Week: Regular Council Meeting

Victoria County Council will meet on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 10 a.m. 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

A person places a blank ballot into a ballot box at a polling station. Overlaid text reads, “District 3 By‑Election” and “Confirm you are on the electors list,” on a blue background.

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

If you live in District 3, now is the time to make sure you’re on the electors list for the upcoming by-election. 

You can find out if you are on the list of electors by contacting the Returning Officer, Steff MacLeod between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. before May 15, 2026.  

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

You will be asked for your name, your address and your date of birth. 

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, take the time now to confirm. Participating in the election is an important way to have your say in your community. 

Voting Eligibility  

To vote in the District 3 by-election, you must: 

  • Be 18 years of age or older and a Canadian citizen on the first day of advance polling  
  • Have been an ordinarily resident of Nova Scotia for at least six months before the first advance polling day  
  • Be an ordinarily resident of District 3 immediately before the first advance poll  

Being an “ordinarily resident” in a Nova Scotia municipality means it is the place where you usually live, sleep and intend to return to when away, regardless of where you take meals or are employed. 

Who Can’t Vote? 

You are not eligible to vote if you are: 

  • The Returning Officer  
  • An inmate in a correctional or reform facility  
  • A person convicted of bribery under the Municipal Elections Act within the past six years  

NOTE: Nova Scotia does not allow non-resident voting in municipal elections meaning you must live in the municipality to vote there. For example, if you live in Sydney but own a cottage in Ingonish, you are not eligible to vote in Victoria County, you must vote where you ordinarily reside. 

Voting Dates 

  • May 21, 2026 – First Advance Poll  
  • May 26, 2026 – Second Advance Poll  
  • May 30, 2026 – By-Election Day  

 Related Links

Bronze statues of Mabel and Alexander Graham Bell seated on a waterfront bench overlooking Baddeck Bay harbour with boats; a blue banner at the bottom reads ‘District 3 By‑Election — Nomination Process.

Become a Candidate: District 3 By-Election Nomination Process 

The nomination process is now available for the upcoming District 3 by-election, and residents interested in running for Council are encouraged to start preparing. 

Serving on Council is an opportunity to represent your community, help shape local decisions, and work with others to support the future of Victoria County. 

Nomination Dates 

  • By appointment: April 24 – May 4, 2026  
  • Nomination Day: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)  

Nomination papers must be submitted in person to the Returning Officer at the Municipal Administration Building (495 Chebucto Street, Baddeck). 

What You Need to Apply 

To become a candidate, you must: 

  • Be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen  
  • You must be an ordinarily resident of the Municipality (since November 30, 2025) and will continue to be one into the future 
  • Have all municipal taxes and bills paid  
  • Not be disqualified under the Municipal Elections Act  

Candidates must also: 

  • Complete the nomination forms (now available on the website or through the Returning Officer)  
  • 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)  

Plan Ahead 

Candidates can begin campaigning as soon as they decide to run and are encouraged to review the Handbook for Candidates for important rules and guidance. 

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. 

If you’re thinking about running, now is the time to get started. For more information or to book an appointment, contact Steff MacLeod, Returning Officer at steff.macleod@victoriacounty.ca or 902-295-3659. 

Visit the Municipal Elections page for more information and to access the forms. 

Related Links

Graphic announcing a council meeting. The top half shows a photo of the Municipal Administration Building in Baddeck on a sunny day, with a flagpole and surrounding buildings visible. A green label near the top reads ‘Council Meeting.’ The lower blue section contains white text inviting the public to attend the Committee of the Whole meeting in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Administration Building, located at 495 Chebucto Street, Baddeck.

Upcoming Council Meeting – Committee of the Whole

Victoria County Council will be meeting for Committee of the Whole in Council Chambers at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Location: Municipal Administration Building in Baddeck (495 Chebucto Street)
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.

Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole meetings provide Council members the opportunity to discuss topics more thoroughly and determine which items should move forward for action and direction during regular Council sessions.

Meeting details: https://victoriacounty.com/event/committee-of-the-whole-04-07-2026

Screenshot of the Victoria County ‘Committee and Council Meeting Records’ webpage. The page includes filters for meeting type, year, and month, and a button labeled ‘Filter Meetings.’ Below is a table listing meeting dates, types, and links to agendas, minutes, videos, and packages. A green circular badge with the word ‘NEW!’ appears in the bottom-right corner.

New: Committee and Council Meeting Records Page 

We’ve improved how you can access meeting information on our website.  

The updated page, now called Committee and Council Meeting Records, includes agendas, minutes, links to video recordings and meeting packages all in one place.  

Records for the following meeting types are included: 

  • Regular Council Meeting 
  • Committee of the Whole 
  • Emergency Council Meeting  
  • Special Council Meeting  
  • Finance and Audit Committee Meeting 

New search and filter features also make it easier to find the information you’re looking for. 

You can search by keyword or filter by meeting type, year or month.  

These website improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and keeping residents informed. 

Check it out now: https://victoriacounty.com/government/committee-and-council-meeting-records/ 

Meeting Minutes 

Meeting minutes are the official record of what was discussed and decided. Minutes are posted to the Committee and Council Meeting Records archive once they have been approved by council. 

A graphic featuring a photograph of a large light‑coloured municipal-style building with stone accents in the foreground. Overlaid text reads “In Case You Missed It” in an arc at the top, “ICYMI” in a white banner at the centre, “Council Meeting Recap” below it, and “March 2026” near the bottom. The image is framed with a thin blue border.

ICYMI: Council Meeting Recap for March 2026 

Victoria County Council met on Monday, March 23, 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://www.youtube.com/live/A8JtPbMX_q8?si=CvyI0QKYmzP3olcz 

Presentations to Council 

Pilot Community Garden Project in Baddeck presented by Solana Courtemanche 

Solana Courtemanche is leading a community garden project in partnership with the BOLD Centre in Baddeck and has applied for a grant through the Nova Scotia Literacy Fund. 

The “seed to harvest” program would bring seniors and youth together to plant seeds in the spring, take part in educational activities throughout the summer and celebrate the harvest in the fall. The program is designed to be flexible and can support learning goals for students of all ages. 

Council is being asked to consider allowing use of municipal land to support this pilot project. This low-cost initiative would build on, and not replace, the current community garden by extending activities onto the adjacent lot at the rear of the Municipal Administration Building. 

Motions and Decisions  

Pilot Community Garden 

Council approved a motion to allow Solana Courtemanche to use the property at the rear of the Municipal Administration Building for a community garden pilot project.  

District 3 By-election 

Council approved a motion declaring May 30, 2026 as the date of the District 3 by-election; that the first advance polling day will be May 21, 2026, in accordance with legislative requirements; that the Municipal Clerk be appointed as Returning Officer for the byelection; and that Council approve the use of paper ballots as the voting method. 

Community Document Shredding Event 

Council has accepted a recommendation to host community document shredding events in partnership with Scotia Security Shredding. These events will give residents a safe and convenient way to dispose of personal documents, such as tax records and bills, through secure, on-site shredding. Materials are destroyed immediately, allowing residents to witness the process and protect their personal information from identity theft. Two event dates are proposed: May 9 and May 23. Further details will be shared as plans are finalized. 

ReUse Centre Program Update 

Council has approved a change to the ReUse Centre program for this year. Instead of operating for three consecutive Saturdays, community groups will now run the Centre for two Saturdays. This adjustment will allow more groups to take part and benefit from the program, particularly in light of recent provincial funding cuts to arts, culture, heritage and community initiatives. As in previous years, participating groups are selected through a random draw, keep all proceeds raised and are responsible for providing their own cash float and volunteers. You can help support our local community groups by donating gently used items to the ReUse Centre located at the Baddeck Transfer Station.  

Municipal Matters 

  • The Ingonish Beach Volunteer Fire Department rescue vehicle is now operational and was used in its first rescue as reported in the Victoria Reporter.  
  • The Tourism Department is looking into tour buses parking on Chebucto Street ahead of the tourism season.   
  • Updated Councillor Packages: It is the intention that each agenda item will have a corresponding document attached. These documents will be clearly referenced by the agenda number, indicating where they can be found within the package. The packages can be found on the municipal website: Committee and Council Meeting Records 
  • A preliminary meeting was held with Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change and Dillon Consulting on Phase 2 of the Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System project.  
  • Nova Scotia Public Works requires two water lines in Dingwall and one in Little Narrows to be moved. This project will have to be tendered for design options.  
  • Engage NS launched its Quality of Life Survey. Every household in NS will receive a unique code to access and complete the survey. Learn more here: https://www.engagenovascotia.ca/ 

By-Election Update 

Council has set the dates for the upcoming District 3 by-election: 

  • May 5, 2026 – Nomination Day  
  • May 21, 2026 – First Advance Polling Day  
  • May 30, 2026 – By-election Day  

 
Voting will take place by paper ballot. The Municipal Clerk, Steff MacLeod, will serve as Returning Officer for the by-election. 

Upcoming Meetings  

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

All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.   

A graphic with the Victoria County logo at the top, featuring three green hills above the words “Victoria County” and the tagline “Naturally Connected.” The lower portion of the image is a curved blue section with the word “Notice” in bold white text centered within it.

District 3 By-Election Set for May 30

Residents in Victoria County’s District 3 will head to the polls on May 30, 2026, to elect a new councillor. 

Council approved the by-election at the regular council meeting on Monday, March 23, following last month’s resignation of former councillor Jess Kerr who represented residents in the Baddeck area.  

Key dates for the by-election include: 

  • May 5, 2026 – Nomination Day  
  • May 21, 2026 – Advance Polling Day  
  • May 30, 2026 – By-Election Day  

Voting will take place using paper ballots for the approximately 600 voters in the district. Advance polling will take place on Thursday, May 21.  

Municipal Clerk Steff MacLeod has been appointed Returning Officer for the by-election. In the interim, District 3 is being represented by Warden Jackie Organ. 

Residents are encouraged to consider getting involved by running as a candidate. More details about nominations and voting will be shared as they become available.

Related Links