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:  

• Monday, May 4: Committee of the Whole   
• Tuesday, May 19: Victoria County Council Session  

All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar

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 ReUse Centre at the Baddeck Transfer Station is now accepting donations of gently used items. https://victoriacounty.com/baddeck-reuse-centre-now-accepting-donations/ 

• 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 

• The municipality is planning to launch a call for nominations for the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award in April. https://victoriacounty.com/residents/community-development/volunteer-nomination-information/ 

• Public Works is currently working on the application for Approval to Operate the first phase of the Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System project.  https://www.engage.victoriacounty.com/ingonish-wastewater-treatment-system 

• 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:  

• Tuesday, April 7:  Committee of the Whole   

• Monday, April 20:  Victoria County Council Session  

All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.