On Monday, May 4, Victoria County Council will have a flag raising ceremony outside of the Municipal Administration Building in Baddeck in honour of Gaelic Heritage Month beginning at 9 a.m. Following the ceremony, a Finance and Audit Committee meeting will take place from 9:30 – 10 a.m. Council will then sit forCommittee of the Whole beginning at 10 a.m.
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.
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:
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.
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.
The RCMP are making changes to their uniforms and vehicles.
These changes will roll out nationally and will be communicated through official RCMP communications channels.
The next public meetings of Victoria County Council in 2026 are scheduled for:
All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar
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.
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 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
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:
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Council has set the dates for the upcoming District 3 by-election:
Voting will take place by paper ballot. The Municipal Clerk, Steff MacLeod, will serve as Returning Officer for the by-election.
The next public meetings of Victoria County Council in 2026 are scheduled for:
All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.
Victoria County Council will meet on Monday, March 23rd and 10 a.m. for their Regular Council Meeting. This meeting will also be live streamed. All are welcome to attend meetings of council. You can find the Agenda and meeting details here: https://victoriacounty.com/event/victoria-county-council-session-23-03-2026
The Committee of a Whole meeting scheduled for Monday, March 9 is cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Victoria County Council met on Monday, February 23, 2026.
This recap highlights key discussions and decisions from the meeting. It is not a complete record. Official meeting minutes will be posted here once approved at the next Council session.
Watch the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/UWw05OovlO0
Members of the Baddeck 4H Club, joined by Adam Malcolm of ACAP Cape Breton, presented on a local environmental restoration project.
The group identified and restored a riparian zone (land along a stream or waterway) near Peters Brook, located approximately 4 km north of Baddeck.
Work completed:
Council thanked the students for their environmental leadership and community involvement.
Website: https://nhn.xcski.ca/
Representatives from North Highlands Nordic presented a proposal to expand their garage facility.
The current garage does not safely accommodate new grooming and emergency equipment. The expansion would:
Funding details:
Council suggested the organization consider applying through the Municipal Grant Program (maximum $20,000). Council requested financial statements for the last two years and will review the request during upcoming budget deliberations.
Website: https://northhighlandsmuseum.ca/
Dr. Ken Murray and Ken Donovan, volunteers and board members, presented on behalf of the North Highlands Community Museum.
The museum is facing urgent repairs and major capital needs, including:
Immediate priorities:
Spring upgrades (accessibility and safety improvements – estimated $16,300):
Major capital projects planned within 12–18 months:
Overall project costs are estimated between $140,000 and $160,000.
Council requested a detailed written funding proposal for 2026 to be submitted by email for further consideration along with financial statements for the last two years.
Net Zero Community Building Project
Council accepted the recommendations outlined in the staff report on Net Zero Community Building Project. The recommended next steps are for staff to explore the program and funding opportunities, complete a scan of all community halls for interest and provide another report to council with options.
Non-Profit Funding Process
Council directed the CAO to develop a checklist and application process for funding proposals from non-profit organizations.
Waive Property Tax Interest Request
A request to waive interest on a property tax account was received. Council requested the property owners attend a future meeting to present their request directly.
J-Class Roads Agreement
Council approved a motion authorizing the Warden and CAO to sign a three-year cost-sharing agreement with the Province for J-Class roads.
Warden Organ read a resignation letter from District 3 Councillor Jess Kerr, who stepped down for personal reasons. Warden Organ acknowledged his significant contribution to Council and Victoria County and declared a by-election for District 3.
Read the full story here: https://victoriacounty.com/district-3-councillor-jess-kerr-resigns-from-victoria-county-council/
The next public meetings of Victoria County Council in 2026 are scheduled for:
All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.
Victoria County Council will meet for their regular council meeting next Monday, February 23rd at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Administration Building in Baddeck, located at 495 Chebucto Street. The public is encouraged to attend the council meeting in person, or to watch the live stream video recording, which will be available on our YouTube channel.