Graphic promoting a municipal council meeting recap for July 2026, featuring a photo of a town hall building with the text “In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) – Council Meeting Recap – July 2026.”

ICYMI: Council Meeting Recap for July 2026

Victoria County Council met on Monday, July 20, 2026. 

This recap highlights some 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/Z4RZXOuWL4g

Presentations to Council 
 

Village of Baddeck request by Roman Braun-Huettner  

The Village of Baddeck applied to the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund (SCCF) for a hydrological study related to the operation of their water utility. The Village was told they were ineligible to apply for the grant, but the Municipality of the County of Victoria could apply on its behalf.  

Mr. Braun-Huettner asked Council if they would consider having Victoria County apply to the SCCF on Baddeck Village’s behalf. If the application is successful, the County would be required to enter into a funding agreement with the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, receive and administer the funding and complete the required reporting to the province. This is not a funding request but does require administrative function from County staff.   

Because there will be administration time based on the request, an agreement would be required between both parties to clearly outline roles, responsibility and ownership.   

 Aging In Place presented by Alison Grittner PhD  

Council received an overview of the Homeward Bound program in Nova Scotia. It is a 7-year, $12.4 million research-led initiative based out of Cape Breton University (CBU) aimed at helping aging Nova Scotians (especially in rural areas) safely stay in their own homes longer. 

The communities identified for the program in Victoria County include Iona in District 1 (including Christmas Island in CBRM) and St. Ann’s Bay and North Shore in District 4.  

Project communities get:  

  • Social supports: Community Navigator   
  • Housing: Community Handyperson (at no cost to the homeowner)    
  • Health Care: Health and Wellness Programs   
  • Outreach: Mobile Research Van   

It was requested that Council recognize and support the Homeward Bound project in the communities located in District 1 and 4.    

Motions and Decisions  

Council approved the following motions:  

  • to apply to the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund on behalf of the Village of Baddeck and to enter into an agreement for this arrangement outlining roles, responsibilities and ownership.  
  • to recognize and support the Homeward Bound program in District 1 and District 4.  
  • to approve $3,500 from special projects for the Baddeck Lions Club to support Kidston Island programing.  
  • that Council direct the CAO to cancel the 2022 municipal tax account for the Gaelic College including interest and penalties associated with that account subject to the confirmation that Council has the legal authority to do so under the Municipal Government Act and any other applicable legislation in consideration that Property Valuation Services Corporation has acknowledged that the 2022 property classification was incorrect. 
  • to approve $2,000 from special projects for Victoria County’s partnership with Pitu’paq.  
  • to request the CAO to direct staff to review the Community Standards bylaw and bring recommendations forward at a future Committee of a Whole meeting.  
  • to approve the Second Reading of the Marketing Levy Bylaw Amendments. 
  • to approve a request to waive $1,642.20 in tipping fees associated with the demolition of the Victoria Highlands Civic Centre.  

Municipal Matters 

  • The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program has now concluded. The Clean Energy Financing Program helped Victoria County provide low interest financing to qualifying homeowners interested in undertaking clean energy upgrades.  
  • We have received feedback that indicates the term “fire protection” is causing confusion because it’s also used specifically in the water utility context. Alternative terms, such as fire area rate or fire services rate, may have better described what this rate funds: fire department funding, fire services coordination, fire-related grants, hydrants, etc. However, “fire protection” is used by some other municipalities. Setting this rate is within the Municipality’s authority.  
  • The next tax sale (by tender) is September 14, 2026. 60-day notification letters have been issued.  
  • The Revenue department is working with Communications to address a rise in incorrect account numbers being used for online payments. When paying property tax bills through online banking, the account number must match exactly as it appears on your tax bill. When paying water utility bills through online banking, the account number must begin with “W”. Using correct account numbers for online payments remains the account owner’s responsibility. Entering an incorrect or incomplete account number may result in your payment being applied to the wrong account resulting in interest charges.   
  • Our Waste Educator is hosting Tidy Fridays helping to keep our communities clean. Two events were hosted in Middle River and Little Narrows. Follow us on Facebook for Tidy Friday events in your community: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaCountyNS 
  • The Tourism department in partnership with our Waste Educator are submitting the 2026-27 Divert NS grant application to enhance efforts to combat litter in the County.  
  • Our Community Development Coordinator and summer students are continuing to support community groups this summer. Catch the team next at Highland Village Day 2026 on August 1.   
  • Our tourism staff compiled a calendar of events happening across Victoria County. It’s available for all to access. https://community.victoriacounty.com/ 

Upcoming Meeting  

The next public meeting of Victoria County Council in 2026 is scheduled for:  

All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.

In case you missed it Council Meeting Recap June 2026

ICYMI: Council Meeting Recap for June 2026

Victoria County Council met on Monday, June 22, 2026.

This recap highlights some 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/hhr3LvgOvAQ

District 3 Councillor Sworn into Office

At the beginning of the meeting, Ian Nicholson was sworn in as Councillor for District 3 (Baddeck area) by Municipal Clerk and Executive Assistant, Steff MacLeod.

Councillor Nicholson can be contacted by email ian.nicholson@victoriacounty.ca or by phone 902-595-0857.

Presentations to Council

Food Security Beyond the Bank Project presented by Working Group Members Peggy Vassallo (Public Health) & Alix Redden (Victoria County)

Council received a presentation on food insecurity in Nova Scotia and the challenges facing rural communities like Victoria County. Presenters noted that nearly 29% of Nova Scotia households experience food insecurity, the highest rate in Atlantic Canada, and that many people who struggle to access food do not use food banks due to stigma, transportation barriers or limited operating hours.

The presentation highlighted additional challenges in Victoria County, including limited access to grocery stores, higher food prices and the cost of travelling to larger service centres.

The Beyond the Bank Project promotes a three-part approach to addressing food insecurity:

  • Short-term: Food banks, pantries and meal programs that provide immediate support
  • Medium-term: Community gardens, kitchens and food literacy programs that build skills and connections
  • Long-term: Policy changes that address root causes such as income, wages and the cost of living

The group asked Council to:

  • Raise awareness of local food initiatives through municipal communication channels
  • Advocate for increased and sustained funding for food assistance programs with provincial and federal governments
  • Endorse the Beyond the Bank recommendations
  • Designate a Council representative to help champion food security initiatives and stay connected with the working group

Signage and Wayfinding Strategy presented by Adam Fine 

Council received a presentation on a proposed wayfinding strategy for Victoria County. Wayfinding includes the signs, maps, landmarks, place names, branding and visitor information that help residents and visitors navigate and understand a destination.

The presentation identified several opportunities for improvement, including inconsistent signage, complex directional signs, limited trail signage and a lack of a coordinated approach to promoting destinations throughout the County. It also noted that because the Province owns most roads, approvals are required for many signage projects.

Key recommendations included:

  • Creating a simple and consistent wayfinding system across Victoria County
  • Working with provincial and federal partners to improve signage and visitor navigation
  • Strengthening the identity of the Cabot Trail and celebrating its beginning and end points
  • Improving signage for trails, amenities, attractions and destinations
  • Developing a simplified “subway-style” visitor map for the county
  • Sharing local stories and cultural information in gathering spaces
  • Simplifying road signage in partnership with the Province
  • Dedicating staff resources to oversee wayfinding and signage initiatives

The proposed implementation would include:

  • 85 vehicular signs
  • 117 trail and interpretive signs
  • 72 multi-use trail signs

The presentation estimated a total implementation cost of approximately $906,000, including fabrication, installation, consulting and staff time.

 Motions and Decisions

Council approved the following motions:

  • To send a letter to Irving Oil regarding concerns about the parking lot and inadequate signage following recent construction work at the site.
  • To direct the CAO to invite the Eastern District Planning Commission to a future Council meeting to discuss dangerous and unsightly property provisions and enforcement.
  • To sponsor the Cape Breton Partnership’s Investors Summit, which will be held in Baddeck later this year.
  • To pass the Second Reading of the Wastewater Charges and Rates Bylaw.
  • To pass the Second Reading of the Wastewater Bylaw.
  • To approve the First Reading of amendments to the Marketing Levy Bylaw, that includes 18 proposed changes to align the bylaw with those used by other municipalities.
  • To approve a request to waive $1,934.16 in tipping fees associated with the demolition of the Victoria Highlands Civic Centre.

Municipal Matters

  • The Ingonish Development Society is hosting a town hall on June 24 at 6 p.m. at the Keltic Lodge. Councillor Donovan will be the presenter for the County.
  • A cheque has been written to Victoria Highlands Civic Centre (Rink Committee) for the County’s contribution to the new rink.
  • Property tax bills were emailed on June 17 and have also been mailed. The due date is August 1. For more information visit: https://victoriacounty.com/residents/property-taxation-services/
  • We have launched a Waste Collection Survey to start gathering feedback from residents about the waste collection services we provide. The deadline to complete the survey is July 31, 2026. Paper copies are available at any Municipal building, or it can be completed online at: https://www.engage.victoriacounty.com/solid-waste-recycling-survey/surveys/solid-waste-recycling-resident-survey
  • The 2026 Municipal Grant Program cheques are being processed and will be mailed with accompanying letters once ready.
  • The capital budget and water budget meetings will be scheduled soon, and the annual budget report will be published following the approval of the capital budget.
  • Interviews for the Regional Manager of Emergency Services are taking place in Port Hawkesbury on June 26.
  • The spring edition of the News and View newsletter was mailed and can be found online: Issue 11 – News-and-Views-Spring-2026

Upcoming Meeting

The next public meeting of Victoria County Council in 2026 is scheduled for:

All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.  

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

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