District 3 By-Election: Get to Know the Candidates  

Posted on:
May 12, 2026

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