ICYMI: Council Meeting Recap for April 2026 

Posted on:
April 24, 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.  

Watch the meeting on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/live/p9pFy9EKjks?si=XxKgS0NnOyF9HtUY 

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