ICYMI: Council Meeting Recap for August 2026   

Posted on:
August 24, 2026

Victoria County Council met on Monday, August 17, 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/CEHHeaKvFy8?si=YHbI2PORbW3CuPj1

Presentations to Council 

Celtic Colours International Festival presented by Mora Purcell and Jason Jardine  

Council received an overview of the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Celtic Colours International Festival, taking place October 9–17, 2026. 

The presentation highlighted the festival’s impact in Victoria County and the role of municipal support. This year, the festival will include 11 concerts at 10 venues across seven communities in Victoria County. 

Celtic Colours generates an estimated $18.2 million in economic activity overall. The festival also supports year-round programming in local schools. In Victoria County, seven schools and more than 600 students participated in the program, including a Fiddle Club at Smokey Elementary and a guitar workshop at Cabot High. 

Dangerous and unsightly premises presented by Sean Donovan, Eastern District Planning Commission 

Sean Donovan provided Council with an overview of how the Eastern District Planning Commission manages dangerous and unsightly premises complaints in Victoria County. 

The process includes improved tracking and reporting, and residents can now submit complaints online through the Dangerous or Unsightly Premises Complaint Form.  

When a complaint is received, EDPC first validates the information and confirms that the property is non-compliant. Then the property owner is contacted and given an opportunity to address the issue. The goal is to work with property owners to bring properties into compliance with the Municipal Government Act. The Eastern District Planning Commission can issue cleanup orders when necessary. Demolition orders require Council approval, and property owners have the right to appeal. 

Baddeck Nordic Club presented by Eileen Woodford  

Council received an overview of the Baddeck Nordic Club, a volunteer-led, non-profit organization established in 2022. 

The presentation highlighted the club’s growing membership, trail expansion, and increasing operating costs. As Cape Breton continues to grow as a winter tourism destination, the Club is seeing increased interest and participation. 

The Club requested $2,900 in operational funding to help support its activities. 

Motions and Decisions  

Council approved the following motions:  

• To direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare proposed amendments to the Municipal Travel Expense Policy and present them at the next Committee of the Whole or regular Council meeting in September for Council’s consideration.  
• To provide $2,900 from the Special Projects budget to support the Baddeck Nordic Club.   
• To provide $1,000 from the Special Projects budget to support Northwood Care senior services in Victoria County.  
• To send a letter to the Provincial Public Works Manager regarding parking and signage concerns near the Irving property, where trucks are parking along the roadway.  
• To direct the CAO to send a letter to the RCMP requesting an increased presence in the 70 km/h zone near the Irving outside of Baddeck, particularly between 8 and 11 a.m. when traffic increases due to Marine Atlantic arrivals.  
• To follow up with the Province regarding options for providing public washroom facilities on the Jersey Cove side of the Englishtown Ferry. The portable washrooms previously provided as a courtesy were removed due to misuse, vandalism and unsustainable costs.  
• To follow up with the Province regarding planned work and road conditions on Big Harbour Road.  
• To direct the CAO to review the previously proposed Mobile Vendor Bylaw, including feedback received, and bring it back to Council for consideration.  
• To direct the CAO to investigate options for adding automated meeting features in Council Chambers.  
• To enter into a cost sharing agreement with the Highland Manor to complete a review of their bylaws. 
• To direct the CAO to contact Provincial Public Works about options for a crosswalk to improve pedestrian safety near the Ingonish daycare and about improved signage to slow traffic by the daycare and nearby businesses where cars are backing out of parking lots onto the Cabot Trail.  
• To send a letter to Nova Scotia Health advocating for dialysis services at Buchanan Memorial Hospital, reducing the need for residents to travel to Sydney several times each week for treatment.  
• To invite Mr. MacDonald from the Provincial Department of Public Works to attend a future Council meeting and provide a fall update.  
• To accept the petition for a road name change.  
• To approve First Reading of the Commercial Development District Improvement Bylaw amendment.  
• To approve the recommendations from the August 7 Audit Committee meeting regarding approval of the Water Utility Budget.  
• To approve the recommendations from the August 7 Audit Committee meeting regarding approval of the Capital Budget. 

Municipal Matters 

• The Municipality is looking for residents to serve on two important advisory committees: the Housing Committee and the Planning Advisory Committee. 
• The ATV Association of NS is interested in pursuing designated access to a small number of streets in Baddeck, similar to other towns and municipalities in the province.  They are looking for Council’s support. See the CAO report of a map.  
• The 2026/27 Annual Budget Report is being finalized and will be published on the website once complete.  
• The next tax sale is Monday, September 14 by tender submission only. Details can be found on the website: https://victoriacounty.com/property-tax-sale-notice/ 

Upcoming Meeting  

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

• Tuesday, September 8 in Little Narrows: Committee of a Whole  
• Monday, September 21: Victoria County Council Session  

The public are welcome and encouraged to attend. All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.