ICYMI: Council Meeting Recap for February 2026

Posted on:
February 25, 2026

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

Presentations to Council 

Riparian restoration project presented by members of the Baddeck 4H Club   

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: 

• Assessed wildlife and environmental features 
• Planted 600 trees to help reduce erosion and improve water quality 

Council thanked the students for their environmental leadership and community involvement. 

North Highlands Nordic funding request presented by Paula Michaelis and Katie Fougere 

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: 

• Provide safe, unobstructed storage for grooming and emergency equipment 
• Relocate rental equipment to reduce congestion and improve safety 

Funding details: 

• Total cost: $204,000 
• Funding request: $150,000 from the Province 
• Funding request: $50,000 from the Municipality 
• Remaining funds to be raised through fundraising 

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. 

North Highlands Community Museum presented by Dr. Ken Murray and Ken Donovan 

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: 

• Replace backup heating system 
• Replace fire alarm panel 
• Repair heat pump computer board 

Spring upgrades (accessibility and safety improvements – estimated $16,300): 

• Washroom repairs 
• Automatic door servicing 
• Step and railing replacement 
• Deck repairs 
• Signage updates 
• Fence replacement 
• Septic bed remediation 

Major capital projects planned within 12–18 months: 

• Replace museum roof 
• Replace large side deck 

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.  

Motions and Decisions  

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.  
 

Municipal Matters 

• The next tax sale is scheduled for March 24 by public auction. The property list will be posted to the website by February 24. More details can be found here: https://victoriacounty.com/upcoming-tax-sale-by-public-auction-3/ 

• Engage NS launched its Quality of Life Survey. Every household in NS will receive a unique code to access and complete the survey. Learn more here: https://www.engagenovascotia.ca/ 

• Public paper shredding events will be held in the spring. 

• Changes are expected at the provincial level regarding fire services governance that will affect municipalities. Councillor Born requested a quarterly emergency services discussion as a standing Committee of the Whole agenda item. 

• The Warden recently met with RCMP in Ingonish. Updates are expected regarding new black-and-white cruiser designs and uniform changes. Council requested that RCMP attend a future meeting to provide more information. 

• Repairs are needed for a streetlight at 424 Shore Road in South Harbour. 

• District 4 Councillor Rosella Born congratulated the Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College on its recent ECMA nomination for Venue of the Year. 

Council Resignation and By-Election 

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/ 

Upcoming Meetings  

The next public meetings of Victoria County Council in 2026 are scheduled for:  

• Monday, March 9: Committee of the Whole   
• Monday, March 20: Victoria County Council Session  

All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.