ICYMI: Council Meeting Recap for March 2026 

Posted on:
March 30, 2026

Victoria County Council met on Monday, March 23, 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/A8JtPbMX_q8?si=CvyI0QKYmzP3olcz 

Presentations to Council 

Pilot Community Garden Project in Baddeck presented by Solana Courtemanche 

Solana Courtemanche is leading a community garden project in partnership with the BOLD Centre in Baddeck and has applied for a grant through the Nova Scotia Literacy Fund. 

The “seed to harvest” program would bring seniors and youth together to plant seeds in the spring, take part in educational activities throughout the summer and celebrate the harvest in the fall. The program is designed to be flexible and can support learning goals for students of all ages. 

Council is being asked to consider allowing use of municipal land to support this pilot project. This low-cost initiative would build on, and not replace, the current community garden by extending activities onto the adjacent lot at the rear of the Municipal Administration Building. 

Motions and Decisions  

Pilot Community Garden 

Council approved a motion to allow Solana Courtemanche to use the property at the rear of the Municipal Administration Building for a community garden pilot project.  

District 3 By-election 

Council approved a motion declaring May 30, 2026 as the date of the District 3 by-election; that the first advance polling day will be May 21, 2026, in accordance with legislative requirements; that the Municipal Clerk be appointed as Returning Officer for the byelection; and that Council approve the use of paper ballots as the voting method. 

Community Document Shredding Event 

Council has accepted a recommendation to host community document shredding events in partnership with Scotia Security Shredding. These events will give residents a safe and convenient way to dispose of personal documents, such as tax records and bills, through secure, on-site shredding. Materials are destroyed immediately, allowing residents to witness the process and protect their personal information from identity theft. Two event dates are proposed: May 9 and May 23. Further details will be shared as plans are finalized. 

ReUse Centre Program Update 

Council has approved a change to the ReUse Centre program for this year. Instead of operating for three consecutive Saturdays, community groups will now run the Centre for two Saturdays. This adjustment will allow more groups to take part and benefit from the program, particularly in light of recent provincial funding cuts to arts, culture, heritage and community initiatives. As in previous years, participating groups are selected through a random draw, keep all proceeds raised and are responsible for providing their own cash float and volunteers. You can help support our local community groups by donating gently used items to the ReUse Centre located at the Baddeck Transfer Station.  

Municipal Matters 

• The ReUse Centre at the Baddeck Transfer Station is now accepting donations of gently used items. https://victoriacounty.com/baddeck-reuse-centre-now-accepting-donations/ 

• The Ingonish Beach Volunteer Fire Department rescue vehicle is now operational and was used in its first rescue as reported in the Victoria Reporter.  

• The Tourism Department is looking into tour buses parking on Chebucto Street ahead of the tourism season.   

• Updated Councillor Packages: It is the intention that each agenda item will have a corresponding document attached. These documents will be clearly referenced by the agenda number, indicating where they can be found within the package. The packages can be found on the municipal website: Committee and Council Meeting Records 

• The municipality is planning to launch a call for nominations for the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award in April. https://victoriacounty.com/residents/community-development/volunteer-nomination-information/ 

• Public Works is currently working on the application for Approval to Operate the first phase of the Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System project.  https://www.engage.victoriacounty.com/ingonish-wastewater-treatment-system 

• A preliminary meeting was held with Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change and Dillon Consulting on Phase 2 of the Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System project.  

• Nova Scotia Public Works requires two water lines in Dingwall and one in Little Narrows to be moved. This project will have to be tendered for design options.  

• 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/ 

By-Election Update 

Council has set the dates for the upcoming District 3 by-election: 

• May 5, 2026 – Nomination Day  

• May 21, 2026 – First Advance Polling Day  

• May 30, 2026 – By-election Day  

 
Voting will take place by paper ballot. The Municipal Clerk, Steff MacLeod, will serve as Returning Officer for the by-election. 

Upcoming Meetings  

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

• Tuesday, April 7:  Committee of the Whole   

• Monday, April 20:  Victoria County Council Session  

All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.