ICYMI: Council Meeting Recap for May 2026 

Posted on:
May 22, 2026

Victoria County Council met on Tuesday, May 19, 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://youtube.com/live/XWdU21E_cP4 

Presentations to Council 

L’Arche Cape Breton Affordable Housing Initiative presented by Josephine MacEachern  

Council was given an overview of the changes to the disability support system in Nova Scotia and a housing initiative in Inverness County.  

The presentation highlighted a housing project in Iron Mines consisting of modular three-bedroom homes intended for mixed tenancy affordable housing. Council heard that many residents and staff connected to L’Arche Cape Breton are from Victoria County. 

Council was asked for the following: 

• A letter of endorsement to support federal and provincial grant applications  
• Municipal financial support and/or assistance identifying additional grant opportunities  

Council also discussed connecting the group with the Victoria County Housing Committee to support ongoing collaboration and planning. 

Solid Waste Presentation by Morgan MacInnis  

The Solid Waste Educator provided Council with an overview of her role, how waste is managed in Victoria County and ways residents can reduce waste and improve sorting practices. 

The Solid Waste Educator: 

• Helps schools, individuals, businesses and community groups reduce waste  
• Educates residents on proper sorting and recycling practices  
• Works to reduce landfill waste and protect the environment 

Key highlights included: 

• All waste collected in Victoria County is transported to Guysborough, as Cape Breton does not have active landfills  
• Waste from Victoria County is transported once per day or more during the tourist season 
• Organic waste is removed from bags and processed in large compost piles on site 
• Recycling is sorted by staff when it arrives at the transfer station 
• Waste collection trucks have 3 sections to keep garbage, recycling and compost separate 

Residents were also encouraged to donate gently used items to the ReUse Centre whenever possible. Staff also clarified that municipal compost is not available to the public. 

Volunteer of the Year Awards presented by Yvette Rogers  

Council reviewed evaluations for the Volunteer of the Year Award. To support a fair selection process, nominee names were removed from applications before being provided to Council for scoring. A total of nine nominations were received, including five youth nominations. This year’s recipient is a student in grade 8, Maya MacLeod.  

 Motions and Decisions  

• Council approved a motion to provide a letter of support for L’Arche Cape Breton’s affordable housing development and future housing plans.  
• Council approved a motion to provide $500 in support the Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs.  
• Council approved a motion to support Courageous Companions through the purchase of business card sponsorship at a cost of $329.  
• Council approved a motion for the First Reading of the Wastewater Charges and Rates Bylaw. 

Municipal Matters 

• The position of Regional Manager of Emergency Services has been posted. This position will support Inverness, Richmond and Victoria Counties and the Town of Port Hawkesbury. Deadline to apply is Friday, May 29: https://victoriacounty.com/careers/remo/ 
• Shredding Event in Baddeck May 23. Everyone is welcome to attend: https://victoriacounty.com/free-community-shredding-events/ 
• The District 3 by-election is May 30. Advanced Polling Dates are May 21 and 26: https://victoriacounty.com/election/ 
• Tax bills will be sent in early June  
• The deadline to apply for the Victoria County Sustainable Growth Initiative is May 31: https://victoriacounty.com/the-victoria-county-sustainable-tourism-growth-initiative-is-back/ 

Upcoming Meetings  

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

• Monday, May 25: Committee of the Whole
• Monday, June 1: Special Council Meeting
• Monday, June 8: Committee of the Whole (This meeting will be held at the Cape North Cultural Center/Church 15 Bay St Lawrence Rd, Cape North)    
• Monday, June 22: Victoria County Council Session  

All meetings are posted on the Municipal Calendar.