Barry Faulkner

This action plan outlines strategic possibilities across 18 key areas for the Municipality of the District of Digby, aiming for economic resilience, a livable community, and collaborative efforts. Key strategic areas include enhancing fire services, developing an industrial commission and economic development strategy, improving accessibility, and ensuring road safety. The plan also focuses on improving recreation infrastructure, rural transportation, emergency management, and both internal and external communication. Additionally, it addresses alternative energy initiatives, by-laws and policies, staff succession planning, and advocating for fair service exchange and affordable housing. Collaborative efforts extend to port facility development, modernization through shared services, and modern communication infrastructure. The plan emphasizes pursuing partnerships, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and developing alternative revenue sources.

The Municipal Council approved the Workplace Harassment Policy and the second reading of amendments to the Sewer By-Law. Decisions were made regarding tax exemptions for low-income residents, deferral of a grant for the Digby Curling Club, and funding for the Woodland Conference. The Council agreed to issue letters of support for the Acacia Valley Trail Society and the Timberland Shore Wellness Society, and to express opposition to current aquaculture developments in Saint Mary's Bay. Funding was approved for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 to purchase AEDs. Additionally, the Council resolved to advocate for a basic income guarantee, approved a contract with Seamark Renewable Energy Inc., authorized a cost-share agreement with Nova Scotia Public Works, and restructured the Digby Area Recreation Commission's loan obligations.

The council reviewed capital project updates and financial income and expense reports. Funding support was approved for the Digby Harbour Port Association and the Digby and Area Health Services Charitable Foundation, alongside the approval of salary scales for the upcoming year. Community grant requests were processed for the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry and booth participation at the Digby Home and Lifestyle Expo. The council addressed administrative matters including a Sewer By-Law amendment, an update to the Fees Policy, a feasibility study for the recreation center, and revisions to emergency management, tax exemption, riparian setback, and wind turbine by-laws. Additionally, the council issued letters of support and congratulations for various community initiatives and service milestones, and received reports on district activities from councillors.

Key decisions from the Municipal Council meeting included providing financial support to the Digby Harbour Port Association ($50,000 over two years) and approving the Digby & Area Health Services Charitable Foundation funding request ($49,000 annually for three years). The Council also approved the salary scales for 2026-27 and granted a $2,500 community grant to the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry. Further actions involved agreeing to purchase a booth for the Digby Home & Lifestyle Expo, deciding on correspondence regarding a Brinleytown Cemetery monument request, and agreeing to issue letters of support for the Digby Area Recreation Commission's accessible playground grant application. The Council approved the first reading of the amended Sewer By-Law #2007-01, followed by multiple second readings concerning the amended Fees Policy #FIN-2500-14, the Emergency Management By-Law #2026-01, amendments to the Tax Exemption By-Law #2002-02, the five-meter riparian setback in the Land Use By-law, Wind Turbine amendments, and an update to the Mount Pleasant Map. Support was also agreed upon for DARC's application for a feasibility study for the Digby Area Recreation Centre. Finally, the Council agreed to write letters of thanks/congratulations to Aaron Kelly, Commanding Officer Dennis Daley, and Dr. Prince Dan-Jumbo.

The Council meeting addressed several key administrative and procedural items, including amending the agenda and reviewing capital project updates. Financial matters involved the approval of the November and December 2025 Income & Expense reports. The agenda featured numerous Standing Committee items, resulting in multiple motions. Key approvals included the first reading of the Emergency Management By-Law #2026-01 and the Property Tax Exemption By-Law #2002-02, which involved additions and name changes for specific properties. Several policies were amended or repealed, such as the Coastline Policy, Free Ridership for Special Events Policy, and the Computer Purchase Program Policy. The Council decided to decommission airport fuel services and agreed to host the African Heritage Month Proclamation event. Planning recommendations involved approving the first reading for a five-meter riparian setback and Wind Turbine amendments, while concerns were raised regarding Recreational Vehicles amendments. Business items included the appointment of Cory Rice as a Fire Inspector and the approval of a property tax reduction due to fire damage. The Council also agreed to write a letter of support for the Digby East Fish & Game for their barrier-free washroom grant application. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel and contractual matters.