Billy Gamble

The meeting commenced with the acknowledgment of the unceded Migma territory. Agenda discussions included adding a confidential in camera HR matter item, which met notice requirements, and addressing a suggested late item regarding the community pantry, which was deferred to the January meeting by consensus. The council adopted the agenda as presented and amended. Updates were provided regarding the RCMP report for November, noting it was not yet distributed. During public presentations, Jeff Joyce from Northland Ferries and Bay Ferries provided an update on service operations. Key discussion points included the repair status of the MV Confederation following an incident caused by human error, with an anticipated return to service around December 2nd, operating on an expanded four round trip schedule temporarily. An update was also given on the new MV Fanord, a 2007 build undergoing sea trials in Norway, with expected arrival in January. Operational considerations for MV Fanord, such as its deep draft and interaction with the Wood Islands dredging project, were mentioned. The presenter also addressed council inquiries regarding extending service past December due to insurance challenges and ongoing internal review concerning the potential transition of Northland Ferries to a crown corporation, noting lessons learned from BC Ferries' past structure.

The council meeting included a declaration that no conflicts of interest were present and the agenda was adopted unanimously. Discussions included the RCMP report for November/December 2025, which showed service calls below average. A public presentation by the Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce detailed an Impact Study on the ferry service, revealing significant economic contributions but noting steep drops in traffic due to disruptions. Updates were provided on MP lobbying for ferry service reliability and discussions from the ferry panel advisory committee concerning aging infrastructure at the docking area. Financial reports showed efforts to manage expenses, aiming for a break-even fiscal year rather than a budgeted shortfall. Research into the Dog Act was discussed, with plans to meet with the Premier's staff for guidance. Support for a new ice rink in Belfast was noted following a public meeting. Conditional approval was received for the Firehall Project through the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF), with next steps involving reviewing and signing the Funding Agreement before proceeding with design and costing phases. The council will review and update the Municipal Elections Bylaw in preparation for the 2026 General Election and announced the call for 2026/2027 Community Grants Proposals. Notice was given for upcoming budget and financial plan public meetings. New business included discussing follow-up regarding a public transit service lobby and acknowledging the completion and installation of new welcome signs.

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgement regarding unseated Mi'kmaq territory. Council members declared conflicts of interest related to community grants applications. The agenda was subsequently reordered to prioritize discussions on breaking news, new item requests regarding Selkirk Road/Route 23 speed issues, and updates from the FPIM, Shop Health SPI, and the Southeast Environmental Association AGM. During public presentations, a representative from St. John's Presbyterian Church advocated for community grants for their 200th-anniversary celebrations and maintenance of the Belfast Memorial Cemetery, including damage repair from Fiona. Another presenter discussed funding for a lavender labyrinth dedicated to Canadian Mental Health Association PI division. Council received an update on the Wood Islands ferry service, confirming the commitment to a two-vessel service utilizing the MV Serma temporarily until the MV Fannifur is operational, expected by late June or early July 2024. The CAO reported that financial matters are on track, with expenditures and revenues aligning closely with the half-million-dollar budget forecast.

The council meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Discussions covered adherence to new sign-in requirements for visitors and reconciliation regarding unseated Migma territory. Key agenda items included the adoption of the agenda, the CEO report confirming the organization is on budget, and an update on the 2025 to 2026 Community Grants call process, setting deadlines for applications. An update was provided on the 2025 to 2030 Canada Community Building Fund, confirming eligibility for funding despite previous concerns regarding a community plan bylaw, and noting that fire halls are now an eligible expense. Further discussion centered on responsible dog ownership and the pending provincial legislation, noting that for dog welfare and bite complaints, the municipality is currently redirected to the province or the Humane Society, while municipalities without bylaws face potential liability. There was also a report on ongoing confidential negotiations with the province for a new funding model and updates on the retirement of the past executive director and the release of the State of the Island report. Finally, information was provided regarding upcoming public consultations for the Municipal Government Act and the date for the FBI Annual General Meeting.

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgement recognizing the unseated Migma territory. Key discussion points included addressing conflicts of interest, adopting the agenda (with amendments for Imagination Station Child Care and a summary from the Coalition for Women in Government, and a Fire Department update), and reviewing the RCMP report for the municipality, which is available on the Belfast website. A public presentation was made by Joe Donah regarding concerns over the double taxation of seasonal residents via the fire protection tax and the interpretation of the Municipal Government Act (MGA). Discussions also covered the official community plan and development bylaw, including scheduling a public consultation meeting for September 21st. Concerns were raised about the municipality's ability to enforce zoning bylaws without a formal plan in place, as provincial requirements mandate the official plan process for land use planning enforcement. The council also addressed the approval of the August 21st, 2024 council meeting minutes and reviewed the financial report, noting that community grants were nearly all paid out and clarifying that insurance expenditures were paid in a single installment.