Chestley Carr

The committee held a meeting covering various municipal operations, including a proclamation for Heart Month. Staff presented reports on public works initiatives, including water system repairs and streetlight maintenance; operations updates regarding waste management and emergency services; recreation program highlights; and progress updates on capital projects like trail design and infrastructure planning. The committee also received a presentation from the Chéticamp Search and Rescue team, reviewed updates on regional emergency management organization efforts, and discussed upcoming notices of motion regarding municipal bylaws and policies. Additionally, the committee acted on several community development grant applications, addressed communication issues regarding planned power outages, and reviewed recent correspondence before moving into an in camera session.

The meeting included the proclamation of African Heritage Month and National Girls and Women in Sports Day, with the recognition of several residents for their athletic contributions. The Council received updates from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding staffing, crime statistics, and community safety issues. Key administrative discussions involved a new electoral boundary recommendation, the implementation of a monthly resident feedback survey, the adoption of a standardized public request form for presentations, and updates on the 2026 Excellence in Health Care Awards nominations. Additionally, the Council reviewed the construction progress of the Foyer Père Fiset long-term care facility, discussed the regulatory implications of the Link Nova Scotia Act, addressed funding requests for community groups, and conducted an in-camera session regarding a land matter.

The meeting included a land acknowledgement regarding the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people. A proclamation was read for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25 to December 10, 2025). Key business included the adoption of Bylaw 65, which repeals Bylaw 50 concerning the capital cost of sewer and water construction. Petitions resulted in the naming of an unnamed private lane as Cyriac Road and a road in Portree as Kilvaxter Lane. Council expressed consensus to support the Cheticamp Economic Council's application for FCM funding related to climate resilience infrastructure. An update was provided on the upcoming second annual health care awards gala scheduled for April 22nd. An announcement noted the planned construction of a 104-space early learning and child-care centre in Inverness, with direction given to staff to thank the Province. The Council also discussed two contract items in camera.

The meeting focused on budget review presentations for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Presentations included La Coopérative de Transport de Chéticamp (L'Acabie), which requested an increase in municipal funding due to provincial funding cuts, and the Al MacInnis Sports Centre, which outlined necessary capital improvements totaling $427,000. The Cabot Trail Arena provided a financial overview, noting upcoming large expenditures such as roof replacement. Following these discussions, the agenda included next steps for public transportation assessment using federal engagement pilot funding, and a schedule for arena presentations. A portion of the meeting was held "In Camera" to discuss specific matters.

The Committee of the Whole meeting included several recognitions, such as the Snowmobiling Excellence Recognition for David MacLean and Ethan Gillis, and the Exemplary Service Medal Recognition for paramedic Mike Gillis. Staff reports covered numerous operational updates, including water treatment plant repairs, solid waste efficiency plans, recreation program highlights like Santa for Seniors, ongoing infrastructure projects (e.g., well replacements, lift station upgrades), and ongoing 2025-2026 budget reviews. Presentations were given by the Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) regarding the 2026 assessment roll and an appeal process, and by Beinn Mhàbu students proposing a post-graduate internship program. The Committee considered Community Development Grant Applications, recommending support for the Festival Chocolat Chaud and denial for the Community Health and Well Being Gatherings. Council also directed staff to invite Build NS to address cell service gaps. During the in-camera session, Council reallocated $100,000.00 from unspent Capital Budget funds to the Chéticamp Digester Walkway Project.