Linda N. Sullivan Brown

The council enacted a procedural bylaw and discussed a tourism accommodation levy, which was referred to the incoming council post-elections. Approval was granted for the fire truck tender award and the adoption of a mutual aid agreement for fire protection. A community complex study report was reviewed for information, and the council accepted a land transfer proposal from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Additionally, a policy was approved, and a digital connectivity survey was authorized for release. Department reports from the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councilors, and the CAO were presented, including discussions on policing concerns, road conditions, and the purchase of replacement tablets for municipal use.

The committee meeting covered a range of municipal initiatives. Key topics included a presentation by Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners, discussions regarding a newly proposed residential and commercial incentive program aimed at economic growth, and the ongoing tourism accommodation levy, which is to be referred to legal counsel. The committee reviewed several Human Resources documents, including an employee handbook and job descriptions, and debated the creation of an Event Coordinator position versus utilizing community volunteers. Additionally, the committee decided to proceed with the next steps of the Paramedic Clinical Pilot Project and reviewed detailed financial and operational plans for the proposed new community complex.

The agenda for the Regular Council Meeting included proceeding with the second reading of By-Law A-7-2026, the Procedural By-Law, which provides fundamental directions for Council meetings and operations. Departmental reports were scheduled from General Government, Planning & Inspection, Public Safety, and Economic Development. New Business items involved considering the declaration of Epilepsy Awareness Day, approval of an amended Human Resource Manual, final consideration of the Residential & Commercial Incentive Package, updates on the Tourism Accommodation Levy pending legal review, and the Fire Truck Tender Recommendation. The CAO's report highlighted progress on the Community Complex Project, the Business Park Study, and asset management initiatives.

The regular council meeting commenced with agenda approval. Key business included the second reading and passage of Bylaw A-7-2026 regarding the procedure bylaw for the rural community of Fendy Shores. Discussion arose concerning a zoning confirmation letter for a 50 megawatt battery energy storage facility, confirming it fits the definition of a permitted private utility use, though future construction permits would be monitored. Various department reports were reviewed, including updates on correspondence regarding the denial of Irving Woodlands' harvesting plan and the ongoing support for the medical isotope development at Point Lepreau. Invoices were approved following the correction of a spreadsheet error impacting subtotals. New business involved declaring March 26 as Epilepsy Awareness Day and the council's formal approval of the amended Human Resource Manual, as well as consideration of a residential and commercial incentive package requiring further legal review.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the Regular Council Meeting of January 14, 2026, and the Committee of the Whole Meeting of January 21, 2026. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation regarding the establishment of a community accessible bus service, "We're Running Lake Buses," intended for disabled individuals, which requires significant funding and involves securing partnerships, including with nursing homes. The council also addressed several bylaw readings and enactments, including the Building Bylaw (C4-2026), the Universal Fees Bylaw (C-3-2026), the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw (A-6-2026), and the Remuneration Bylaw (A-5-2026). Department reports were submitted online by the Mayor, Councilors, and Planning Director. The State Community Emergency Preparedness committee announced that radon test kits could be returned for testing starting February 17th. The Recreation Destination Committee reported a good turnout for a recent bingo event and announced an upcoming bingo event.