Natalie d'Entremont

The public hearing centered on a development agreement application for a long-standing marine-related aquaculture use on public property located at 6592 Highway 3. The purpose of the agreement is to bring these operations, active since 1995, into compliance with current municipal planning documents, specifically under the Coastal Communities (CC) designation. The application is limited to land-based components, as in-lake agriculture practices are regulated provincially. The presentation covered application details, policy context alignment with the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS), and public engagement procedures, noting that the decision itself would occur during a subsequent regular agenda item. Public input procedures were reviewed, including time limits for speakers and notification methods.

The Executive Council Meeting addressed several agenda items and discussions. A request was added to the agenda for a tax exemption for St. Michael's Church. A conflict of interest was declared regarding the development agreement for Dion's Oysters Limited due to a council member's son being employed by the company, leading to a motion to defer the decision which ultimately failed for lack of a second. Discussions addressed public notification procedures concerning development agreements, specifically in light of potential issues with mail delivery during a Canada Post strike, and concerns raised by a resident regarding the parking of transport trucks associated with the oyster processing facility due to safety risks on a hill with a blind spot. The council subsequently approved the development agreement application for Dion's Oyster Company (PID 90341140) after a motion was passed. Finally, the council also considered a second reading concerning housekeeping amendments to the land use bylaw.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the meeting featured a presentation by the Yarmouth County Community Health Board regarding the case for a basic income guarantee, its principles, and how it relates to the local community health plan pillars, such as access to basic needs (food, housing, income), mental health, community environment, and the natural environment. The presenters discussed the definition of basic income as an income-tested, unconditional cash transfer intended to meet basic needs and allow citizens to live with dignity. Discussions included the high costs associated with poverty, such as food insecurity, homelessness, and increased healthcare utilization, contrasting this with the positive impacts demonstrated by existing federal programs like the Canada Child Benefit. The community health board requested council support for the basic income guarantee discussion, noting that poverty impacts municipalities directly.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence in memory of the lives lost in Tumble Ridge. Agenda items included approving additions, such as discussions on the Pomnico Library and the courthouse roof tender. Council members declared no conflicts of interest. A presentation was given by Property Valuation Services Corporation regarding property valuation caps and assessment implications upon property sales. Council discussions included confirming that the property valuation cap rate is legislated province-wide but varies in dollar amount, and observing that residential market value increases have resulted in current assessed values being significantly lower than market value due to the cap. Council announcements recognized the new chef/owner of Wildwood Restaurant, the 50th anniversary of Tusket Ford, and a reminder for citizens to clear snow from civic signs. The council approved minutes from previous public hearing and executive meetings held on January 29, 2026. Old business involved follow-up on the Basic Income Guarantee presentation, leading to the successful passage of two motions: one to write to the Prime Minister regarding establishing a working group in Nova Scotia, and a second to request the province establish an all-party committee to examine the basic income guarantee program implementation. Items for decision included approving a three-year cost-share agreement for subdivision streets and amending the noise bylaw to incorporate language regarding snow removal and ice control services for institutions like the Tri County Regional Center for Education. The council also addressed the proposed location for the West Pico Library, reviewing efforts to secure a cost-effective, accessible, and sustainable long-term solution, noting the current library building's age and limitations.

The meeting commenced with an agreement on the agenda and a declaration of no conflicts of interest. The primary discussion involved a detailed rural internet update, covering previous proposed solutions that did not materialize, such as establishing a municipally-owned network utilizing backbone and middle mile internet infrastructure. The presenter detailed future funding sources, including the CRTC's $750 million fund and Nova Scotia's dedicated $828 million provincial funding allocation, of which $105 million is targeted for broadband improvements. The discussion also covered provincial estimates for achieving 95% household coverage at speeds of 50/25 Mbps, costing between $300 to $500 million, and the current pre-qualification process for Internet Service Providers to access provincial funds. Subsequent agenda items included approving minutes from various Recreation Commission meetings spanning from September 2018 to April 2019. The council also addressed counselor stipends and remuneration policy, specifically debating changes to attendance deductions. Furthermore, there was discussion on the submission of the Support First application, the execution of the thermodynamics contract, and the purchasing of solar panels using federal gas tax money.