Sharon Westra

The Committee of the Whole meeting included presentations and discussions on several community initiatives. One presentation focused on Arcadia's participation in the ACTivate Cohort program by the Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism, outlining its asset-based community development approach and upcoming local sessions aimed at uniting the community. A second presentation detailed the Arcadia economic development project centered on the Gagetown Marina, proposing a community-led acquisition and redevelopment model funded through debentures/shares to establish the marina as a viable economic contributor. Council updates covered the first draft of the Arcadia Emergency Response Plan, the development of an Economic Development and Tourism Strategy plan, completion of Cambridge-Narrows Wharf repairs, and upcoming renovations at the Gagetown Medical Clinic. Council also discussed the approval of the 2026 Arcadia Operating Budget, criteria for opening warming shelters during outages, and the formation of various working groups, including Lagoon, Wharves, Medical Services, Recycling, and Fundraising, following the guidelines of the Local Governance Act.

The meeting began with the reading of Arcadia's Vision and Mission statements. Key agenda items included the approval of the current agenda and the minutes from the December 15, 2025, Regular Council Meeting and the December 30, 2025, Special Council Meeting. The CAO Report detailed progress in several areas: 'Creating the Foundation,' which included preparation for the Rural Plan working group and discussions on fire services; 'Connecting Community,' which noted an upcoming Community Meeting and the Committee of the Whole meeting schedule; 'Building Arcadia,' focusing on the Economic & Community Development Coordinator posting and strategy development; and 'Living in Arcadia,' reporting on physician team visits, contract awards, and RCMP meetings. New Business featured the acceptance of expenditures for the General Operating Account and Sewerage Account for the period spanning December 16, 2025, to January 19, 2026, with subsequent reporting changes agreed upon. Council also authorized staff to explore options for a potential multi-use facility and submitted an Expression of Interest to Horizon Health Network for 5,000 to 15,000 square feet of space. Public comments addressed doctor availability and tourism spending. The meeting concluded with a closed session.

The Community Meeting for 2026 commenced with greetings from the Mayor, introductions of the Council, and housekeeping items regarding the hybrid meeting format and respectful participation. Key agenda items included an operational update on service delivery, a detailed session on local government elections, specifically focusing on candidate eligibility, nomination paper requirements, submission deadlines, and rules regarding campaign signage and scrutineers. The operational update reviewed accomplishments from October 2025 to January 2026, covering the RCMP & CRSC Regional Public Safety Forum, the establishment of a system for resident concerns, changes to committee structures, and updates on communication platforms. Furthermore, discussions covered progress on access to health care, recreation initiatives, fire services review, asset management planning, the emergency response plan, the ongoing Rural Plan development, advocacy for fiscal reform, efficient core services staffing, and economic/tourism strategy development. The meeting concluded with an open community conversation on what is working well, concerns related to strategic priorities, and general constructive feedback for the Council.

The Committee of the Whole meeting focused primarily on the transition to this new structure, which was adopted in October 2025. Key points included adopting the proposed mandate for the Committee of the Whole to receive information, deliberate on business, and make recommendations to council. The discussion covered the formation and potential topics for working groups (such as lagoon, recycling, and medical services) and the plan to host Quarterly Town Halls to gather community feedback. Council members provided updates on various activities, including attending economic development and health-related meetings, supporting local community events like Remembrance Day and Christmas in the Village, and noting ongoing wharf repairs and medical clinic renovations. Additionally, there was discussion about potential future community events, sponsorship needs for the Harry Vail Regatta, and a reminder regarding upcoming Local Government Elections.

The special meeting of the Council included the approval of the agenda. The primary discussion and action item involved the transfer of the 2025 projected year-end surplus funds totaling $435,917.00 from the Arcadia General Operating account to the Arcadia Capital Reserve account. The meeting concluded shortly after this transfer was approved.