Tom Gignac

The primary discussion centered on the Second Reading of Bylaw A-200-1, an Amendment to Bylaw A-200, the Water Supply and On-Site Sewage Disposal System Upgrade Lending Program. The proposed amendments recommend transitioning the program to a permanent fund capped at $500,000, with loan repayments being reinvested. Further housekeeping amendments aim to clarify household income requirements, adjust income limits for inflation, and introduce limited flexibility for applicants in default under exceptional circumstances. The Committee recommended that Council proceed with the second reading.

This document outlines the Province of Nova Scotia's initiative to modernize fire services across the region. Key priorities include addressing governance and safety gaps, enhancing training consistency and safety, modernizing aging infrastructure and equipment, resolving regional inconsistencies, and adapting to the growing complexity of emergency response. The plan aims to strengthen services, better support firefighters, modernize infrastructure, and improve public service through a measured, multi-year, phased implementation approach.

The primary discussion point of the public hearing was the application submitted by Cores Worldwide Inc. The Planning Advisory Committee reviewed the staff reports and presented a recommendation to the Municipal Council. The recommendation was that the Council should grant second reading and approve the application from Cores Worldwide Inc. to amend the Land Use Bylaw by increasing the maximum commercial floor area of the Highway Commercial (HC) Zone to 2,750 m2. The hearing also included procedural guidelines for public participation.

The meeting addressed several key items including writing a letter of concern regarding the proposed closure of the Lawrence House Museum. Decisions were made regarding the RCMP Court Liaison Officer and Administrative Support positions, which involved tabling and later reviving a motion to negotiate a new permanent contract. Council directed staff to report on a tax exemption request from Riverview United Church for affordable housing construction. Delegations were set for the NSFM Spring Conference and FCM Annual Conference. Support was expressed for East Hants students participating in the National Science Fair, and a request for reduced ice rates from the East Hants Curling Association was denied pending completion of the recreation facility master plan. Further discussion occurred regarding waiving municipal fees for a Build Nova Scotia housing development, which was tabled for an in-camera discussion and later a jurisdictional scan report. A public hearing was held regarding proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw by Cores Worldwide Inc., resulting in approval of the amendment to increase maximum commercial floor area. First readings were given to bylaws concerning Encroachment on Municipal Real Property, Lot Grading and Drainage, and the Dog Bylaw. Amendments to the Water Supply and On-site Sewage Disposal System Upgrading Lending Program Bylaw received second reading. Committee reports led to approvals for instructing staff to work with the RCMP on an Annual Performance Plan workshop, approving recommended funding amounts for Community Partnership Fund Organizations and General Government Grants for 2026/2027, sending a letter of support to Sipekne'katik during their State of Emergency, and receiving information on the Climate Action Plan engagement report. Council directed staff regarding the implementation of Bylaw A-300 concerning the DAR line and future reports on kennel use. Snow removal service levels for the Uniacke Business Park were set to Priority 1. The five-year Capital Budget (2026/2027 to 2030/2031) and the 2026/2027 Operating Budget were approved, including various adjustments and setting tax rates. Planning items included initial consideration for a development agreement for Cottage Country and first readings for rezoning and LUB amendments related to Macintosh Road and Sunny Point Farms. Staff were authorized to begin community engagement for the 2026/2027 Plan Review. An additional $10,000 was approved for the GUDI Step 2 Study at the Shubenacadie Water Treatment Plant. During the in-camera session, an amendment to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan was approved, prohibiting future member contribution transfers. The meeting concluded with adjournment at 10:38 p.m.

The public information meeting addressed two primary agenda items: PLN25-009 regarding the Redesignation and Rezoning of MacIntosh Rd, and PLN25-010 concerning MPS and LUB Amendments for Sunny Point Farms. Key discussions included clarification on the MacIntosh Rd site plan and the regulatory process involving the Agricultural Advisory Committee and ministerial review by the province. For Sunny Point Farms, applicants discussed setbacks and the feasibility of connecting barns with a concrete walkway.