Committee of the Whole and Council Meeting Highlights – December 9, 2025
Council Highlights provide a snapshot of public meetings, and not all agenda items may be captured. For the official record, please refer to the adopted minutes, which will be posted on our website after they are approved at the next regular meeting.
Consult this meeting’s agenda found on our website to view presentations and files mentioned in the Highlights.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Continuing Business
- The Committee approved the 2025 Boundary Review recommendations, with one change: all of Brierly Brook Back Road will now be included in District 4. The review confirmed that there will continue to be 10 districts. These new district boundaries will take effect for the 2028 municipal election.
- The Committee approved the Policy Review Policy as presented. This policy will guide how the Municipality updates and changes policies in the future making sure they stay relevant, accessible, and written in plain language.
- The Committee received an updated Communications Strategy, implementation plan, and Social Media Guideline, and approved the Communications Strategy as presented. The Strategy was developed by Forward Creative to improve the Municipality’s communication processes, increase transparency and accountability, and strengthen community engagement.
- The Committee approved some of the recommendations proposed to the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Land Use Bylaw as required to fulfill HAF requirements.
New Business
- The Committee reviewed and approved the 2025–26 Water Budget. This budget outlines the operating costs for the water utility and does not include infrastructure expenses.
Additions to the Agenda
Deputy Warden John Dunbar requested a letter be sent congratulating Chief Juliana Julian on her recent election win, as well as all newly elected councillors in the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation.
COUNCIL MEETING
Statutory Public Hearings
- Council approved an application to rezone a portion of property on Walsh Post Road, Fairmont from Rural General to Tourist Commercial that was tabled at a previous meeting on November 25, 2025. The decision was tabled to ensure that the application met all requirements which it did.
- The Committee denied the proposed recommendation to amend the West River Antigonish Harbour and Central Antigonish Plan Area Municipal Planning Strategies, Land Use By-laws. Generalized Future Land Use Maps and Zoning Maps to incorporate updates floodplain mapping. Eastern District Planning Commission presented what they heard during a recent open house, including concerns the amendments could affect insurance, property values, complete no build, etc. EDPC staff was asked to present what amendments would be using the 2050 flood mapping.
Delegations
- The Committee received a presentation from Nicole Fawcett of the Strait Area Reporter. Nicole explained how the Reporter supports communities across the Strait region and highlighted the important role local newspapers play in rural areas.
Correspondence
- The Committee received a response letter from Minister Fred Tilley addressing the Municipality’s concerns about excessive stormwater runoff from the Department of Public Works property, which has been causing erosion and difficulties for a neighbouring property owner.
Additions to the Agenda
The Committee received a letter from Lochaber Growers requesting financial support for Holiday food hampers they distribute.