Committee of the Whole and Council Meeting Highlights – January 13, 2026
Meeting 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 passed a motion recommending that Municipal Council authorize the CAO to sign the necessary documents to refinance Debenture 31-A-1. The amount of $873,000 will be refinanced over a five-year term.
- The Committee received an update on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling program, which launched on December 1, 2025, and is managed by Circular Materials. County residents will receive a one-page recycling sorting guide in the mail next week. Residents can also visit the Antigonish Farmers’ Market on Saturday, February 21, 2026, to pick up a guide and ask questions of the Eastern Region Solid Waste Management (ERSWM) team. More information on the program can be found here: https://antigonishcounty.ca/recyclables/
New Business
- The Committee discussed a letter from the Antigonish Coalition to End Poverty that was sent to the Premier. The letter raised concerns about the proposed 1.6% increase to social assistance and disability rates in 2026. It noted that with rising costs for power, rent, groceries, clothing, and other necessities, a 1.6% increase would leave individuals and families facing deeper financial hardship.
The Committee passed a motion to send a letter supporting the Coalition’s letter request for a larger increase to social assistance rates.
- The Committee discussed interest rates applied to overdue property taxes, sewer charges, and Local Improvement Charges. The Municipality’s current rate is 0.5% per month (6% per year). Neighbouring municipalities charge an average of 1.15% per month (14% per year). The Committee recommended maintaining the current rate of 0.5% per month (6% per year) for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
COUNCIL MEETING
Delegations
Colleen Cameron and Mary Oxner from the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society (AAHS) provided an update on the Sugarloaf Housing Project, a transformational community housing initiative that would add approximately 131 much-needed homes in the community. AAHS is requesting $500,000 over five years, as well as property tax forgiveness or relief to support the project.
Additions
- Councillor Mattie requested a discussion about the provincial policy regarding ATVs travelling on roads. Council is seeking clarification on what ATVs are permitted and not permitted to do. Staff have been directed to review the provincial policy and report back to Council with further information.