Meeting Highlights – January 13, 2026

Committee of the Whole and Council Meeting Highlights – January 13, 2026

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

Delegations

  • The Committee was presented the 2025 Audit Findings Report (the Non-Consolidated Financial Statements, Consolidated Financial Statements and the Water Utility Statements) from Accounting Firm MNP. MNP reported that it was a clean audit and was approved by Council.

New Business

  • As part of the policy review, the Committee reviewed a proposal to repeal Policy 24, which relates to the handling of tire fluff. Tire fluff is no longer accepted or handled at the transfer station, so this policy is no longer needed. The proposal to repeal Policy 24 will return to the January 27, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting for consideration. Policy 24: Policy Regarding the Handling of Tire Fluff can be found on our website here: https://antigonishcounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Policy-24-Tire-Fluff.pdf
  • The Committee reviewed the Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) Capped Assessment Comparison. Residents are reminded that their 2026 assessment notices are being mailed and should be reviewed carefully. The deadline to appeal an assessment is February 12, 2026. More information is available on the municipal website: https://antigonishcounty.ca/pvscs-2026-assessment-notices-have-been-mailed/
  • The Committee discussed the recent meeting with Build Nova Scotia about cellular service in Antigonish County. Staff were directed to send a follow-up letter thanking Build NS for their visit and to continue advocating for improved cellular coverage, particularly in the eastern part of the County. The letter will also ask that this area be included in Phase 2 of the program and that options be explored to allow roaming between service providers for emergency calls. More details are available here: https://antigonishcounty.ca/cell-service-update/
  • The Committee approved a request from the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society (AAHS) for a letter of support from the Municipality to accompany their application to the Build Canada Homes Funding Program.
  • The Committee discussed the Municipality’s Dog Control By-law following the recent tragedy in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Staff have been directed to review the by-law to ensure it is up to date and appropriate for 2026. During the discussion, staff also shared the phone number residents can call to report a dog that is at large: (902) 863-9501. View the By-law Respecting the Responsible Ownership of dogs here: https://antigonishcounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/By-law-03-2019-Amending-Dogs-Signed-and-Sealed-1.pdf

Additions to the Agenda

  • The Committee discussed meeting structure in response to meetings running longer than scheduled.
  • The Committee requested that internet and phone reimbursement for Municipal Council be reviewed as part of the next budget process.

COUNCIL MEETING

Delegations

  • Andrea Terry, Director and Curator of the StFX Art Gallery, presented to the Committee about an upcoming exhibition celebrating the Gallery’s 50th anniversary. The StFX Art Gallery’s 50/50 exhibition will feature 50 original artworks by artists from Antigonish, Guysborough, and Pictou Counties. Dr. Terry plans to apply for support through the Municipal Community Partnership Grants, which open on February 1, 2026.

Correspondence

  • The Committee received correspondence, including letters of support, requesting that library funding be considered to ensure library services can continue to provide essential programs and supports for the community.
  • The Committee received a response from the Honourable Fred Tilly, Minister of Public Works, regarding a letter sent in October 2025 about the condition of the West Arm Branch Road in Tracadie. The response outlined the new Gravel Road Improvement Program and the Rural Impact Mitigation (RIM) program, which assess gravel roads in Antigonish County to help set priorities and identify candidate roads for improvement.

Additions to the Agenda

    • Committee requests that staff send a letter to Matt MacPherson congratulating him refereeing his 1000th game in the National Hockey League.
Share This