Meeting Highlights

Asset Management Committee and Committee of the Whole Meeting – October 28, 2025

(October 30, 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 to view presentations and files mentioned in the Highlights.

• Asset Management Agenda
• Committee of the Whole Agenda

ASSET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Continuing Business

• • The Committee approved the purchase of two new 250-gallon fiberglass fuel tanks for the Havre Boucher Sewer Treatment Plant at a cost of $9,828.77 plus HST from MacGillivray Fuels.
  • The Committee received a request for improved lighting at the intersection of Lower North Grant Road and Route 245. The existing streetlight is poorly positioned and dim, creating a potential safety concern. The Committee approved a motion for staff to get an inspection, and to have the light adjusted to better illuminate the intersection. If the existing light cannot be improved, The Committee approves the installation of a new streetlight at this location.
  • Council received correspondence from residents of West Arm Branch Road in Tracadie regarding concerns about the condition of the road following construction earlier this spring. Residents noted that gravel was not placed after the work was completed to maintain the improved surface, and the road is now deteriorating. Council passed a motion to send correspondence to the Honourable Fred Tilley, Minister of Public Works, and Minister Michelle Thompson, requesting that the road be graveled.

New Business

• • The Committee received correspondence from Strum Consulting requesting the development of a policy to allow for the construction of a new Septage Stabilization Lagoon. The existing facility is nearing the end of its lease, and a new site is needed to continue servicing County residents who require septic tank cleaning every few years. Currently, the Land-Use By-Laws do not include provisions for building a new facility in any plan area. Staff was directed to draft a policy about Septage Stabilization Lagoons.
  • The Committee received a request for improved lighting at the intersection of Lower North Grant Road and Route 245. The existing streetlight is poorly positioned and dim, creating a potential safety concern. The Committee approved a motion for staff to get an inspection, and to have the light adjusted to better illuminate the intersection. If the existing light cannot be improved, The Committee approves the installation of a new streetlight at this location.
  • Council received correspondence from residents of West Arm Branch Road in Tracadie regarding concerns about the condition of the road following construction earlier this spring. Residents noted that gravel was not placed after the work was completed to maintain the improved surface, and the road is now deteriorating. Council passed a motion to send correspondence to the Honourable Fred Tilley, Minister of Public Works, and Minister Michelle Thompson, requesting that the road be graveled.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Continuing Business

• • The Committee discussed the policy on Council’s Participation on External Community Boards (Policy 33). The discussion focused on the message the policy sends and possible conflicts that could arise. Staff have been asked to review the policy and suggest any needed updates.
  • The Committee received updates on the County’s eight Housing Accelerator (HAF) initiatives.
  • The Committee received a response from the Honourable Fred Tilley, Minister of Public Works, regarding a letter sent in August 2025 requesting support for road upgrades and maintenance to Cape George Lighthouse Road. The Minister advised that the road is owned by the Department of Natural Resources, and staff have been directed to follow up with that department.
  • The Committee received a funding request from the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition (ENSE) to help cover the cost of water that had to be brought in during the mandatory water conservation measures in place at the time of the event. Council approved the request to fund the cost of the water, totaling $8424.
  • The Committee received an update on the water Distribution program. Running since August 2025, the County has circulated more than 2000 cases of 24 bottles of water to residents with dry or low wells.

New Business

• • The Committee approved a motion to appoint seven SPCA staff members as By-law Officers for the Municipality. They will be responsible for enforcing the By-law Respecting the Responsible Ownership of Dogs.
  • The Committee received a list of community resources, which included the Antigonish Coalition to End Poverty resource sheet, the 2025 Low-Income Property Tax Exemption Application, and the Property Tax Rebate for Seniors form.
  • The Committee directed staff to write a letter of support for the Antigonish Community Health Clinic in support of their request to the province for a roadway connection between Sears Ross Road and Trunk 4 (Old Highway 104).
  • The Committee approved a motion allowing the Heatherton Community Centre to reallocate $9,000 received from the Community Partnership Grants program to help fund a new roof for the centre.