February 2025 Municipal Update - Victoria-by-the-Sea
February 2025 Newsletter
From the Mayor’s desk
I hope this message finds everyone well and warm. Over the last two years, the Municipality Office and I have strived to provide ongoing updates to residents about important matters regarding the operations of the Rural Municipality of Victoria. While we have received some feedback on the information provided in the newsletters, I welcome comments and suggestions on how we can improve our communications. Additionally, I encourage residents to provide comments and questions in writing for the council to consider at its meetings if you are unable to attend and make those remarks in person.
The Council met on Monday, February 10th, for its regular monthly meeting. During our meeting, the council members finalized some changes to the municipality’s five-year strategic plan, incorporating feedback received from residents at the workshop held on February 3rd. I want to thank the residents who shared their ideas about the plan. Your input was valuable in determining the municipality’s priorities.
The process of developing the strategic plan started last September, led by our CAO, Yves Dallaire. The council approved the development of the plan as an essential step to ensure public funds are spent wisely and benefit the community most effectively. The draft document, titled “Imagine Victoria’s Future,” will provide a roadmap for the Municipality to follow for future annual budget exercises. Once finalized by the Municipal Office, it will be available on our website. I urge all residents to read the document, keeping in mind that it will be reviewed annually by the council to determine if any changes are needed based on experience and new developments.
At the meeting, I also floated the idea of honorific naming our municipal buildings (the Playhouse, the old school house) after some of our past residents who contributed significantly to the community’s development. This has been done in many other communities across Canada and not only honors local heroes and their contributions, but also could foster community pride, preserves historical memory, attracts tourism, and provides a tangible representation of our community's values and identity. I would love to hear your views on doing this in 2025.
I remind residents to contact their council members or the Municipal Office if they have questions or suggestions for improving our municipal services. You can reach me at 902-388-7584 or via email at allenfarm17@gmail.com. For more information, visit our website: Mayor and Council.
From the Municipal Office
Planning Board February 20th Meeting
The Planning Board will meet on February 20th at 13h30 at the Old School to process 3 permit applications concerning 24 Bardin St, 22 Main St and 193 Nelson St. These applications will be managed in accordance with the new process adopted last year by Council. The Planning Board will make a recommendation to Council about each of these projects. The final decision about the projects will be made by Council members. The public is welcomed to attend. The Planning Board is chaired by Deputy Mayor Jean McCardle and the members are: Councillor Shelley Trainor, Janet Lauzon, Susan Oxley and Councillor Ben Smith.
Emergency Measures - Another step is taken
Last January 23rd, the Emergency Measures Committee, chaired by Councillor Eric Gilbert, met in order to process a hazard risk assessment. With the help of representatives of the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) of the Province, the committee discussed potential risks and their impacts on the community. Later in the process, a list of actions will be suggested by the provincial EMO to counteract these risks. The EM Committee members are: councillor Tom Wright, councillor Shelley Trainor, Allen Marshall (VFD) and Brian Trainor.
Local Love Initiative
Heart lights are popping up in windows throughout our community as a means to connect us all as neighbours and friends. These heart shaped lights symbolize kindness and togetherness and demonstrate to visitors and to one another a reminder of how special our community is. Please join us in celebrating our kind community and show your ‘Local Love’ by hanging a light in your window. Thanks to Shelley Trainor for this initiative!
A welcome package for newcomers to the Village
A welcome package for newcomers is in preparation and should be ready in March. The content of the package is not yet finalized but should contain information about the Village, its history, community organizations, municipal services, etc.
Having a clear and reflective address is important
The Victoria Fire Brigade manages the first responder medical and fire protection services for the community. James Boulter, the Fire Chief, is concerned about the way dwellings’ civic numbers are indicated. 62% of these numbers are not reflective at the moment, while clarity is of paramount importance for emergency response. You are invited to indicate clearly your address using reflective material.
Talks to create a private fire company
There are 36 fire services on the Island, 22 of which are municipal fire departments and 14 are private fire companies. Recently, the Victoria Fire “Brigade” indicated to the Municipality that it wishes to become a private entity. Knowing that, negotiations are ongoing to develop a contractual arrangement with this new fire company to be. Council members will be reviewing the terms of this contract shortly.
The W&S Corporation gets into gear
For many months, the W&S Corporation was on hold because of an incomplete composition of its Board. At its last meeting, the Council appointed Mr Henry Dunsmore as resident member. The Corporation is now operational according to the Municipal Government Act and will be meeting shortly.
The Municipality goes ahead with the DHUP Bylaw
Nine properties of the Village have been identified in the context of the application of the Dangerous, Hazardous and Unsightly Premises Bylaw. This initiative is part of a beautification effort. The Municipal Office will support the owners with their projects in order to conform to the current regulation.
Volunteer with snowmobile wanted
The finance situation and the rocketing prices of snow removal prevented the snow removal of the drive leading to the municipal sewage plant. We are looking for a volunteer who owns a snowmobile to accompany our W & S operator about once a month to go there in order to take samples. Your help will be most appreciated. Phone the Municipal Office at 902.658.2541
That’s all for this month! See past issues at www.RMVictoria.com/newsletters
Questions or feedback? Info for a future newsletter or photos you’re willing to share?
Contact staff at victoriamunicipalitypei@gmail.com
Office hours: Mon-Thurs, 9:30-12 & 1-3:30, except holidays and storm days.
Victoria Historic Schoolhouse
730 Victoria Road, Victoria, PE,
C0A 1J0, Canada