Council Highlights provide a brief overview of the latest Regular Council Meeting. For complete details, please refer to the official minutes, which will be available once approved at the next Regular Council Meeting.
Regular Council Meetings are where important decisions are made to guide our community’s development and future. Here’s a snapshot of the key discussions and decisions from this meeting.
Public Presentations:
- Sappyfest’s 20th Anniversary – Request for Support: A representative from Sappyfest presented plans for their upcoming 20th anniversary celebration, seeking $20,000 in municipal support to enhance infrastructure, community engagement projects, and special anniversary programming.
- Encumbrance Certificate Fees: A presentation was given regarding an increase in fees associated with encumbrance certificates during property sales.
- Rotary Club of Sackville – 20-Year Milestone: The Sackville Rotary Club is celebrating 10 years of service on February 14, 2025. Over the past decade, the Sackville Rotary Gold Mine has made a significant impact, raising over $1 million to support local community initiatives and enhance the well-being of Sackville residents.
Council Motions:
- Consent Agenda Items Approved:
- Economic Development Incentive Program – York Street & Ford Avenue: Council approved an application under this program to encourage development in these areas.
- Community Development Grants: Approval was granted for multiple community development grants to support local organizations and projects.
- Civic Centre Compressor #1 Overhaul: Funding was approved for the necessary overhaul of Compressor #1 at the Tantramar Veterans Memorial Civic Centre to ensure continued operation.
- Dorchester Fire Department Equipment: Council approved the purchase of personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus for the Dorchester Fire Department to enhance firefighter safety.
- Automated Flagger Assistance Device: Council approved the acquisition of a pair of automated flagger assistance devices to improve traffic control and worker safety during municipal projects.
- Veterans Banner Campaign Expansion: A motion was passed to install 20 additional veterans’ banners, honoring local veterans and enhancing the existing campaign.
- Water Testing Update: Council approved a motion to add annual glyphosate testing to the municipal water supply monitoring program, complementing the existing heavy metal testing. Previous tests conducted in 2023 detected no measurable glyphosate, with results below the minimum detection level of < 0.05 μg/mL (50 ppb). For reference, the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality set the maximum acceptable concentration for glyphosate at 0.28 mg/L (280 ppb), well above previous test results. This additional testing ensures continued transparency and confidence in local water quality.
By-Laws:
- Minimum Dwelling Size Amendment (By-Law No. 244-T): First and second readings were completed for an amendment to adjust minimum dwelling size requirements in Sackville. The third reading will be held at an upcoming council meeting.
- Rezoning on Kirk Street (By-Law No. 244-U): Council conducted the first and second readings of a by-law to rezone properties on Kirk Street, Sackville, from R1 to R2, facilitating new medium-density housing developments. The third reading will be held at an upcoming council meeting.
- Vegetative Growth By-Law (By-Law No. 2025-17): The motion for this by-law did not receive a seconder from council and was therefore not considered.
- Animal Control By-Law (By-Law No. 2025-18): The first reading of a by-law updating animal control regulations within Tantramar was completed. Subsequent readings are planned for upcoming meetings.
Celebrating Councillor Martin:
- Mayor Andrew Black announced councillor, Greg Martin will be awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal on February 21, 2025, in Dieppe, New Brunswick. This prestigious honor is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the community, with only 35 recipients selected from the Beauséjour riding.
Stay Updated:
Join us for the next Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 3:00 PM in person or via live stream on our YouTube Channel to stay engaged with municipal progress and decisions.
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