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Municipality of the District of Clare
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 7:00 pm
Meeting held at 1185 Highway 1, Little Brook, NS
PRESENT: Council: Warden Yvon LeBlanc, Deputy Warden Eric Pothier; Councillors Réanne Evans, Danny Hill, Réanne Cooper, Carl Deveau, and Nadine Comeau
Staff: CAO, Stéphane Cyr, Executive Assistant, Ashley Hanks, Communications Officer, Anique Dugas
Presenters:
ABSENT:
1) Call to Order
The Warden called the Council meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2) Adoption of the Agenda
The CAO asked for the following item to be added to the agenda:
- 12.14 Motion to Accept a Proposal – Belliveau Cove Wharf Repair
MOVED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the proposed agenda be approved with the above noted addition.
MOTION CARRIED
3) Declaration of Conflict of Interest
None.
4) Presentations
Warden LeBlanc made the following statement regarding the passing of Councillor Brian Comeau:
Before continuing with our meeting this evening, I would like to take a moment to speak of the passing of our colleague, Councillor Brian Comeau.
Brian passed away on June 29, at the age of 63. He represented District 5 since 2004, and for over 20 years, he worked hard to improve the lives of the people of Clare.
He was kind, intelligent, sincere and always ready to help. He loved his community deeply, and it showed in everything he did.
Brian will be sorely missed. On behalf of the entire Council and staff, I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Lisa, his children Daralyn and Jeremy, his granddaughter Nyomi, and all his family and friends.
4.1 District 5 Special Election – CAO Stéphane Cyr
In preparation for the District 5 Special Election, the Municipal Elections Act requires Council appoint a Returning Officer, decide on the type of election, establish a budget for the election, and set a date for both the election and the completion of the amended list of electors. To comply with these requirements, Council passed the following motions:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Reanne Cooper that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare appoint Pam Doucet as the Returning Officer for the 2025 Special Election.
MOTION CARRIED
PROPOSED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare set August 26, 2025, as the date for the completion of the Amended List of Electors for the 2025 Special Election.
MOTION CARRIED
PROPOSED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Evans that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare set October 4, 2025, as the date of the 2025 Special Election.
MOTION CARRIED
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare have a hybrid election with electronic voting during the advanced polls, from September 26, 2025, up to and including October 4, 2025, and paper ballots on election day, October 4, 2025.
MOTION CARRIED
PROPOSED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Evans that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare set the budget for the 2025 Special Election at $15,000 and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Operational Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED
5) Adoption of the Minutes from Previous Council Meetings
5.1 June 18, 2025 – Regular Council Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the minutes of the June 18, 2025, Regular Council Meeting be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
5.2 July 9, 2025 – Council-In-Committee Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the minutes of the July 9, 2025, Council in Committee Meeting be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
6) Business Arising from Previous Meetings
None.
7) Warden’s Activity Report – Warden Yvon LeBlanc
June 20 – Attended the award ceremony hosted by the CDÉNÉ, celebrating achievements in sustainable development. During the ceremony, the Vince Stuart Award for Sustainable Innovation 2025 was presented to JD Composites, an innovative Clare-based company.
June 22 – Attended an open house organized by the Hectanooga Fire Department, showcasing their new fire station and community center.
June 25 – Attended the WREN's Annual General Meeting.
July 1 – Attended the Canada Day celebrations on the Church Point campus of Université Sainte-Anne.
July 5 – Attended the funeral of our colleague, Councillor Brian Comeau.
July 7 – Attended a meeting of the Police Advisory Board.
8) Official Statements from Members of Council
Councillor Réanne Cooper congratulated the 10 young athletes from Clare who participated in the Jeux de la francophonie canadienne in Laval QC.
9) Correspondence
9.1 The Honourable Becky Druhan – Attorney General and Minister of Justice
The CAO read a letter from the Honourable Becky Druhan, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. (
See attached)
9.2 Linda Gregory – Warden, Municipality of the District of Digby
The CAO read a letter from Linda Gregory, Warden for the Municipality of the District of Digby. (See attached)
9.3 The Honourable John Lohr – Minister of Municipal Affairs
The CAO read a letter from the Honourable John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs. (See attached)
9.4 Stacey Doucette and Hal Theriault – Co-Chairs, The Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society
The CAO read a letter from Stacey Doucette and Hal Theriault, Co-Chairs of The Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society. (See attached)
10) CAO Report – Chief Administrative Officer – Stéphane Cyr
The CAO presented his report for the month of July. (See attached)
11) Committee Reports
11.1 Western Counties Regional Library (WCRL) – Councillor Réanne Evans
The WCRL held its AGM on June 19, 2025, followed by a regular meeting of the Board. The current funding formula and resulting lack of operational funding continues to be at the forefront of the Board’s discussions. Libraries across the Province are currently in discussions with the Minister in an effort to build on recommendations stemming from 2024 to address this issue. In the meantime, this shortfall in operational funding has meant less funds to purchase books, less services to the community, and a reduction in library hours.
MOVED BY Councillor Réanne Evans and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Municipality for the District of Clare send a letter to the Minister stressing the importance of properly funded libraries and their impact in communities.
MOTION CARRIED
11.2 Police Advisory Board – Councillor Réanne Cooper
The Police Advisory Board met on July 7, 2025.
The Department of Justice has advised that their Spring recruitment campaign ended May 13, 2025, and depending on the applications received, a new ministerial representative should be named shortly.
As for the community representatives on the Board, Jocelyne LeBlanc’s term has expired, and John Chant has submitted his resignation. That said, there are currently two vacancies on the Board. To fill these vacancies, a call for expressions of interest (EOI) will be launched on July 24th on both Facebook and in the Clare Shopper. The deadline for application is set for August 22nd, in the hopes of vetting applicants and appointing two new members to the Police Advisory Board in September 2025 via a formal motion of Council.
The Radar Speed Sign will be moved from its current location in Saulnierville to Church Point (in front of Université Sainte-Anne). Data collected by the sign during its time in Saulnierville will be formatted and presented to the RCMP for review.
Constable Chris Stewart will be starting at the Meteghan Detachment on August 27th. Furthermore, the two new positions recommended and ultimately approved as part of the GDPRM – 1 GIS and 1 new officer – are posted and both are expected to be filled by September/October 2025.
Lastly, Sergeant LeBlanc presented a report summarizing incident statistics from February 12, 2025, to July 4, 2025. Detachment priorities are as follows:
- Road Safety
- Crime Reduction
- Organized Crime
11.3 Southwest Nova Biosphere Region Association – Councillor Carl Deveau
The Association is changing the name (and deliverables) of the Two Billion Trees Project as this goal may be too ambitious. The proposed name change will be further discussed at the group’s next meeting.
The Association is continuing in its efforts to purchase lands in Southwest Nova Scotia in the interest of preservation.
The Association was contacted in writing by Mary Guptil regarding damage to her property from ATVs during the Canoe Trip. While the Association has no jurisdiction over this issue, it is prepared to advocate for a solution.
11.4 Waste Check – Councillor Carl Deveau
Waste Check would like to remind residents to put their bins out every two weeks no matter how full they are, and to clean their bins regularly.
12) New Business
12.1 Motion to Accept Proposal – Active Transportation Plan
Funding for a new Active Transportation Plan was included as part of the Municipality’s 2025-26 Operating Budget. A tender for this project was subsequently issued with a closing date of July 16, 2025. A total of three bids were received. Following a review of the bids, it is the recommendation of the CAO that Council accept the bid from Upland Planning + Design in the amount of $69,930 plus HST. Council agreed and made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Réanne Evans and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare accept the proposal from Upland Planning + Design Inc. for the development of an Active Transportation Plan in the amount of $69,930 plus HST.
MOTION CARRIED
12.2 Motion to Authorize Temporary Borrowing Resolution – Clare Veterans Centre
While it awaits word on future provincial funding, the Municipality is arranging interim funding for the Clare Veterans Centre. Doing so requires both a temporary borrowing resolution authorized by Council and a certificate signed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Honourable John Lohr. To this end, the CAO is recommending Council pass a temporary borrowing resolution not exceeding $3,300,000 for the completion of this project. Council agreed and made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare authorize a temporary borrowing resolution with a request to borrow a sum not exceeding $3,300,000 for purposes of capital borrowing related to the construction of the new Clare Veterans Centre.
MOTION CARRIED
12.3 Motion to Increase Funding – By-law Enforcement
The part-time position of By-Law Officer is currently vacant. In the interim, enforcement duties have been carried out by the Municipality’s Public Works staff. While this approach has worked over the past months, it is not sustainable in the long term. That said, a candidate with a background suited to this role and an interest in the position has been identified. The CAO is prepared to move forward with this new hire however before doing so, an additional $10,000 is required to fund the operational requirements of the position for the remainder of the fiscal year. Council agreed to this amount and passed the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Réanne Evans and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare add $10,000 for by-law enforcement, as part of its 2025-26 operating budget.
MOTION CARRIED
12.4 Motion to Provide Interim Funding - Société historique acadienne de la Baie Sainte-Marie
The Municipality has been working with the Société historique de la Baie Sainte-Marie on its project to improve the aesthetics of the Acadian Chapel and Cemetery on Major’s Point and to make the site more resilient to the effects of climate change, coastal flooding and storm surge. Funding for this project was granted in part under the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund and includes a 25% holdback on all project costs. The size of this holdback (25%) has created a short-term cash flow issue for the Société and temporarily hindered its ability to pay the remaining costs associated with this project. The project is now substantially complete, with final completion expected in September 2025. In order to alleviate these cash flow pressures and bring this project to fruition, given its importance to the Municipality’s tourism product offerings, the CAO is proposing the Municipality provide bridge funding to the Société in the amount of $13,366, to be repaid in September 2025 or when the 25% holdback is released and funds are received. Council agreed and made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Réanne Evans and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare provide interim funding to the Société historique acadienne de la Baie Sainte-Marie in the amount of $13,366 to alleviate cash flow pressures involving its Acadian Cemetery and Chapel project, until such time as the mandatory 25% holdback, imposed under the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, is released.
MOTION CARRIED
12.5 Motion to Amend Procurement Policy
The Municipality’s procurement policy was adopted in 2016 and has not been revised since. With the ever-increasing costs of goods, services and construction, the directives put in place in 2016 as part of this policy have failed to keep up and now requires the Municipality to go to public tender via the Province’s procurement website, for an inordinate number of purchases and/or contracts, leading to inefficiencies in the procurement process. In order to counter these inefficiencies, the CAO is proposing the procurement directives contained in the Municipality’s current policy be amended to allow for the better use of quotes (minimum of 3) and invitational tenders. The CAO also explained that several other municipal units are considering similar changes for the reasons cited herein. Council agreed with the proposed policy revisions and passed the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the proposed amendments to its Procurement Policy as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
12.6 Motion to Increase Per Diem Rates
The per diem rates for Council and staff were last revised in 2021. Since then, costs related to travel have steadily increased and established allowances have failed to keep up. As a result, several municipal units have been adjusting their per diem rates upwards. When compared to other municipal units, the Municipality of Clare’s current per diem rate of $70 is low and often insufficient to cover the cost of meals (especially when training, conferences, etc., are held in urban centres). As such, the CAO is recommending the Municipality increase its per diem rate to $85. Council agreed and made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare increase its per diam rates effective August 1, 2025, from $70 to $85, and broken down as follows:
- Breakfast $20
- Lunch $25
- Supper $40
MOTION CARRIED
12.7 Motion to Name Road – Diamond Drive
The Municipality was approached to name a private road. The road in question only impacts one parcel of land which is owned by the individual making the request. The proposed name is compliant with the Municipality’s Road Naming Policy. As such, the CAO and staff are recommending Council proceed with the road naming as requested. Council agreed and made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the road naming request for the road shared by the PID (Property Identification Number) listed below, as follows:
In English: Diamond Drive
In French: Allée diamant
|
30033575 |
MOTION CARRIED
12.8 Motion to Name Road – Red Maple Drive
The Municipality was approached to name a private road. The road in question only impacts one parcel of land which is owned by the individual making the request. The proposed name is compliant with the Municipality’s Road Naming Policy. As such, the CAO and staff are recommending Council proceed with the road naming as requested. Council agreed and made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the road naming request for the road shared by the PID (Property Identification Number) listed below, as follows:
In English: Red Maple Drive
In French: Allée des érables rouges
|
30070395 |
MOTION CARRIED
12.9 Motion to Name Road – Lakeview Court
The Municipality was approached to name a private road. Subsequently, letters were sent to the three property owners along this road asking whether they approved of the name that had been put forward for consideration. All three were in favor of the proposed name – Lakeview Court / Cour Lakeview. Whereas the proposed name meets the requirements of the Municipality’s Road Naming Policy, Council made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the road naming request for the road shared by the PIDs (Property Identification Number) listed below, as follows:
In English: Lakeview Court
In French: Cour Lakeview
|
30106660 |
30384648 |
30384630 |
MOTION CARRIED
12.10 Motion to Name Road – Lakeview Lane
The Municipality was approached to name a private road. Subsequently, letters were sent to the three property owners along this road asking whether they approved of the name that had been put forward for consideration. All three were in favor of the proposed name – Lakeview Lane / Ruelle Lakeview. Whereas the proposed name meets the requirements of the Municipality’s Road Naming Policy, Council made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the road naming request for the road shared by the PIDs (Property Identification Number) listed below, as follows:
In English: Lakeview Lane
In French: Ruelle Lakeview
|
30106660 |
30384648 |
30384630 |
MOTION CARRIED
12.11 Motion to Name Road – Dwayne Lane
The Municipality was approached to name a private road. Subsequently, letters were sent to the seven property owners along this road asking whether they approved of the name that had been put forward for consideration. Five (or 71%) stated they were in favor of the proposed name – Dwayne Lane / Ruelle Dwayne, while the remaining two property owners did not reply. Whereas the proposed name meets the requirements of the Municipality’s Road Naming Policy, Council made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Evans that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the road naming request for the road shared by the PIDs (Property Identification Number) listed below, as follows:
In English: Dwayne Lane
In French: Ruelle Dwayne
|
30316087 |
30088322 |
30089098 |
30089098 |
30088215 |
30088330 |
|
30088223 |
30377642 |
30088116 |
30088231 |
30088108 |
MOTION CARRIED
12.12 Motion to Accept Proposal – Traffic Control Services, Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie
Traffic Control Services are required as part of the Gran Fondo, to ensure both route and participant safety. To this end, a public tender was issued. AWP Safety was the sole bidder in response to this tender, with a bid price of $12,785 plus HST. This amount is only slightly higher then the price offered the Municipality by AWP in 2023 when they successfully delivered these same services to the Gran Fondo. Given the Municipality’s previous dealings with AWP Safety, the company’s familiarity with Gran Fondo Sainte-Marie, and the fact that they are the sole bidder for this tender, the CAO is recommending that Council accept the bid as submitted. Council agreed and made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare accept the proposal from AWP Safety for traffic control services during the 2025 Gran Fondo Baie Sainte Marie in the amount of $12,785 plus HST.
MOTION CARRIED
12.13 Motion to Award Funding – The Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society
In fiscal 2024-25, the Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society was approved for $5,000 under the Municipality’s Grants to Organizations Program for interpretive panels/materials. Funding was made conditional on confirmation of balance of funding. Unfortunately, because the group could not confirm funding prior to March 31, 2025, the funds were never disbursed.
On July 16, 2025, the CAO was approached by Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society inquiring as to the status of these funds and whether they were still available. It appears the project and the organization itself are gaining momentum. In speaking with ACOA project stakeholders, they confirmed the following:
- Total project cost is roughly $400,000.
- Funding from the Province is confirmed (likely to be announced July 25th)
- Funding from the Municipality of Digby and Digby Marketing and Promotions Committee is confirmed.
- Funding from ACOA and Canadian Heritage is not yet confirmed but the application has been green lighted.
Based on this information, as well as the fact that the proposed project has direct ties to Acadian history, is complimentary to current trail development efforts, and respects the new leveraging requirements introduced this year as part of the Grants to Organizations criteria, the CAO is recommending Council approve the request for the $5,000 (essentially carrying the project approval from last year to now). Council agreed and made the following motion:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare award a grant of $5,000 from its 2025-26 Grants to Organizations Program to the Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society in support of its interpretative display project.
MOTION CARRIED
12.13 Motion to Accept a Proposal – Belliveau Cove Wharf Repair
A number of ladders at the Belliveau Cove Wharf are in various states of disrepair. Some need to be replaced, others need new rungs. Following an assessment by the Municipality’s Director of Public Works, its was determined that four ladders need to be replaced immediately in the interest of safety, while other ladders required a total of 34 new rungs. Bids were sought from three local contractors. Ultimately, Blue Bay Construction Ltd. was the sole bidder with a bid of $16,645 plus HST. Given the sense of urgency (and public safety implications) in replacing/repairing these ladders, as well as Blue Bay Construction’s considerable experience with wharves, it is the recommendation of the CAO that Council accept the bid in question. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Réanne Evans and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare accept the proposal from Blue Bay Construction Ltd. for the repairs to the ladders at the Belliveau Cove Wharf in the amount of $16,645 plus HST and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED
13) Closed Session
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that Council proceed to the Closed Session.
MOTION CARRIED
Topics discussed
13.1 Personnel Matters
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier that Council proceed to the Regular Council Meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
14) Date and Time of the next Regular Council Meeting
The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 7:00 pm.
15) Adjournment
MOVED BY Councillor Réanne Evans to adjourn the meeting at 8:57 pm.
Submitted by:
Ashley Hanks
Executive Assistant