April 2025 Municipal Update
April 2025 Newsletter
From the Mayor’s Desk
It’s the middle of April and I’m sure everyone in the community is looking out their windows for the first signs of spring. Leslie-Ann and I saw our first crocus blooms in our backyard; a sure sign that we are on our way to the warmer weather and the summers that we are all looking forward to. While it may be cool, it is sure nice to get out for a walk on a sunny day.
At our most recent council meeting, council members had a full agenda with several matters to consider. I want to thank the residents who attended for their interest in the work of their municipal government and hope that more of you can attend in the future to see your council members at work. While we are the only level of government not mentioned in Canada’s constitution, I believe we still have a significant impact on the lives of the residents. In PEI, we exist as a creation of the provincial government and operate under a law called the Municipal Government Act. That Act is coming up to 10 years old and, as required by the law, it is being reviewed by the current government. Residents have until May 15th to provide input to the review. As your Mayor, I have put together my thoughts on the changes I would like to see going forward. I would be happy to discuss my input with any interested residents. As well, I have requested a meeting with our council members, but have yet to receive a response. If you would like to provide input directly to the government, please click on this link.
A few months back, the Municipality adopted a five-year strategic plan that can be found on the front page of our website. While it sounds like a bureaucratic exercise, I believe it is one of the most important initiatives that this council has undertaken since being elected in the fall of 2022. When we started out as a council, we recognized the importance of creating a strategic plan, however, we had other priorities that ensured we had the fundamentals in place to stabilize our administration. At the time, we didn’t have a full time CAO and were operating with practices that needed improvement so that we could deliver the required services more effectively. In February 2023, we hired Anna Keenan as our CAO who focused her attention on strengthening our administrative practices and addressing key operational challenges. In April 2024, Yves Dallaire was hired to replace Anna. Yves has been able to build on Anna’s foundation and taken forward many of the municipality’s outstanding initiatives while ensuring ongoing operations were efficiently delivered. It may seem like he has been here much longer because we have accomplished so much over the last year. So, if you are passing by the Municipal Office to pick up your mail or do business in the hall, please congratulate Yves on his first anniversary in his position.
Planning is critical to the success of any organization. If you don’t know where you are going, you don’t know if you are doing the right things to get there. Where is there? We have a vision:
“An inclusive and sustainable community focused on growth as well as preservation of heritage, while demonstrating respect in a welcoming seaside village.”
This vision will be driving our actions at every council meeting. It has provided the basis for our actions over the next fiscal year (April to March) as operationalized in our budget that is awaiting approval by the provincial government. The initiatives in the strategic plan are lined up under five areas of interest; Governing Victoria, Developing Victoria, Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Issues, Improving Community Cohesion and finally, Enhancing the Visitors’ Experience.
I am very pleased that we now have a strategic plan. I promise to make reference to that plan whenever it is appropriate as we make decisions in this council chamber. Like tonight, we are getting information and having to consider matters about the implementation of the Dangerous, Hazardous and Unsightly Premises Bylaw. By implementing the bylaw, we are taking action to achieve the vision. At our meeting on April 14th, we reviewed the progress made so far with the implementation of the Dangerous, Hazardous and Unsightly Bylaw. The Bylaw came into effect on January 1st and is a key element of our strategic plan to enhance our visitors’ experience while at the same time ensuring a safe environment for our residents. Some of you may have noticed the deterioration of the old customs house on Water Street. I have received calls about this matter and understand that there are some very serious health and safety issues with the current situation. These concerns about the state of this building, which need to be addressed before tourist season, are being addressed by our CAO through the provisions set out in the new bylaw.
I hope that every resident takes the time to go through the strategic plan and uses it to have conversations with members of this council. When residents consider candidates during the next election in November 2026, they should use the content of the strategic plan to find out how the candidates plan to move forward with the initiatives and more importantly; be able to hold this council to account for operating in accordance with the plan. As we continue our work on council, we need to hear from residents about the ideas you have for the initiatives we have identified. It is by working together as a community that we will achieve our vision.
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, please visit our website: Mayor and Council.
From the Municipal Office
One step further for the development of the MacDonald land
At the April 14th Council meeting, a motion was adopted to activate the rezoning process for a new housing project. J.S. MacKinnon (Roberts Group of Companies) asked for a development permit to rezone from agricultural to general residential the 30 acre piece of land off Nelson Street owned by the MacDonald family. The developer seeks to develop affordable and diversified houses on that lot. A presentation to the public will be organised shortly.
This project is presented in accordance with Victoria’s strategic plan and in accordance with the Official plan future zoning.
First phase of the beautification of the Village
The activation last January of the Dangerous, Hazardous and unsightly Premises Bylaw is giving good results. Eight of the nine targeted property owners have reached an agreement with the Council in order to perform demolition and beautification works on their land. One demolition permit has already been processed by the Planning Board.
Otherwise, some Villagers may have remarked that the building at 25 Water Street (Custom House) has a dangerous notice applied to it. In the coming weeks, Health PEI and the Fire Marshal Office will be assessing the building to determine if the property is a health and/or a fire risk for the Municipality. A contractor hired by the Municipality will close all windows and doors and repair the fence in view of the tourism season. All the work performed at that building is done at the owner’s cost. The owner is also subject to a fine in accordance with the bylaw.
New residents on Wanda and Howard street
The Visser and the Lai Families are new residents of Victoria. The Vissers will build a home on one of the Wanda Street vacant lots while the Lais have bought a house on Howard Street close to the Landmark restaurant. Welcome to these new members of our community.
The Geurts land will be subdivided
Monique and Caspar Geurts were successful in obtaining a subdivision permit for their land, the continuation of Wanda Street to Victoria Road. Following this preliminary approval, a subdivision agreement will have to be developed with the Municipal Office in order to submit the final concept of the housing project. Considering the size of the project, a public presentation will be made shortly.
The subdivision is made in accordance with the strategic plan and the Zoning bylaw.
Victoria is officially applying to the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund
In view of the coming housing projects, Victoria is looking to get a portion of the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund in order to increase the capacity of the Pump House and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The money will also provide a good portion of the costs to assess the condition of the present W&S network and to connect to these new projects. In all an amount of $3,675,000 has been asked to the $86M fund administered by the Provincial Government.
Opening hours of the Municipal Office
Following a new financial framework with the Provincial Government, the Municipal Office is back to 4 days of opening hours from Monday to Thursday 09h30 to 12h00 and 13h00 to 15h30. You are welcome to visit the staff at these business hours.
Municipal Maintenance Staff to serve you
Mike Perry has renewed his engagement to act as the maintenance man for the Municipality this coming summer. Mike, who was holding this position last year, will be busy maintaining the public places, the washrooms and other municipal properties. Mike is well known for his social abilities and is always ready to help. Welcome back to the team!
By-Election
Following the resignation of Councillor Ben Smith, the Council decided that a by-election will take place on September 15th. A list of eligible electors will be made before June 15th and a notice about the by-election will be published on or before August 15th. The nomination period for the position of councillor will commence on August 20th and will end on August 29th at 2:00 PM. The CAO will act as Municipal Electoral Officer and Marsha Empson will act as Deputy Municipal Electoral Officer.
The Community Hall (Playhouse) Roof will be replaced this summer
The request for proposal to replace the Community Hall roof has been successful and the works will be performed by Mallett Exteriors. The color of the new roof is charcoal in accordance with the provincial Heritage permit issued previously.
The Planning Board is looking for a new resident member
The Planning Board chaired by Deputy Mayor Jean McCardle is looking for a new resident member to complete the team composed of Janet Lauzon, Susan Oxley and Shelley Trainor. You can reach the Municipal Office or the chair to suggest your candidacy for this position.
Water and Sewer Fees invoice coming your way
It is Spring and with the new season comes the water and sewer fees invoice. Exceptionally this year, the invoicing will be made in two waves to cover for an overall increase of 3% followed by an increase of 1% later in the Fall. Owners of empty lots are submitted to a 50% rate for now but this rate will go up to 75% later this Fall in accordance with the budgetary decisions. Note that you have 30 days to pay the fees with cash money or check at the Municipal Office or by e-transfer to watersewervictoriapeipayments@gmail.com .
Child care project will continue
The CAO made his report to Council concerning the mandate of relocating a child care facility in Victoria. The progress in this project has been cut short by the disengagement of the Provincial Government for the financing of such initiatives. Despite this roadblock, the Council mandated the CAO to continue his work and to look for some other ways to finance this community service.
Speed in the Village
During Summer, we all have the tendency to go a bit faster with our vehicles. But this should not happen in our Village for security and noise pollution reasons. The Municipal Office suggests you to be respectful to your neighbours and to visitors. Please drive at the posted maximum of 40km/hr within the municipal boundaries.
Community News
A new “Welcome Package” will be offered to newcomers thanks to the initiative of Shelley Trainor. The “basket” will contain varied objects and literature about the Village and will be provided to newcomers back in 2024 and future years.
The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation presented two awards to Victoria residents: Jacques and Janet Cyr at 27 Main and Sylvia and Larry Gaudet at 11 Nelson received awards for their home and barn. They are among the seven recipients of this ward from the Village.
The Victoria Business Association will organize an event on July 1st Canada Day. Food will be distributed on site at the Welcome Centre and activities will be organized for the kids. Everybody is invited.
Check the coming “Community Calendar” that will appear on our website at the beginning of May, highlighting community events!
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.comOffice hours: Tue-Thurs, 8:30-12 & 1-4:30, except holidays and storm days.
Victoria Historic Schoolhouse
730 Victoria Road, Victoria, PE,
C0A 1J0, Canada