April 2026 Municipal Update
April 2026 Newsletter
From the Mayor’s Office
As April settles in, our community is finally beginning to feel the shift toward warmer days. The first flowers are appearing, the harbour is opening up, and many residents are getting ready for the summer season by switching over their tires and preparing properties for the months ahead. It’s always an energizing time in Victoria, and I hope everyone is enjoying the early signs of spring.
One of the Council’s major challenges continues to be securing information about the Municipality’s grant application through the federal–provincial Canada Housing and Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). This funding is directly tied to the rezoning decision Council approved last year for the property on Nelson Street, behind the old church. That rezoning was the first step toward enabling a developer to build 58 new housing units; an investment valued at more than $20 million.
Despite repeated attempts by our CAO to obtain an update from the responsible department, no information has been provided. As a result, the Council requested assistance from our MLA, Matt MacFarlane, who has intervened on our behalf. Letters have also been sent to the Deputy Minister seeking clarity on the status of the application.
In my correspondence to the Deputy Minister, I emphasized that “We are at significant risk of losing this important opportunity for our municipality; one that would support the economic growth needed for long-term sustainability in our very small community.” At our April meeting, the Council agreed that a meeting with the Premier will be requested to ensure this matter receives the attention it requires.
Council also received a presentation from Triathlon PEI, who requested permission to host an event in Victoria on the morning of July 26, August 2, or August 9. The proposed event would involve 50–60 participants. Council approved the request with conditions.
This event has the potential to bring positive publicity to Victoria and to introduce new visitors to our beautiful village. We look forward to working with the organizers to ensure a safe and successful experience for everyone involved. The Council also learned that the Department of Canadian Heritage is providing a $5,000 grant for the community to plan and organize the Victoria’s traditional Canada Day celebrations. Council is inviting residents, volunteers, and local organizations to share their ideas. The funding could be used to support activities such as community gatherings, outdoor performances, decorations, cake, inflatable games, and fireworks. Our goal is to build on what’s worked well in the past and maintain the strong community spirit that makes these celebrations so special. If you have suggestions or would like to be involved, please contact faavictoriamunicipalitypei@gmail.com.
The April meeting included a significant number of action items, along with the review and approval of four new bylaws, including the statutory framework for the implementation of an accommodation levy that will provide another revenue stream for the Municipality. After getting feedback from accommodation operators, the Council decided to delay the implementation of the levy to August 1st, 2026.
After waiting about a year for IRAC to consider a request to increase the Water & Sewer rates for 2025-26, the CAO received word that the request was approved. The small rate increase on our 2026-27 bills will support the Municipality with the rising costs associated with the operations of these essential systems. As I mentioned in the last newsletter, the Council did not request an increase in rates for 2026-27.
The Council continues to work through a busy agenda as we prepare for the upcoming summer season and address ongoing municipal priorities and the increase of activities that comes with the summer season.
I encourage all residents to stay involved in municipal affairs including attending Council meetings, following our updates, and reaching out with questions, ideas, or feedback. Your participation helps strengthen our community and ensures that decisions reflect the views of the people who call Victoria home.
You may contact your Council representatives or the Municipal Office directly. I am also available at 902-388-7584 or by email at allenfarm17@gmail.com.
Martin Ruben, Mayor
From the Municipal Office
Water & Sewer invoices
The 2026–2027 water and sewer invoices have now been issued by email, or by mail where no email address is available.
Following a motion passed in March 2025 and the subsequent rate increase application submitted to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC), IRAC has approved, effective April 1, 2026, a 1% increase to full-service water and sewer rates. In addition, the W&S rate for owners of vacant lots has increased by approximately 52%, to 75% of the full-service rate.
Payment is due within 30 days and may be made by cash or cheque at the Municipal Office, or by e-transfer to watersewervictoriapeipayments@gmail.com.
Schoolhouse Booking Policy
Council has approved updates to the Schoolhouse rental policies to make them clearer. The changes include clearer rules on resident rental rates, expanded discounts for partner non-profit organizations, guidelines for cancellations and setup times, and a new standard half-day rental period of four hours. For full details, please visit the municipal website https://www.rmvictoria.com/hall-rental.
Victoria Future Logo
Council is exploring the possibility of redesigning the municipality’s logo and would like to hear from residents. We welcome submissions of designs, ideas, or concepts for a new municipal logo. Please send your submissions to faavictoriamunicipalitypei@gmail.com.
Municipal Election
The next municipal general election will take place in November 2026. Council has appointed CAO Yves Dallaire as the Municipal Electoral Officer (MEO), with FAA Wanting Liu serving as Deputy MEO.
The Municipal Training Series is ongoing and remains open to the public. Sessions are held once a month on Saturdays and are designed for individuals interested in running for elected office, as well as those who wish to support a campaign.
Training sessions are held in Charlottetown, and mileage and child care reimbursements are provided.
Register here for the Municipal Training Series.
Spring Roadside Cleanup
The Women’s Institute of P.E.I. invites everyone to take part in the annual Spring Roadside Cleanup on Saturday, May 9, with government bag pickup scheduled for May 10–19.
All help is appreciated in cleaning our four roadways, two beachfronts, the area around the bait sheds, the wharfs, two subdivisions, several community buildings and lots, as well as the frontage of local properties.
Participants have the chance to win $200. For detailed information, please see the information posted to Victoria Villagers Facebook Group by Karen Smith on April 16.
Bags are available at the Schoolhouse. For more information, please contact Catherine from Victoria Women’s Institute at 902-658-2026. Thank you for helping keep our community clean!