July 2026 Municipal Update

July 2026 Newsletter

From the Mayor’s Desk

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and finding time to take advantage of everything that makes Victoria such a special place to live. July has been a busy month for our community and for the Council, and I'd like to share a few updates on the work taking place on your behalf.

Celebrating Canada Day

Before anything else, I want to extend a sincere thank you to Marly Anderson and the many volunteers who helped organize this year's Canada Day celebrations. Once again, the waterfront was full of activity, families, neighbours, and visitors enjoying everything our community has to offer. Events like these don't happen on their own.  They are made possible by people who generously volunteer their time and energy to strengthen our community spirit. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making July 1st such a memorable day.

Council Continues to Move Forward

Council met on July 13 for what proved to be one of our busiest meetings of the year. The agenda covered a wide range of municipal business, reflecting both the day-to-day responsibilities of local government and several long-term initiatives, such as new by-laws, that will benefit Victoria in the years ahead.

One thing I appreciate in 2026 is how well Council members are working together. While we do not always agree on every issue and healthy discussion is an important part of good governance, we remain focused on the priorities established in our Five-Year Strategic Plan. That shared vision helps guide our decisions and keeps us focused on what matters most: maintaining municipal infrastructure, strengthening our financial sustainability, protecting the character of our community, and ensuring Victoria remains a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.

A Stable and Professional Municipal Office

Strong local government depends not only on an effective Council but also on a capable and stable administration.

Since April 2024, our Chief Administrative Officer, Yves Dallaire, has provided consistent leadership to the Municipal Office. Last year, we were also pleased to welcome Wanting Liu as our Financial Administration Assistant. Together they have established a professional administrative team that supports Council's work and ensures residents receive the high level of service they expect.

The relationship between the Council and administration is one of the most important factors in a municipality's success. The Council is responsible for setting policy and providing strategic direction, while staff are responsible for implementing the Council's decisions and managing the Municipality's day-to-day operations. When those roles are respected and everyone works collaboratively, the entire community benefits.

Fire Protection

At our July meeting, the Council reached an important milestone by approving the final transfer of the fire hall building and associated assets to the independent fire company that now provides fire protection services under contract to the Municipality.

This new arrangement provides greater long-term stability for this essential service. It clearly defines responsibilities, strengthens accountability, and allows both the Municipality and the fire company to focus on what each does best. Most importantly, it helps ensure residents continue to receive dependable fire protection for years to come.

I would like to thank everyone who worked over many months to bring this transition to a successful conclusion.

Looking Ahead to Municipal Elections

Municipal elections will be held this November, and I encourage residents to consider becoming involved in local government.

Serving on Council is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Victoria. The decisions made by the Council affect everything from infrastructure and recreation to financial planning, environmental stewardship, and community development. While the responsibilities are significant, so too is the satisfaction of helping shape the future of our community.

If you have ever thought about serving, I encourage you to speak with a member of the Council or our municipal staff to learn more about what the role involves. Our community benefits when residents with different experiences and perspectives are willing to step forward and participate.

Thank You

As always, thank you for your continued support, your feedback, and your willingness to make Victoria the welcoming and vibrant community we all enjoy.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable remainder of the summer, and I look forward to seeing many of you around the village in the weeks ahead.

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

Emergency Measures Planning Committee (EMPC)

The EMPC, chaired by Susan Oxley, has met since the June Council meeting. The team reviewed the list of risks requiring further analysis; a to-do list is being prepared. One of the committee's initial priorities was assessing the fire risk associated with abandoned buildings and equipment. Kim Hines, the new EM Coordinator, is working with other members of the Committee to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

Planning Board

The Planning Board, chaired by Jean McCardle, met twice since the June Council meeting and processed three development permit applications. One application was approved at the July Council meeting, another has been deferred until municipal requirements are met and the third application has been refused. The approved permit was for the construction of a new house on Wanda Street. The refused application was for the installation of a metal shipping container in a residential zone.

Parking Strategy

Although it is a temporary measure, the new parking identification signage is contributing to a better use of the parking lots and a safer environment for pedestrians. The Municipality is already working with the PEI Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Victoria Business Association to fine-tune the use of the signage. Once the funding becomes available, the Municipality will work with Fathom, the urban planners hired by the Council, to establish a long-term strategy that could alleviate the parking issues in the Village.

A New Noise Control Bylaw

At the July Council meeting, Council approved the first draft of a new Noise Control Bylaw. This draft bylaw is available on the municipal website https://www.rmvictoria.com/bylaws-and-policies and at this stage any comments from residents are welcome. A second version of the bylaw will be discussed again during the Fall. The bylaw will come into effect at a later date to be determined by the Council.

A New Social Committee Bylaw

Earlier this spring, the Council mandated the Municipal Office to draft a Social Committee Bylaw to better coordinate social events happening in the Community. A first version of this bylaw is available on the municipal website https://www.rmvictoria.com/bylaws-and-policies and the residents’ comments are welcome to improve its content. A second and final version of the bylaw should be adopted later this fall.

Signage

Following comments received from Victoria residents and the VBA, the Council mandated the Municipal Office to organize a public meeting to discuss signage within the Village. This public meeting will be held on September 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Old School. 

The purpose of the meeting is to collect comments about visual pollution associated with signage, signs affecting heritage areas, commercial signage, temporary signage, the aesthetics of signage, signs for visitors, language, etc. Comments from residents, businesses, and Victoria organizations are welcome. During the meeting, information about provincial signage regulations will also be shared. No vote will be held about possible municipal regulations at this meeting. 

Comments will be summarised in a public meeting report for Council consideration and will be available on the municipal website later this fall.

2026–2027 First Quarter Budget Update

Council received the Municipality's first quarter financial presentation for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. Since the 2024–2025 fiscal year, municipal staff have provided presentations every three months to keep Council informed of the Municipality's financial position.

For the period ending June 30, overall revenue was above first quarter expectations, while operating expenses remained generally within budget. Higher expenses in some areas reflected seasonal costs such as the annual insurance premium and tourism-related improvements. The Victoria Water & Sewer Corporation’s revenues are above budget due to an insurance claim and operating expenses below budget for the first quarter. Overall, the Municipality remains on track with its approved budget. For more information, please refer to the Council meeting minutes after they have been approved and posted in September.

Water & Sewer Fee Collection

Council reviewed the collection of outstanding Water & Sewer accounts. The vast majority of residents paid the bills on time and the Municipality thanks them for doing that. In accordance with the Municipality's Fees and Water and Sewer Tariffs Bylaw, water disconnection notices were issued for overdue accounts. This process helps ensure fairness and equitable treatment for all Water & Sewer customers.

Old School Rental Policy Amendments

Council approved amendments to the Old School Rental Policy to recognize South Shore Health and Wellness Inc., South Shore Watershed Association, and Island Walk PEI as Victoria non-profit organizations in terms of monthly meeting room bookings. The amendment recognizes the services and benefits these organizations provide to the Victoria community. 

Accommodation Levy

The Municipality's Accommodation Levy will come into effect in August 2026. The registration process for accommodation operators is currently underway. Revenue generated through the levy will be used in tourism-related projects that enhance Victoria's visitor experience.

Municipal Website Improvements

Our municipal summer student, Christopher, is currently revising the Municipality’s website by updating page layouts and adding new photographs and colours to improve the user experience. The project is expected to be completed later this summer. 

Municipal Election Training Sessions

Training sessions for voters and prospective candidates for the 2026 Municipal Election will begin in September. For the schedule, session details, and registration information, please visit:
https://peimunicipalelections.ca/node/337

Annual Closure of the Municipal Office

Once again this year the Municipal Office will close from July 27 to August 6 for holidays. Residents who wish to report an emergency during this period may do so by contacting the Mayor or a Council member who will relay the information to the CAO. During this period, the FAA will be out of the country and unreachable. The staff will be back on Monday, August 10. Thank you for your understanding.

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 

Victoria Historic Schoolhouse

730 Victoria Road, Victoria, PE, 

C0A 1J0, Canada