March 2026 Municipal Update
March 2026 Newsletter
From the Mayor’s Office
March is often a month of contrasts. One day can bring sunshine and a hint of spring, while the next reminds us that winter is not quite finished. This unpredictability is part of life in our region, and as we look ahead to the changing seasons, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of planning and adaptability in our community.
Council Meeting – March 23, 2026
At our regular Council meeting on March 23rd, the Council approved the 2026–27 municipal budget. I am pleased to share that this budget includes no increases in municipal tax rates or in Water and Sewer rates. While the Council worked hard to ensure a balanced and responsible budget, we received limited feedback from the public during the process. Public input is an important part of our decision-making, and I would welcome any suggestions on how we can better engage residents in our annual planning and budgeting exercise.
Village Meet and Greet
Although held in February, I would also like to highlight the success of the Village Meet and Greet on February 21st. More than 40 residents attended the event at the Old School House, including several newcomers to our community. It was a wonderful opportunity for people to connect and get to know one another. A special thank you to Catherine Fergusson for sharing stories about the village and offering helpful insights, particularly for those who are new to the Island, on everything from directions to the unique ways we describe our homes and surroundings. I would also like to thank the Women’s Institute of Victoria for co-sponsoring the event, along with the corporate sponsors who helped make the evening such a success. The event organizers were very encouraged by the success of the event and we will be looking to hold similar events in the near future.
New Council Members
March also marked the first Council meeting for our three new members: Janet Lauzon, Susan Oxley, and Andrea Sylsz. I was pleased to welcome them as they joined the Council following their orientation and training with the municipal office. They were well-prepared and able to fully participate in the discussions and decisions before the Council. I thank them once again for stepping forward and look forward to working with them in the months ahead.
Provincial Government Plans for Municipalities
I read the speech from the throne that was delivered earlier this week in the Legislative Assembly. I was encouraged to see that the provincial government will continue to provide additional funding to small municipalities as the 10 year review of the Municipal Government Act is ongoing and not planned for completion until later this year. I also noted that the provincial government is planning to establish a Municipal infrastructure Bank that will help municipalities with low-interest loans to build or refurbish critical community infrastructure. These commitments may have some very positive benefits for our municipal operations.
Upcoming Election
While November may seem far off, I would also encourage residents to begin thinking about how they might participate in the upcoming municipal elections. There are many ways to get involved in supporting the work of the municipality, whether by running for Council or contributing in other meaningful ways. If you are interested in learning more, I would be happy to meet over a coffee to discuss this further. You are also welcome to speak with any member of Council about their experience.
I encourage all residents to stay engaged—attend council meetings, follow municipal updates, and reach out with questions, ideas, or feedback on how we can continue to improve municipal services. 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
Adoption of the 2026-27 Budget
2026-27 budget was adopted by the Council.
The highlights of this budget are:
Total revenues of $256,475 and an accumulated surplus of $20,079 for the Municipality;
Total revenues of $120,364 and an accumulated surplus of $4,745 for the Water and Sewer Corporation;
Although some expenses are increasing sharply, the delegation for the management of municipal buildings (Fire Hall to the Victoria Fire Company, Welcome Centre to Wave Co. and Community Centre to the Victoria Playhouse), new sources of revenues and a reduction of working hours for the municipal staff all contribute to the positive result of this budget;
The accumulated funding for capital investments (CCBF) will total $175,000 during the financial year 2026-27;
The overall financial situation of the Municipality has improved over the years with a better control of expenditures. It remains a fragile situation that may change dramatically with unexpected failures of our W&S systems that are aging.
Training of the New Council Members
A new training for the newly elected Council members has been initiated by the Municipal Office. The aim of this training is to ensure that the members are up-to-date in terms of the legal and financial environment of the Municipality, the current projects and the Council procedures.
The recent training has proved to be a success and the experience will be repeated after the November municipal elections.
Development Permits
The Planning Board managed two development permits in the month of March, both for a new store to be situated at 32 Main Street. Congratulations to Alan and Noelle Merrick for their new project.
The OH Hotel is currently being renovated and renovations will continue there until the new tourism season begins. Congratulations to Allan Brown who took over the management of this important accommodation in the Village.
Water System Assessment
Following a recommendation of the W&S Corporation, the Municipal Office presented a Request for Proposal for the assessment of our water distribution system that was accepted by the Council. This RFP will be processed in the coming weeks. The purpose of the RFP is to assess the present status of the water system (the wells, the pump house, the water lines) and to obtain a maintenance or replacement plan of the main components of this system.
Harbour Authority
Cooperation with the Harbour Authority (James Boulter, president) has recently taken a new turn. The organization, which has a key role in the community, works with the Municipality and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to develop a common understanding of our Zoning Bylaw. This comes after some criticism was made last year and again recently about unregulated retail activities in a bait shed on Water street. Although the Municipality cannot impose some of its regulations on federal land, it has a duty to influence decisions made on this site.
Roles and Responsibilities for the Water and Sewer Systems Clarified
A first reading of a new “Water and Sewer Systems Maintenance Bylaw” was made at the last Council meeting. Available on the municipal website (https://www.rmvictoria.com/bylaws-and-policies), this new set of rules clarifies the roles of everyone namely for the septic infrastructures. The bylaw comes at the time of the redefinition of the job description of our W&S Operator, Brad Paugh.
A New Accommodation Levy Bylaw
A suggestion that was made at the September 2nd 2025 Committee of the Whole Council materialized into a proposed new bylaw presented in the scope of the new budget. The bylaw received its first reading at the recent Council meeting and remains subject to further readings and approval.
This new levy, 3% of the short-term rentals revenue, will be managed for the first time this coming season. The new revenue will be used to improve the tourism related infrastructures such as the public washrooms, the Welcome Centre, the parking spaces and others. The draft bylaw is available on the municipal website.
Enforcing Municipal Bylaws
Developing new bylaws is an important role for a Municipality. This tool regulates and hopefully improves the life of all residents. Putting together ways to enforce these bylaws is even better to make sure that every citizen is treated equally. That is the purpose of the new “Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw” which should be adopted later in April. The bylaw comes with new bylaw enforcement processes complete with fines and restriction of service.
Tell Us What You Think About a New Dog Run Project!
The idea of a new dog run project presented by Councillor Jean McCardle was briefly discussed at the last Council meeting. Before going further with this idea, the Council is asking for your interest in such a project. Tell us what you think and if you have any interest in using on a regular basis such a facility. To do so, send an email to faavictoriamunicipalitypei@gmail.com
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