September 2026 Municipal Update
From the Mayor’s Desk
As another very busy summer draws to a close, the Council has received encouraging feedback about the number of people who visited Victoria this season. Our restaurants and other local businesses experienced a successful summer, reflecting both the continuing appeal of our village and the hard work of the people who welcome and serve residents and visitors.
Signage Consultation
Thank you to everyone who attended the Municipality’s public meeting on September 15 to discuss signage in Victoria. Residents shared a range of thoughtful views about what is working well and what concerns may deserve further consideration.
As was discussed at the meeting, signs serve several important purposes in our community. They:
identify and promote local businesses;
help residents and visitors find businesses, attractions and services;
provide directions and public information;
protect the safety and accessibility of roads and walkways;
promote community events; and
contribute to the appearance and character of the village.
No decision has been made to develop or adopt a signage bylaw. However, when participants were asked whether the Municipality should consider a bylaw regulating signage, there was overwhelming support for Council to explore the matter further.
Residents who were unable to attend, or who have additional comments, are invited to share their views over the next month. We would especially welcome comments about the usefulness, location and appearance of signs; any safety or accessibility concerns; and how signage contributes to or detracts from Victoria’s character. Comments may be provided to the Municipal Office by email, telephone or in writing.
Council Transition
Residents are reminded that the current Council’s term ends on December 6, when the newly elected Council begins its term.
The October 13 meeting will essentially be the final meeting at which the current Council conducts regular municipal business. The November meeting, which will take place after the election, will focus primarily on transitioning municipal business to the incoming Council. The Mayor and CAO will provide information to help new Council members prepare to serve the community.
The current Council may address an urgent matter, if necessary, but no further decisions on municipal services or programs are expected after the October meeting.
This newsletter also includes information from the Municipal Office about the upcoming municipal election. I encourage residents who care about Victoria’s future to consider stepping forward to serve on the Council. Municipal government benefits when people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas are willing to contribute to their community.
I encourage all residents to stay involved in municipal affairs including attending the 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
Municipal Elections
A Municipal Election will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, to elect one Mayor and six Councillors for the Rural Municipality of Victoria, with the term of office ending on December 6, 2030.
The nomination period begins on October 7, 2026, and closes at 2:00 p.m. on Nomination Day, Friday, October 16, 2026. The Notice of Nominations and additional election information can be found at https://www.rmvictoria.com/election-2026.
To help voters and candidates learn more about the 2026 Municipal Election, Municipal Voter and Candidate Information Sessions will be held on the following dates:
Online Information Sessions
Friday, September 25, 2026 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 1, 2026 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Please register for the online webinars by emailing municipalaffairs@gov.pe.ca
Victoria Beautification Program
This year marks the first year of the Victoria Beautification Program, and Council is pleased to present awards to all of this year’s applicants in recognition of their efforts and contributions to the beautification of our community.
Best Garden Design
Christine Wallace – 24 Russell Street
Best Improvement – Existing Commercial Building
Victoria Welcome Centre (Operated by Wave Co.)
OH Victoria Hotel
For more information about the award recipients and to view their submissions, please visit https://www.rmvictoria.com/victoria-beautification-program.
The Victoria Beautification Program Awards Ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m. on October 13, 2026, before the Council Meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
The Municipality and the Harbour Authority
Following the Planning Board and Council’s concerns about the proper management of municipal bylaws on the wharf’s federal land, the Council mandated the Municipal Office to develop a strategy to regularize its relations with the Harbour Authority. Victoria CAO Yves Dallaire gives the example of the Zoning and Subdivision Control Bylaw, adopted in 2024 that includes the wharf area. Although maritime operations should remain a responsibility of the Harbour Authority, Council recognizes residents' expectations for the application of municipal bylaws throughout Victoria, including the Zoning and Subdivision Control Bylaw, Water and Sewer rules, and Emergency Measures and other bylaw and and is seeking to clarify their application to the wharf area.
Emergency Measures Preparedness
The Emergency Measures Committee met on August 27 to review the preparations for severe weather and other emergencies.
The Committee reviewed supplies available at the Emergency Operations Centre, including an emergency radio, pillows, cots, and other emergency supplies.
The Committee is looking for eight community volunteers to assist during emergencies and participate in future emergency exercises. Thank you to the seven residents who have already signed up. We are still looking for additional volunteers. If you are interested in helping the community during an emergency, please contact Emergency Measures Coordinator Kim Hines: kimhines1217@gmail.com.
Water and Sewer Corporation
Tree removal at the Wastewater Plant has been done this summer and the heating system is going to be replaced. These initiatives coupled with last year's replacement of pumps make the plant more secure and efficient.
Residents are invited to read the W&S Maintenance Bylaw (municipal website) to know more about their responsibilities. The Municipality invites residents to take action before the winter to clean their septic tank and to make sure their septic alarm is in working order. Do not hesitate to contact the Municipal Office if your alarm indicates an overflow or if you suspect that pumping may be required.
Planning
Many people attended the recent Planning Board public meeting. Residents may remember that when the two Dunrovin Subdivisions were constituted, a set of private restrictive covenants was binding the residents buying a lot there. For the first time on September 2nd, the Planning Board members had to deal with a permit application for a home-based business at the Dunrovin Shores Subdivision that appeared to be inconsistent with a restrictive covenant in the subdivision.
At the same Planning Board meeting, a resident of the Dunrovin Estates Subdivision asked the Board to consider taking over the management of the covenants there.
Before going any further, the Planning Board mandated the CAO to inquire about the applicability of the Zoning Bylaw in the Subdivisions and will report at a future Planning Board meeting. At the last Council meeting, the CAO made it clear that the provisions of the Zoning Bylaw concerning special permitted uses such as short-term rentals will be strictly applied and consultations will be made in due course.
The MacDonald Land Residential Project
In accordance with the Zoning and Subdivision Control Bylaw, the CAO suggested to Council to cancel the subdivision agreement made in September 2025 about the MacDonald Land residential development, as certain conditions had not been fulfilled within one year of its effective date and provincial support for extending water and sewer infrastructure was not available.
Knowing that the 2024 Official Plan identifies the MacDonald Land as a future residential zone, the Council remains open to future residential projects there.
Victoria Development Plan
The Council confirmed the mandate to Fathom Studio (Halifax Area) for the elaboration of a master layout plan for Victoria. Fathom, who is also active in Summerside and other areas of PEI, will participate in an initial transition meeting with the new Council in November. The plan will address parking, circulation, zoning and other aspects of planning.
Future steps include consultation with the public and stakeholders. The plan should be finalized in the Fall of 2027 and will provide a basis for future Zoning and strategic plan amendments or grant applications.
New Bylaws
A new Noise Control Bylaw is now in effect. Residents are encouraged to review the bylaw on the municipal website to learn more about prohibited noise and permitted operating hours for equipment and other activities. Any resident who hears an unreasonable noise can communicate with the Municipal Office who will take action.
A new Social Committee Bylaw has also been adopted. This committee of three to seven members will supervise community events, see to volunteer engagement and other aspects of community life. The committee will become operational after the elections following the appointment of members of the new Council in this committee.
Financial Situation
Almost all residents have paid their 2025–2026 Water and Sewer fees, and the Municipality would like to thank residents for their cooperation.
The August Accommodation Levy has also been collected. Revenue from the levy will help support future tourism initiatives in Victoria.
For the 2026–2027 fiscal year, approximately $155,000 in grant funding has been approved so far. This includes funding for infrastructure projects, wage subsidies, the Community Development Plan, and Canada Day celebrations.
The Municipal Office has also submitted additional grant applications that are still awaiting approval and will continue to pursue funding opportunities to support community projects.
Renewed Website
Our summer student, Christopher Wood, worked on updating and reorganizing the municipal website to give it a more modern look and make information easier to find.
Updates included a new design and colour scheme, updated images and page layouts, and improvements to the organization of information. Dropdown menus were added to make longer pages easier to navigate. New pages, including Request a Rental, were added.
Residents are encouraged to explore the updated website and share any feedback or suggestions for further improvements.
Office Security System
A new security system has been installed at the Old School to improve building security and access. A security camera has been added to monitor the parking lot, and a smart access system has been installed at the entrance.
The new system allows temporary access to be provided using PIN codes or QR codes instead of physical keys. Staff can also see and communicate with visitors at the entrance and unlock the door remotely.
Thank You Note to Our Maintenance Personnel
Once again this summer, Mike Perry has been around taking care of the municipal buildings and other areas. Mike is also managing parking signs, the public washrooms and the maintenance of flower beds. He takes care of a variety of improvement projects. Mike is recognized as an affable and conscientious worker and we are pleased to recognize his good work. Thanks Mike and see you next year!
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