Presentations to Council:

• Annapolis County Housing Association
• Annapolis River Festival

Road Naming Process for Shared Access Road – Municipal Council approved the road name “Voyager Lane” for the shared access road in Granville Ferry.

Granville Street (Bridgetown) Roadway Upgrades – Municipal Council authorized staff to proceed with the detailed design for the Granville Street capital project.

Community Grants:

Bridgetown & Area Historical Society (James House Museum) – Municipal Council approved a grant in the amount of $20,000 to the Bridgetown & Area Historical Society for an electrical upgrade for the James House Museum to be used safely, in accordance with Policy 101 Community Grants.

Port Royal Legion, Branch 21 - Municipal Council approved a grant in the amount of $5,000 to the Port Royal Legion, Branch 21, to help support the purchase and installation of heat pumps, in accordance with Policy 101 Community Grants.

Annapolis Valley Exhibition Society - Municipal Council approved a grant in the amount of $20,000 to the Annapolis Valley Exhibition Society to help support electrical upgrades and repairs, in accordance with Policy 101 Community Grants.

Paradise Historical Society - Municipal Council approved a grant in the amount of $9,800 to the Paradise Historical Society to help create an accessible washroom, in accordance with Policy 101 Community Grant.

Maitland Bridge Community Hall - Municipal Council approved a grant in the amount of $18,644.68 to the Maitland Bridge Community Hall to help install a new electrical panel and heat pumps, in accordance with Policy 101 Community Grants.

South Shore Annapolis Valley Recreational Trail Association - Municipal Council approved a grant in the amount of $10,000 to the South Shore Annapolis Valley Recreational Trail Association to help support trail and upgrades to improve trail users’ safety, in accordance with Policy 101 Community Grants.

West Dalhousie Community Hall Association - Municipal Council approved a grant in the amount of $15,257.62 to the West Dalhousie Community Hall Association to help improve the heating system, emergency exit, and roof, in accordance with Policy 101 Community Grants.

Bear River Board of Trade - Municipal Council approved a grant in the amount of $10,000 to the Bear River Board of Trade to improve the Bear River Waterfront Park, in accordance with Policy 101 Community Grants.

Valley Regional Hospital Foundation – Municipal Council approved a grant in the amount of $5,000 to the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation to help reduce financial barriers and burdens for financially compromised patients receiving treatment, in accordance with Policy 101 Community Grants.

Cats for Keeps – Municipal Council approved a grant in the amount of $5,000 to Cats for Keeps to help with veterinary care and medication, in accordance with Policy 101 Community Grants.

Leave of Absence Request – Municipal Council authorized a paid leave of absence for up to three months for Councillor Karie-Ann Parsons-Saltzman for personal reasons.

Municipal Policies:

The following policies were approved.

• Policy 102 (Personnel)
• Policy 109 (Tax Exemption and Reduction)

Repeal of Bylaw:

•  Repeal of Mobile Home Park Bylaw (P1) – first reading

Bylaws:

The following bylaw was given final reading:

• Bylaw 6 (Commercial Activity on Municipal Property) – first reading (Mar 18, 2025)

Public Hearing:

Development Agreement Application - Municipal Council approved second and final reading of the Development Agreement application submitted by Mr. Jason Miller to erect a single-family dwelling on Ben Phinney Rd., Margaretsville.

For further details on the featured highlights, please click here to view agenda package.

Municipal Council’s approval of the 2025-2026 operating budget and 5-Year Capital Investment Plan means big projects, ambitious goals, and positive community growth.

“Council has given serious and extensive consideration to the budget process,” said Warden Diane LeBlanc. “Today, we (Council) have drafted a budget that was prepared and deliberated respecting fiscal responsibility, managing partnership expectation, and investing in the future of Annapolis County for the well-being of our citizens.”

The county-wide base tax rate will remain at $1.025 for residential and resources properties per $100 of assessment, and $1.80 per $100 of assessment for commercial properties. Bridgetown’s community rates will see a decrease this year to 34.07 cents for residential and resource per $100 of assessment, and 55.81 cents for commercial per $100 of assessment.

The operating budget includes increased investment in public safety, including an additional two RCMP officers, shared 25% with the Town of Middleton, and further investment in fire services. Also, increased investment in public education, public engagement, and economic development.

The sewer system user rates have increased slightly to accommodate the escalating cost associated with the operations and repairs of the aging sewer system infrastructure. This translates to an increase of 1.5% for County residents and an increase to the quarterly base rate for Bridgetown residents of 1.5%. The Bridgetown variable rate will increase $0.61 per cubic meter.

The 5-Year Capital Investment Plan focuses on critical municipal infrastructure upgrades from road rehabilitation to investing in water and sewer infrastructure. A few larger, critical projects include an upgrade to the Bridgetown sewage lagoon and exploring design work for the Granville Street project, which will eventually include replacement of the underground infrastructure and a new road.  Also, this includes upgrades to the Hollow Mountain Road Park, as well as the tennis court fencing in Bridgetown.

This year’s budget, 2025-26, marks the start of public engagement surrounding the multi-purpose recreation facility to ensure the sustainable recreation facilities in the future and support future growth and development.

“The capital plan is forceful but falls in line with positive community growth,” said LeBlanc. “Council has done their best to create a budget that reflects a balance of managing development, while limiting financial impacts on our communities.”

A detailed look at the 2025-26 budget is available on the County website.

Budget 2025-26:

Proposed 2025-26 Operating Budget - Municipal Council approved the proposed 2025-2026 operating budget reflecting revenues of $27,304,576 and expenditures of $27,304,576.

2025-26 Tax Rate - Municipal Council approved the 2025-2026 operating budget base taxation rates for all residential and resource assessments of $1.025 per $100 of assessment, and a commercial tax rate of $1.80 of $100 of assessment.

Area Rate (Bridgetown) - Municipal Council approved the 2025-2026 operating budget area rates for all residential and resource assessments of 34.07 per $100 of assessment, and a commercial tax rate of 55.81 of $100 of assessment.

A taxation area rate for all properties in the Assessment District 12 (Lawrencetown) of the amount to be approved by Lawrencetown Village Commission.

Fire Hydrant Tax Rate – Municipal Council approved the fire hydrant taxation rates for the 2025-2026 fiscal year based on $100 of assessment as follows:

• Margaretsville (District 2)                       18.69 cents
• Inglewood (District 3)                             18.90 cents
• Granville Ferry (District 4/5)                   17.05 cents
• Carleton Corner (District 7)                    15.40 cents
• Church St., Bridgetown N (District 3)      14.43 cents
• Middleton (District 2/10)                          19.34 cents
• Cornwallis Park (District 6)                      22.82 cents
• Bridgetown (District 3/7)                          30.68 cents

Area Rate (Streetlights) - Municipal Council approved the 2025-2026 operating budget area rate for the provision of streetlights per $100 assessment accounts of 3.41 cents.

Fire Rate - Municipal Council approved the fire taxation rates for the 2025-2026 fiscal year based on $100 of assessments.

• Kingston Fire Commission (District 1/11) To be determined by Fire Commission
• Fire Capital (All Districts)                          6.11 cents

Area Rate (Street Paving) – Municipal Council approved street paving taxation rates for the 2025-2026 fiscal year based on $100 of assessment as follows:

• Chipman/Baxter (District 1)                              5.07 cents
• Cameron Dr. (District 1)                                    2.07 cents
• Brookside/Pine Grove (District 1)                     5.30 cents
• Bradley Street (District 1)                                 3.44 cents
• Ward Estates (District 11)                           $269.11 (lump sum)

Property Tax Due Date – Municipal Council approved the due date for property taxation bills of June 30, 2025, and that all rates and taxes outstanding after this date be subject to interest at a rate of 12% per annum.

Sewer Rate – Municipal Council approved a sewer rate for all publicly connected properties or have the ability to connect to the County sanitary sewer system of $618.42 per year; and for all properties connected or have the ability to connect to the Bridgetown sanitary sewer system, a rate of $2.80 per cubic meter plus a quarterly base rate of $24.34.

5-year Capital Investment Plan – Municipal Council approved the proposed 5-year Capital Investment Plan reflecting financial investments over 5 years of $70,170,682, and a 2025-2026 capital investment of $46,395,682.

Terms of Reference – Marketing Levy AD Hoc Committee – Municipal Council approved the Terms of Reference for the Marketing Levy Ad Hoc Committee.

Internet Project Final Reconciliation – Municipal Council authorized funding of $394,837 from the capital reserve fund for the completion of the internet project.

Tom’s Cool Bus Vendor on Municipal Property Application – Municipal Council authorized the Clerk to issue a 2025-26 Vendor on Municipal Property permit to Tom Marshall, for the operation of Tom’s Cool Bus Canteen at the Annapolis River Causeway Park in accordance with S6 Commercial Activity on Municipal Property Bylaw, and permit the canteen to stay at the park overnight for the April-October season, subject to reasonable requests from the Municipality to move it from time to time.

Planning Advisory Committee Recommendation - Municipal Council gave first reading of its intent to support the Development Agreement amendment application by Jason Milner to erect a single-family dwelling on Ben Phinney Rd., Margaretsville. A Public Hearing on this matter will be held on Tuesday, April 15^th, 11am, at the Municipal Office (Council Chambers).

Municipal Bylaws:

The following bylaw (first reading) was approved.

• Bylaw 6 Commercial Activity on Municipal Property

The following bylaw (final reading) was approved.

• Bylaw 5 Civic Address (first reading February 19, 2025)

Repeal of Bylaws: 

• Repeal AM-1.2.7 Flag Flying Policy

Public Hearing (Deregistration of William Letteney House):

Deregistration of William Letteney House - Municipal Council approved to deregister the William Letteney House property (5365 Granville Road, Granvile Ferry), and remove it from the Annapolis County Municipal Registry of Heritage Properties and deposit a Notice of Deregistration in the Registry of Deeds. 

Public Hearing (Rezoning of Property Located on Parker Mountain Road):

Rezoning of Property Located on Parker Mountain Rd.- Municipal Council approved an application submitted by Mr. David Hebb to rezone the property located at 33 Parker Mountain Rd. from Low Density Residential (R1) to General Mixed Use (MX) Zone which will also require an amendment to the Future Land Use Map designation from Residential (RES) to Mixed Use (MX). The map amendments will permit the reuse of the property as a repair shop.

For further details on the featured highlights, please click here to view agenda package.

As we settle into 2025, Warden Diane LeBlanc looks back at 2024 with gratitude, as she revisits Council’s journey throughout the year and embraces her new role as Warden.

“It was an eventful year with challenges, accomplishments, and new beginnings,” said Warden LeBlanc. “We (Council and staff) are aware that we have a busy year ahead and look forward to seeing what 2025 will bring.”

A look back at 2024:

New Council- October saw a municipal election, with seven new councillors coming to the table. The new Council was sworn-in on Oct 30^th, at Beaver Creek Vineyard in Lawrencetown. It was a memorable ceremony with family, friends, and County residents who generously took their time to recognize this special occasion.

Newly Appointed Warden and Deputy Warden – I was honoured to be appointed as Annapolis County’s Warden during the swearing-in ceremony in October, with Councillor Dustin Enslow appointed as Deputy Warden. Together, we lead an amazing group of individuals who make up an extraordinary Council that encompasses a diverse range of newly elected and seasoned councillors who bring with them decades of knowledge. I feel privileged to be part of this team of individuals who demonstrate such enthusiasm.

Annapolis REMO – Annapolis REMO launched Alertable, a multi-purpose communication service that will be used to send alerts to residents, businesses, and visitors during critical events, as well as for relevant day-to-day communications. Congratulations to the two winners of the Alertable sign-up contest: Bud & Beth Fairn (Portable Generator) and John MacDonald (72-Hour Preparedness Kit). Visit annapolisremo.ca to sign-up!

Municipal Satellite Office Opens in Middleton - To serve our east-end residents more conveniently, the County of Annapolis opened a satellite office in the Town of Middleton at 291 Marshall St., Unit 4, offering account inquiries, payments, deposits, and permit applications. The office is open two days a week – Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. To reach this office, call (902) 955-3707.

Community Grants Program – Former Warden Alex Morrison, councillors, and staff member Nadine McCormick, Communications Coordinator, made their way around the County visiting community groups throughout the summer/fall recognizing their community grant funding and personally thanking them for all they do for Annapolis County. Check out our website and Facebook page for details about our grant program.

Annapolis County Community Events Guide – It is always exciting to receive our popular Annapolis County Community Events Guide in mailboxes, and this year was no exception. The 2024 guide clearly demonstrated the perseverance our community members embody as they work together to help one another and bring joy to those around them. Keep your eye out for the 2025 edition, which is currently under production.

Bear River Water System Project (July) - Former Warden Alex Morrison, municipal councillors, and community partners gathered in Bear River to celebrate the “groundbreaking” of a long-awaited event - the commencement of the Bear River water extension project. The partnership between the Municipality of the County of Annapolis and the Province of Nova Scotia made this $3.4 million extension possible.

New Parks and Trails:

Moon Mist All Ability Accessible Trail – We were ecstatic to launch our first fully accessible trail in June, a new addition to the Upper Clements Trails system. This trail broadened the appeal to seniors and persons with disabilities, improving conditions around mobility, seeing, hearing, autistic, and mental health. Upper Clements Trails is sure to be one of the top destination trails in Nova Scotia. Keep your eye on this one as it continues to grow and take the time to experience this unique walk in nature.

Nictaux Park and Playground – We celebrated the expansion of the original Nictaux playground as it developed into the County’s first accessible playground thanks to community partners - Let’s Get A Playground in Nictaux Society, community members Marilyn Coleman and Chris Aldred, and the Province of Nova Scotia through the Nova Scotia ACCESS- Ability Fund. The playground accommodates the needs for sensory, mobility, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. There are shaded areas, quiet areas with buddy benches, and accessible picnic tables.

Celebrations:

Accessibility Awareness Day (June) – We celebrated the important contributions made by individuals with disabilities and put a spotlight on the leadership of those who work tirelessly to make our communities more accessible, and inclusive.

Dugua de Mons Day (June) - The County of Annapolis hosted an art exhibit reflecting the Mi’kmaq, the French, and the Habitation, as part of the Dugas de Mons Day celebrations.

Acadian Celebrations (August) - The Acadian World Congress was held in the province of NS in 2024, in particular many of the French communities throughout Southwest Nova Scotia. The County of Annapolis proudly hosted two plaque unveilings in partnership with Fédération Acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse - Commemoration of Joseph Broussard dit Beausoleil (1702-1765) and Village des Gaudet.

Pony Express 175^th Anniversary (October) – The County of Annapolis marked the 175^th anniversary of the Pony Express with a Pony Express Ceremonial ride, which had horses and riders visiting communities, schools, and a special stop at a Municipal Council session. It was a memorable event.

Annapolis County Volunteer Expo (September) – It was an enjoyable experience to host our 2nd annual Volunteer Expo. It was held in September with over 40 community groups participating in the event sharing information and recruiting volunteers. This was followed by a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony in honour of our 2024 Annapolis County Volunteers. This well-attended event, including family, friends, and delegates, demonstrated how much these incredible individuals are valued.