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Municipality of the District of Clare
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 7:00 pm
Meeting held at 1185 Highway 1, Little Brook, NS
PRESENT: Council: Warden Yvon LeBlanc; Deputy Warden Eric Pothier; Councillors Réanne Evans, Danny Hill, Réanne Cooper, and Nadine Comeau
Staff: CAO, Stéphane Cyr, Executive Assistant, Ashley Hanks, Communications Officer, Anique Dugas
Presenters: Natalie Robichaud, Société Acadienne de Clare, and Lalie Douglas, Conseil des arts de la Baie
ABSENT: Councillors Carl Deveau and Brian Comeau
1) Call to Order
The Warden called the Council meeting to order at 7:11 pm.
2) Adoption of the Agenda
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the proposed agenda be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
3) Declaration of Conflict of Interest
The Warden declared a conflict of interest with item 12.5 Motion to Approve Write-Off of Accumulated Interest – Assessment Account Number (AAN) 05755301.
4) Presentations
4.1 Société Acadienne de Clare – Natalie Robichaud, Executive Director
Natalie Robichaud, Executive Director of the Société Acadienne de Clare presented an overview of the Society’s strategic priorities and active projects moving forward. (
See attached) Of note was the Pomme Belliveau project towards which the Society is requesting a municipal contribution of $950.
Council thanked Ms. Robichaud for her presentation and indicated it would give due consideration to the Society’s request for project funding.
4.2 Conseil des arts de la Baie – Lalie Douglas, Executive Director
Lalie Douglas, Executive Director for the Conseil des arts de la Baie gave an overview of the organization, provided a sampling of their key activities from 2024, and highlighted their priorities moving forward. (See attached)
In closing, Council thanked Ms. Douglas for her presentation and the CAO offered the assistance of the Municipality’s Economic Development Officer, Réanne Flynn, to aid in their efforts to secure project funding.
5) Adoption of the Minutes from Previous Council Meetings
5.1 November 20, 2024 – Regular Council Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the minutes of the November 20, 2024, Regular Council Meeting be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
5.2 December 4, 2024 – Council-In-Committee Meeting
MOVED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the minutes of the December 4, 2024, Council-In-Committee Meeting be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
6) Business Arising from Previous Meetings
None.
7) Warden’s Activity Report – Warden Yvon LeBlanc
November 27-29 – Attended the annual NSFM conference.
December 1 – Attended the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the municipal office.
December 4 – Participated in a televised report by CBC’s the National on the success of the Clare Health Centre.
December 13 – Attended a meeting with representatives of the diocese to discuss the Sainte-Marie Building (former Church).
December 17 – Attended the official opening of the primary care clinic at the Saulnierville Pharmacy.
December 18 – Attended a reception to celebrate Patricia Thériault on her retirement after 42 years of service in early childhood education.
MOVED BY Councillor Réanne Evans and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Municipality of the District of Clare send a certificate to Patricia Theriault in recognition of her 42 years of service in early childhood education.
MOTION CARRIED
8) Official Statements from Members of Council
None.
9) Correspondence
9.1 Association Sainte-Marie héritage et développement - Gabrielle Bardall and Stéphanie St-Pierre
The CAO read a letter from Gabrielle Bardall and Stéphanie St-Pierre of the Association Sainte-Marie héritage et développement. (See attached)
10) CAO Report – Chief Administrative Officer – Stéphane Cyr
The CAO presented his report for the month of December. (See attached)
11) Committee Reports
None.
12) New Business
12.1 Motion to Approve the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) 2024-2029
The CAO presented the Municipality’s proposed 5-year Capital Investment Plan (2024-2029) for Council’s review and consideration.
This annual document must be approved via motion of Council and submitted to the Province of Nova Scotia no later then December 19, 2024. The plan itself is subject to change should new project opportunities present themselves or if a decision is made to no longer move forward with a specific project. Council was supportive of the proposed plan and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Evans that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare accept the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) 2024-2029 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
12.2 Motion to Award Tender – Three (3) Portable 1-Basin Stainless Steel Freestanding Utility Sinks
In compliance with its Disposal of Surplus Asset Policy, the Municipality issued a tender for the sale of 3 portable 1-basin stainless steel freestanding utility sinks. At the time of closing, only 1 bid was received. Following a review of the bid and given both the physical space taken up by these sinks as well as a lack of need for these items in the foreseeable future, the CAO is recommending Council accept the bid from Gary Belliveau Construction and Excavation Ltd. in the amount of $600 + HST. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare accept the bid from Gary Belliveau Construction and Excavation Ltd. for the three Portable 1-Basin Stainless Steel Freestanding Utility Sinks in the amount of $600 + HST.
MOTION CARRIED
12.3 Motion to Award Tender – Sale of Events Tent
In compliance with its Disposal of Surplus Asset Policy, the Municipality issued a tender for the sale of its Events Tent. A total of 3 bids were received. Following a review of the bids, it is the recommendation of the CAO that Council accept none of the bids. Rather, it is recommended that the stage be offered to the Far Out Festival at no cost, the gas-powered post driver be offered to the Clare Bluegrass Association at no cost, the aluminum posts be sold for scrap, and the tent canvas be discarded. Council agreed and passed the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Réanne Evans and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare dispose of the Municipality’s event tent and accompanying assets in the following manner:
- The stage to be offered to the Far Out Festival at no cost.
- The gas-powered post driver to be offered to the Clare Bluegrass Association at no cost.
- The aluminum posts be sold for scrap.
- The remaining tent canvas be discarded.
MOTION CARRIED
12.4 Motion to Approve Funding Contribution – Clare Acadian Tourism Experience Initiative 2025-2027
The Clare Acadian Tourism Experience Initiative 2025-2027 is a project concept which seeks to build on the success of the CMA 2024 and create new tourism offerings. Funding for this $465,569 initiative is being sought from both ACOA and the Province of NS, and discussions to date have been positive. As part of its contribution to the funding mix, the CAO is recommending the Municipality contribute $102,746 over 2 years. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper and SECONDED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare contribute a total of $102,746 over 2 years towards the Clare Acadian Tourism Experience Initiative 2025-2027.
MOTION CARRIED
12.5 Motion to Approve Write-Off of Accumulated Interest – Assessment Account Number (AAN) 05755301
The Deputy Warden chaired this portion of the meeting.
The CAO informed Council of a longstanding issue with AAN 05755301, caused by advice given to the owner by a former municipal employee, resulting in tax arrears and accumulated interest. In an effort to remedy the situation and appease the affected property owner, the CAO is proposing the Municipality write-off the accumulated interest. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Evans that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare write off $1,132.95 in accumulated interest charges for Assessment Account Number 05755301.
MOTION CARRIED
12.6 Motion to Send Letter of Congratulations – Ryan Robicheau, MLA for Clare
The Warden resumed as chair of the meeting.
The CAO is recommending Council send a letter to Ryan Robicheau, congratulating him on having been elected as the MLA for Clare, wishing him well in his new role, and inviting him to meet with Council in the coming weeks. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare send a letter to Ryan Robicheau congratulating him on having been elected as the MLA for Clare, wishing him well in his new role, and inviting him to meet with Council in the coming weeks.
MOTION CARRIED
12.7 Motion to Send Letter of Congratulations – Warden Nicole Albright, Municipality of Argyle
Following the 2024 municipal elections, Nicole Albright was appointed Warden for the Municipality of Argyle. Whereas Mrs. Albright is the first female Warden for the Municipality of Argyle, the CAO is recommending Council send her a letter in recognition of this achievement. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Réanne Evans and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare send a letter to Warden Nicole Albright, congratulating her on becoming the first female Warden for the Municipality of Argyle.
MOTION CARRIED
12.8 Motion to Send Letter to Nova Scotia Department of Public Works – P.F. Comeau Road
The CAO received a letter from the Knights of Columbus expressing their concerns regarding the current state of the P.F. Comeau Road and requesting a long-term solution to this ongoing issue. The Clare Golf & Country Club and the Clare Physiotherapy Clinic, both located along the P.F. Comeau Road, have voiced similar concerns. The CAO agrees that the current state of the road is precarious and warrants the attention of NS Public Works. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare send a letter to the Honourable Fred Tilley, Minister of the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works, requesting a long-term repair solution be carried out on the P.F. Comeau Road in Comeauville, Nova Scotia.
MOTION CARRIED
12.9 Motion to Authorize Decision – Dangerous and Unsightly, 903 Maza Road, Bangor
The property at 903 Maza Road in Bangor has been deemed unsightly by the Municipality’s By-Law Enforcement Officer. Previous efforts to contact the owner asking that it be cleaned up have proven unsuccessful. That being the case, and considering the complaints received from the public regarding this property, the CAO is recommending a tender be issued for its cleanup. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare issue a tender for the cleanup of 903 Maza Road, including the removal of all debris.
MOTION CARRIED
12.10 Sponsorship Request – Coldest Night of the Year, Shyft Youth Services
The CAO was approached by Shyft Youth Services regarding a sponsorship request for their Coldest Night of the Year event. The Municipality has sponsored this event in previous years, and it is the CAO’s recommendation that it do so once again. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare approve the sponsorship request for SHYFT Youth Services in the amount of $500.00.
MOTION CARRIED
12.11 Motion to Send a Letter of Congratulations – King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipients
Mr. Louis Deveau, Mr. Jean-Paul Deveau, and Mr. Kenneth Deveau were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal on November 20, 2024, in recognition of their exceptional and enduring service to the Crown, Canada, the province, and their communities. In light of this remarkable achievement, the CAO is recommending Council send a congratulatory letter to each of the three recipients. Council agreed and made the following motion:
MOVED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare send a letter to Mr. Louis Deveau, Mr. Jean-Paul Deveau, and Mr. Kenneth Deveau, congratulating them on receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
MOTION CARRIED
13) Closed Session
None.
14) Date and time of the next Regular Council Meeting
The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 7:00 pm.
15) Adjournment
MOVED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 pm.
Submitted by:
Ashley Hanks
Executive Assistant