Richmond Municipal Council held its committee-of-the-whole session on Sept. 9 in Arichat. Following the meeting, Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot spoke with Warden Lois Landry and Deputy Warden Brent Sampson.

Prior to council, the Municipal Bylaw/Policy Committee met to review several items, including the Hands-Free Cellphone Use Policy, the Dundee Hills Development Wastewater Management District Bylaw, the Comfort Centre Policy, the Low-Income Tax Exemption Program Policy, and the Municipal Fees Policy.

Terry Smith, CEO of Destination Cape Breton, gave a presentation on the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s Marketing Levy Policy and also shared updated tourism numbers for Richmond County.

Under new business, council reviewed a staff briefing note on cost-shared paving for J-Class roads between the municipality and the provincial government for 2026–2027.

During the Administration Operations Report, District 1 Councillor Shawn Samson raised concerns about odour issues from the sewage treatment plant on Veteran’s Memorial Drive in Arichat during the summer months.

Council also considered a letter from Jacqueline Gerroir, Economic Development Officer with the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse, regarding Celebration Isle Madame, a program created to support the island’s 11 community halls.

The 2022–2023 Municipal Profile and Financial Condition Indicators results were also presented.

Warden Lois Landry then responded to a letter from Matt Parker, Executive Director for Forestry and Wildlife with the Department of Natural Resources, regarding the municipality’s request to adjust the 2025 fall hunt due to deer overpopulation in Richmond County.

Finally, council reviewed correspondence from Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice Becky Druhan concerning the future of policing in the province.