Richmond Municipal Council held its regular monthly meeting on May 27 in Arichat. Following the meeting, Deputy Warden Brent Sampson and Warden Lois Landry answered questions from the media.

Early in the session, council reviewed the minutes from previous meetings, including two Budget Planning meetings held on April 28 and May 6.

During the Committee of the Whole report, council approved a recommendation from an in-camera session regarding the sale of property.

The Bylaw/Policy Committee put forward an amended Dog Control Bylaw, which council later approved for First Reading.

Council also approved a recommendation from the Planning Advisory Committee for new maximum setbacks for commercial wind turbines. First Reading was granted for these changes, along with amendments to sections of the Land Use Bylaw and the West Richmond Planning Area Land Use Bylaw to align with new provincial requirements.

Another Planning Advisory Committee recommendation concerning accessory dwelling units and amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy for the Isle Madame area was approved. Later in the meeting, the warden addressed service connections for accessory dwellings on lots eligible for subdivision.

Council also reviewed correspondence from the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce regarding a housing steering committee, as well as a funding request for the non-profit AtHome Housing Association.

A letter from the Minister of Finance was shared, addressing the non-resident deed transfer tax increase.

Richmond County was approved under the provincial Clean Fuels Fund and will receive $221,250 for the Strait of Canso Clean Fuels Domestic Use Strategy. The Department of Energy said the goal is to tap into the region’s green hydrogen potential for use in local heavy industry.

Warden Lois Landry said the county is “extremely pleased” to receive the funding, noting that it will help Richmond and its partners create a roadmap for decarbonizing key sectors and attracting new industries through the development of clean fuels.

The province confirmed this as the second round of funding. Energy Minister and Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau said the Clean Fuels Fund supports innovators aiming to grow the green economy by putting low-carbon and renewable fuels to work.

On May 28, the Seniors Centre Without Walls hosted the second annual Community Health and Wellness Showcase/Expo at the Louisdale Parish Hall, featuring more than 35 community service providers for older adults in Richmond County.

Celeste Gotell, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Seniors Take Action Coalition of Richmond County, spoke with Civic Journalist about her group’s role in organizing the event and the inspiration behind it.

Gotell highlighted some of the participating organizations, the services they offer, and the success of this year’s event. She expressed hopes to continue the showcase in the years ahead.

Presenters such as Beth Bennett from the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia and Sonia Morris from Sonicson’s Fitness, along with attendees like George and Claire Kehoe, shared their impressions of the event.

In Arichat on May 26, the Municipality of the County of Richmond marked Access Awareness Week with a flag raising, a proclamation reading, and the presentation of scholarships and Accessibility Champion Awards.