Richmond Municipal Council held its committee-of-the-whole meeting on April 8 in Arichat. Following the meeting, Warden Lois Landry spoke with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot to answer questions about the meeting agenda.

The first presentation came from Nichole Briand, General Manager of Strait Area Transit. During the discussion, District 3 Councillor Brian Marchand asked about a potential assistance program for some of the service’s users.

Next, Celeste Gotell, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Seniors Take Action Coalition, highlighted that 46 per cent of Richmond County residents are aged 55 and older, with 33 per cent over the age of 65. Later in the presentation, Coalition Chair Dorothy Barnard outlined the organization’s financial needs.

Under New Business, the council reviewed a staff briefing note regarding the Nova Scotia Community Solar Program, which is evaluating two sites in Richmond County for potential wind farm development — one near Kempt Road and another off Whiteside Road in the western part of the municipality.

Council also discussed the Richmond County Community Profile Report, prepared by the Acting Collectively Core Research Team.

Municipal staff presented a briefing note on two funding applications submitted to the Provincial Capital Assistance Program. The first project involves expanding the construction and demolition debris landfill, with an estimated cost of $287,000. The second project includes upgrades to the Arichat water treatment plant and water tower, estimated at $200,000.

To close the meeting, the council debated a motion from District 4 Councillor Amanda Mombourquette concerning the Non-resident Deed Transfer Tax increase. Warden Lois Landry voted against the motion.