Municipality of the District of Clare
COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:00 pm
Meeting held at 1185 Highway 1, Little Brook
PRESENT: Council: Warden Yvon LeBlanc, Deputy Warden Eric Pothier, Councillors Réanne Evans, Danny Hill, Réanne Cooper, Carl Deveau, Steven Comeau, and Nadine Comeau
Staff: CAO, Stéphane Cyr, Director of Finance, Christien Deveau, Executive Assistant, Ashley Hanks, and Communications Officer, Francis Robichaud
Presenters: Nick Power and Shawn Craven, CFFA
ABSENT:
1) Call to Order
The Warden called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2) Approval of the Agenda
MOVED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the proposed agenda be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
3) Declaration of Conflict of Interest.
None.
4) Presentations
4.1 Clare Firefighters Association (CFFA) – Nick Power and Shawn Craven
Nick Power and Shawn Craven of the Clare Firefighters Association presented an overview of the Association’s activities from June to September 2026. (
See attached).
5) Staff Reports
5.1 Financial Update – Christien Deveau, Director of Finance
The Director of Finance provided an overview of the Municipality’s financial position. (See attached)
6) Business Arising from Previous Meetings
None.
7) NEW BUSINESS
7.1 Update – Capital Budget 2026-27
The CAO provided an update on the Municipality’s 2026-27 Capital Budget.
The large majority of the projects contained in said budget have been completed. Although a handful of projects remain, these are currently in progress and are expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year.
7.2 Tender – Roofing, Clare Health Centre
The Municipality’s 2026-27 Capital Budget included an allowance to redo the roof of the Clare Health Centre, not including the recently completed extension. A tender to this effect was issued with a closing date of September 22, 2026. A total of three bids were received. Following a review of the bids, it is the recommendation of both the CAO and the Director of Public Works that Council accept the bid from Garian Construction Ltd. in the amount of $114,400 plus HST. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Danny Hill that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend accepting the bid from Garian Construction Ltd. for the roofing of the Clare Health Centre in the amount of $114,400 plus HST and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED
7.3 Tender – Roofing, Gazebo and Market Stalls, Joseph and Marie Dugas Park
The Municipality’s 2026-27 Capital Budget included an allowance to redo the roof of the gazebo and market stalls at the Joseph and Marie Dugas Park. A tender to this effect was issued with a closing date of September 22, 2026. A total of three bids were received. Following a review of the bids, it is the recommendation of both the CAO and the Director of Public Works that Council accept the bid from Wilmax Construction Ltd. in the amount of $30,500 plus HST. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Réanne Evans and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend accepting the bid from Wilmax Construction Ltd. for the roofing of the gazebo and market stalls at the Joseph and Marie Dugas Park in the amount of $30,500 plus HST and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED
7.4 RFP – Detailed Design, Havelock Firehall and Community Centre
The Municipality’s 2026-27 Capital Budget included an allowance to complete a detailed design and cost estimate for the new Havelock Firehall and Community Centre. A tender to this effect was issued with a closing date of September 23, 2026. A total of nine bids were received. Following a review of the bids, a shortlist has been compiled. Whereas the next step involves possible contract negotiations, the CAO has requested this item be further discussed in closed session. Council agreed.
7.5 New Air Exchanger – Clare Health Centre
One of the air exchangers at the Clare Health Centre is no longer operational and needs to be replaced. The Municipality’s current HVAC contractor for the Clare Health Centre, Trane, has provided a quote of $10,987 plus HST for the purchase and installation of a new air exchanger. Given Trane’s familiarity with the Centre’s current systems, the CAO is recommending Council accept the quote as submitted. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Steven Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend accepting the bid from Trane for the purchase and installation of a new air exchanger at the Clare Health Centre in the amount of $10,987 plus HST and that these funds be taken from the Municipality’s Capital Reserve.
MOTION CARRIED
7.6 Letter – Éric Dow, President, Société nationale de l’Acadie
Éric Dow was elected President of the Société nationale de l’Acadie following the organization’s 147th AGM, which was held in Campbellton NB from September 25th to 27th. Whereas Mr. Dow is originally from Clare, the CAO is recommending that Council send him a congratulatory letter. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Carl Deveau and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend writing a letter of congratulations to Éric Dow following his recent election as President of the Société nationale de l’Acadie.
MOTION CARRIED
7.7 Holiday Gala, Université Sainte Anne
Université Sainte-Anne will be hosting its Holiday Gala in Halifax on December 3, 2026. The Gala will mark the launch of the University’s new capital funding campaign. Whereas Université Sainte-Anne is an important municipal partner and the success of this campaign will no doubt yield significant benefits for both the University and the broader community, it is the recommendation of the CAO that Council sponsor a table at this event. Council agreed and made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Deputy Warden Eric Pothier and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend sponsoring a table in the amount of $1,600 at Université Sainte-Anne’s Holiday Gala, marking the launch of its new capital funding campaign.
MOTION CARRIED
7.8 Letter of Support - Far Out Festival
The Far Out Festival is requesting a letter of support as a part of their funding application to Canadian Heritage. No funds are being requested from the Municipality. Over the years, the Municipality has provided similar letters to the Far Out Festival, in support of their efforts to secure financing. Council made the following motion to recommend:
PROPOSED BY Councillor Danny Hill and SECONDED BY Councillor Carl Deveau that the Council for the Municipality of the District of Clare recommend sending a letter of support to the Far Out Festival, as part of their funding application to Canadian Heritage.
MOTION CARRIED
8) Questions and Comments from the Public
None.
9) Closed Session
PROPOSED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Evans that Council proceed to closed session.
MOTION CARRIED
Topics Discussed:
9.1 Contract Negotiations
PROPOSED BY Councillor Nadine Comeau and SECONDED BY Councillor Réanne Cooper that Council proceed to the Regular Council Meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
9) Date and Time of the next Council-in-Committee Meeting
The next Council-in-Committee Meeting will be held on November 10, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
10) Adjournment
PROPOSED BY Councillor Réanne Evans to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 pm.
Submitted by
Ashley Hanks
Executive Assistant