Citizens For Fairness Portugal Cove - St Philip's

06/24/2026

Just a reminder that the next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for tonight, June 24 at 7:00pm. You can attend in person, or by Zoom.

Here is the Zoom link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83378401222

The agenda package is still not available, but should be posted sometime today.

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06/19/2026

The ability to be able to build a “garden suite” should be a huge benefit to allow families to accommodate ageing family members on their property. I believe that was the intent of the Amendment, and never a method to just expand rental income properties to family homes. It is up to Council to ensure that the intent of the changes is clearly defined in the regulations. Bill Rose

Council has adopted Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Municipal Plan Amendment 25, 2026 and Development Regulations Amendment 42, 2026. A public hearing to consider objections and representations on the proposed amendments has been scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 7:00pm, at the Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Town Office, 1119 Thorburn Road, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.

These amendments propose to enable development of Garden Suite as an accessory detached dwelling unit to a single dwelling. The purpose of the amendments is to provide an alternative housing option on existing properties for affordable, seniors and intergenerational housing.

Anyone wishing to make an objection or representation at the Public Hearing shall, at least 2 days before the date set for the public hearing, deposit with the Town Clerk two copies of a signed, written statement outlining the objection or representation. If no written objection or representation with respect to the proposed amendments is received within the time indicated, the public hearing will be cancelled.

Council encourages residents to view the proposed amendments, which shall be on display from June 18th to July 9th, 2026, during normal business hours at the Town Office, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s and on the Town’s website at www.pcsp.ca.

For more information about the proposed amendments or the public hearing, please contact [email protected] or 709-895-8000 (option 4).

06/13/2026

We live in a thriving community with lots of activity in new home construction. However, for an agency of the Province , the Municipal Assessment Agency, to step in on an annual basis and arbitrarily increase individual property values is an indefensible interference in the municipal taxation policy of our community.

There are so many long term residents of our community who have enjoyed their homes , improved their homes, and maintain their homes in the face of the inflationary forces that affect everyone. Their property values might increase gradually, but for an agency to determine that 8.6% in one year is reasonable is ridiculous. It far exceeds inflation rates by 3 to 4 times posted inflation.

There are examples of residents calling MAA to question their assessments being told to think carefully about appealing an assessment as it might increase. This is blatant intimidation on the part of a government agency.

Our own Municipality has a part to play in this whole process. They know that they will collect at least 3% more property tax next year as a result of the new builds. The big question for all taxpayers is whether or not the Town will reduce the mil rate to reduce this tax grab as initiated by this outside agency.

Residents have an opportunity to appeal their assessment. Complete the form , pay the $25 fee and provide your arguments as to why you feel your individual assessment is too high. If you are successful in your appeal, the fee is refunded. Residents should also be more vocal with our Mayor and Councillors about the unfairness of such huge increases in one year, and demand that they take appropriate action during the fall budget debates to reduce the mil rate . Bill Rose

06/10/2026

Exciting upgrades are coming to Rainbow Gully Park! ✨ The playground will be temporarily closed starting Monday, June 15th to install brand-new, accessible equipment. The installation is expected to take a week to complete.

During this time for everyone's safety, please note that there will be no public access to the playground area or any play structures while the installation is underway.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to make our community spaces more inclusive for all families! ☀️

06/09/2026

The Committee of the Whole meeting agenda for tomorrow night has been posted.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Town Hall Meeting, 6:15 PM

• To access the meeting by Computer, Tablet, or Mobile Device, click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83378401222

Lots of topics on the agenda for tomorrow night's COW meeting including some very interesting ones:

Inclusion and Accessibility Advisory Committee

Several Landscaping discussions in buffer zones

Housing Needs Assessment

Waterbody Buffers Advisory Committee

Keeping of Animals

Farm Road/Bauline Line Extension Intersection Assessment Update

Distribution of Public Notices

Condition of Properties

And more...

Check out the link for the entire agenda: https://pcsp.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=1649

06/04/2026

The Town of Portugal Cove - St. Philip's Waterbody Buffers Advisory Committee is holding its first meeting on Thursday, June 4, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom and in-person at the PCSP Town Hall located on 1119 Thorburn Road.

This is an open meeting, and we welcome residents to attend! These advisory meetings will follow the same structure as our Committee of the Whole (COW) meetings, offering a space to listen in and stay informed on how we're working together to make our community better for all.

Want to attend? You can find the Zoom link and full meeting details on our website here, https://pcsp.ca/event/waterbody-buffers-advisory-committee-meeting/e/2026-06-04+180000/

06/04/2026

Join us at Beachy Cove Elementary on Sunday, July 5 for a hands-on event the whole family will love! 🚛🚑🏎️

Get up close and explore fire trucks, construction vehicles, and more during our community favourite event, Touch-a-Truck! Don't forget to bring your appetite, we'll also have a BBQ during the event 🌭🍔

There will be a sensory-friendly time from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm, and things will get loud during our sirens and horn time from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. This is a no registration, no cost, drop by event!

Got a cool truck or car you'd like to showcase?
Contact Stacey at [email protected] or call 709-895-8000 ext. 233

For full details and event updates (this is a weather dependent event!), please visit our website https://pcsp.ca/live-play/fitness-classes/touch-a-truck/

06/04/2026

Your yard is your first line of defense against wildland fires. 🍃

? A mowed lawn is a fire-resistant lawn. Grasses shorter than 10 centimetres in height are less likely to burn intensely and may slow the spread of fire.

Download our fact sheet today: https://ow.ly/Hj6i50YYYKG