Councillor Thorburn Irvine - District 3 - Shelburne

08/27/2026

Familes with school aged children: Sign up for the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program tomorrow, August 28.

This school year, the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program is expanding to all public schools in Nova Scotia, giving all students access to nutritious, delicious lunches every school day.

Ordering lunches is now easier than ever. Families and students can sign up online. Lunches are ordered in two-week cycles, with ordering for most schools opening on Friday, August 28, and first lunches served Tuesday, September 8.

Visit NSLunch.ca and click “Order Now” to get started!

The Nova Scotia School Lunch Program brings wholesome, nutritious lunches to public school students every school day, right across Nova Scotia.

08/11/2026

Join the CAMPS Shelburne Harbour Mackerel Derby – Saturday, August 15! 🎣

The big one’s waiting — and the fun’s back for Year 2 of the Shelburne Harbour Mackerel Derby! Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids for their first catch, this is the perfect family-friendly event for a day by the water.

📅 Date: Saturday, August 15 (Registration August 14, 6-7 pm)
💰 Entry: Just $10 (kids 14 and under fish free!)
🏆 Prizes: Cash for the biggest mackerel
🌦️ Weather Permitting? The mackerel committee will decide by noon Friday, August 14. If weather doesn't agree, we’ll do it on Saturday, August 22 instead!
Bring your rods, your crew, and your love of the sea to Shelburne Harbour for a day of friendly competition, fresh air, and community spirit. Let’s make some waves together!
👉 Share this post, tag your fishing buddies, and let’s get the word out! See you at the marina!

08/07/2026

AUGUST 15. JOIN US at ST PETER’s BY THE SEA non-denomination church, for a family and children- focused social gathering from 11-2. The MASONs, Albert Lodge #30 are supporting by providing a free summer BBQ food fare. THIS YEAR, we have added our very own local Mary Ayers, the CLOWN WHISPERER, aka THE BUBBLE LADY, Amanda Pedro FACE PAINTING and Wendy Richardson ANIMAL BALLOONS.

We look forward to re-connecting with new and old neighbours, alike❤️.

08/06/2026

SANDY POINT RD PAVING

I JUST SPOKE WITH PUBLIC WORKS WHO’S GOING TO MESSAGE THE PAVING CREW on resident concerns about the difference between the new paved road and resident driveways. THE PAVING CREW WILL REVIEW.

THE PAVING WORKFLOW IS SUCH:

1) THE PAVING CREW PAVE THE ROAD (from the start to the designated end point.

NEXT:

2)THE SHOULDER CREW FOLLOWS TO ADDRESS THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE NEW PAVED ROAD AND THE ENTRY POINT INTO RESIDENT DRIVEWAYS.

When the (paving) shoulder crew return to address the differential; if it’s paved road to paved driveway, asphalt paving will be used to address the difference in height. IF it’s paved road to gravel, then gravel will be used on the driveway portion to smooth the transition in height.

08/04/2026

SANDY POINT PAVING.

Crews are out in the area, where some patching of the road surface is occurring.

Nolan Young, our MLA, has confirmed that the tender for the Sandy Point Road paving has gone out. There will be paving of the Sandy Point Road but I’m unable to confirm the distance at this point in time.

08/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19AtkUyreB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Today, Council, residents, and staff of the Municipality of the District of Shelburne proudly recognize Emancipation Day.

Emancipation Day marks the abolition of slavery across the British Empire on August 1, 1834. It is a day to reflect on our shared history, honour the resilience and strength of those who endured slavery, and recognize the lasting contributions of Black communities to our municipality, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, and Canada.

Our region is home to a remarkable Black history, including the legacy of the Black Loyalists, whose courage and perseverance helped shape the community we know today. Their stories continue to inspire us and remind us of the importance of building a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

Today, we encourage everyone to take a moment to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of African Nova Scotians while renewing our commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all.

Happy Emancipation Day.

🖤❤️💛💚

07/31/2026

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NxngZO0SQA29PIT_vMCrHA?fbclid=IwZnRzaATZ_6JwZG9mBWZkaWQWULnmpYhOm9mvVSqax5NanRrp96c_U2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7-NUMrpVGMap0Ckh-l739UK-bWNl97C9Lxbo-FayGhGEYwXGfVWSJ608vNug_aem_dcjoOgnVRfzPcUe3jVuUDw #/registration

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Lunch and Learn: Coastal Wetlands and Species at Risk in Nova Scotia. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

07/28/2026

This is a summary of my submission:

Submission to Provincial Consultation: Wilderness Protection - Sandy Point
Submitted by: Sherry Thorburn Irvine
Councillor, Municipality of the District of Shelburne & Sandy Point Resident

Councillor Perspective: Process & Engagement
The consultation was announced May 27 via social media, with no advance notice to Municipal government. More notice would have been appreciated.
Despite limited resources, I committed to informing residents. I messaged ∼100 citizens May 28 and delivered 300 newsletters door-to-door, early July up to July 27 at personal cost of $270 + time.
On June 10, Council discussed the consultation. CAO noted lack of provincial notice and concern that wilderness protection could impact municipal land-use bylaws.
A public info session with MoE staff on July 22 was helpful and aligned with the Ministry’s mandate.

History & Context: Community Division
Division was created in 2021/2022 by NS Power’s wind energy RFP. The process lacked transparency and divided Sandy Point, Jordan Bay, and Jordan Ferry residents with many opposing this particular site. Of those that were incentivized monetarily there was support.

Lease agreements were complex, didn’t address decommissioning, and created lasting division in community and Council.
My attempts to pause development through a motion of Council to update wind bylaws were not supported. Province later overruled desired 2.5km setbacks, imposing 1km. Distrust remains.

At the June 10 meeting, Councillors from Districts 1 & 7 opposed interior Sandy Point protection, stating “Shelburne County has given enough” with no justification except that we in Shelburne County “have given enough” and no mention of water concerns as expressed by residents or the Town of Shelburne.

Resident (my) Perspective: Water & Environment
I live in Sandy Point with a dug well. Many residents rely on the savannahs, wetlands and peat bogs to act as natural sponges and water reservoirs that filter and protect our water supply.
This ecosystem also serves Town of Shelburne residents. With recent DNR budget cuts, provincial protection is critical.
We must protect the interior of the Sandy Point peninsula now and for future climate adaptation.

Recommendations
Support wilderness protection for the interior of Sandy Point. Do not disrupt wetlands.
Go further: Create a “carbon classroom” and low-impact trail system. Brand this as economic development tied to climate adaptation. Industrial projects must follow proper siting through updated land-use bylaws to gain social license and meet government mandates.

For citizens that are interested in ATV use, through any crown land protected wilderness area, they must input to the province. This is also critical.

In summary: Citizens feel the current Council is offside on this matter of wilderness protection for the majority of people who live here on the Peninsula. We can protect our environment, our neighbours water concerns and grow economically. The province must lead on climate adaptation regardless of political agenda.

Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Thorburn Irvine

07/27/2026

I completed (mostly hand delivery of) my Sandy Point newsletter to approximately 300 homes. Pictured along the Lake Road is some of the waterways that will be fed by the savannah‘s and wetlands from the interior of the Sandy Point Peninsula.

July 28th is the final day for consultation for the provincial process of engaging citizens on 20% of crownland to be placed under wilderness protection status.

I will be providing my own input into the provincial consultation process, uploading it tomorrow

07/27/2026

At the Municipal level, our council budgets $5000 yearly for each Councillor to allocate funds within their community, in order to respond to the immediate needs of the community. The funding is executed at the discretion of the serving Councillor. The money belongs to community. This has always been my philosophy. It was the philosophy of the previous councillor that served, also.

The other reality is that fiscal resources are finite. I have been reserving funds for the Sandy point roadside sign, and into the future I intend to spend some of the discretionary funds by purchasing signage, with a digital readout to remind citizens to drive to the posted speed limit.