News Release Archive
HOUSING/MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS--MUNICIPAL LEGISLATION TO BE REVAMPED ----------------------------------------------------------------- Municipal legislation could soon get a lot simpler. An extensive review of most of the legislation affecting municipalities in Nova Scotia which began last year, is now in the second stage. The Municipal Legislation Review Committee submitted its report to Housing and Municipal Affairs Sandy Jolly last week and copies of the report will be widely distributed in early July. Comment is anticipated from municipalities and others who deal with municipal legislation. The minister established the committee in fall 1994 with a mandate to update, modernize and consolidate the legislation governing local government. The committee is proposing combining some 13 current acts into one Municipal Government Act. "Response is critical to the success of this project," said the minister. "We want people who deal with municipal legislation to identify areas where they agree, disagree, or agree but would do it differently." The minister said the review is necessary for many reasons. Municipal legislation is scattered in a variety of statutes. The powers of the three regional municipalities are in their respective statutes. Most of the law governing towns is in the Towns Act and that of rural municipalities is in the Municipal Act. Boundaries are set under the Municipal Boundaries and Representation Act. Municipal borrowing is regulated under the Municipal Affairs Act and the Municipal Finance Corporation Act. Taxation matters are to be found in the Assessment Act, the Deed Transfer Tax Act and several other acts. Authority for land use by-laws and other aspects of community planning is in the Planning Act. "It's no wonder people are often frustrated by the sheer volume of the provisions, overlap, duplication, and the legalistic language of municipal legislation," said the minister. "All these tend to increase the chance of error and inconsistency in interpretation, while undermining municipal effectiveness." The minister said that modernized legislation will mean greater autonomy for municipalities, which is something they've been requesting for years. The Municipal Legislation Review Committee is comprised of representatives from the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, the Association of Municipal Administrators, and Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs. -30- Contact: Michelle Whelan 902-424-6336 trp June 24, 1996 - 2:05 p.m.