News release

No Town Status Without a Vote

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)
Premier's Office

PREMIER'S OFFICE/SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--No Town Status Without a Vote


The Nova Scotia government will ensure that no community becomes a town without the support of local residents. Premier John Hamm announced today that the government will introduce legislation this fall to protect the interests of taxpayers.

"Three years ago, we told Nova Scotians that we would listen to their views on municipal changes and not repeat the mistakes of past governments," said Premier Hamm. "The improvements we are bringing forward will ensure that this commitment continues to be kept."

Last month, the Utilities and Review Board (UARB) approved an application to grant town status for the Chester area, a position not supported by a majority of Chester residents who voted in a fall 2000 plebiscite.

The government will introduce legislation this fall:

  • to suspend the board's decision granting town status to District 3 (Chester) of the Municipality of the District of Chester until a plebiscite has been held to determine if a majority of electors who vote support town incorporation; and
  • to amend the Municipal Government Act to require that plebiscites be held -- the results of which must show that a majority of electors who vote favour an application -- before the UARB can issue town incorporations in the future.

The amendment respecting future incorporation of towns reflects a recommendation submitted to government by the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.

"As a government, we're not passing judgement on the UARB. At the same time, we clearly need to strengthen existing laws to ensure that the people's views are fully reflected in any town incorporation," added the premier.

The province's current municipal law was passed in 1999 with the support of all three political parties and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.

"This is yet another example of our government listening to the people and taking action on their behalf," said John Chataway, MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's, on behalf of Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "Thanks to these amendments, the people of Chester, or any other community, will now be able to democratically determine whether or not they want town status."