News release

Legislation to Require Vote on Town Status

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Legislation to Require Vote on Town Status


Legislation introduced today, Nov. 5, will require a plebiscite before new towns can be created in Nova Scotia. The legislation also sets aside this summer's Utility and Review Board decision on an application for town status for the Chester area until a plebiscite is held there.

"This legislation fixes a gaping hole in the Municipal Government Act," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "The people of the Chester area made it crystal clear that they want a say in whether their area became a town. This amendment will give them, and residents involved in any future application for town status, an opportunity to democratically determine the outcome of the application."

As it is now written, the Municipal Government Act requires a petition signed by 100 electors to trigger a hearing before the UARB for town status. The act leaves the holding of a plebiscite up to the UARB, which has the authority to order a vote, but is not required to do so and is not bound by the results.

The amendment proposes to increase the number of signatures required from 100 to one-third of electors in the area. It will also make a plebiscite mandatory for any instances where the UARB feels town incorporation should proceed. The approval of the majority of those who vote will be required in order for the incorporation to proceed. If there is no majority, the application will be dismissed.

With passage of the amendment, the UARB incorporation order for District 3 (Chester and area) in the Municipality of the District of Chester will be set aside and a plebiscite will be held by Feb. 28, 2003. The Nova Scotia government will pay for the plebiscite.

"The UARB followed the law as it is written, so this amendment is not a statement about its decision," Mr. MacIsaac said. "It is a statement about recognizing the need for local residents to decide for themselves whether or not they want town status for their community."

The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities requested in July that the government adopt the measures contained in today's legislation.