Province Concerned About Governance of Westville

The province has directed the Town of Westville to develop a long-term plan, which will ensure that residents continue to receive essential municipal services.

A ministerial order issued on Aug 9. calls for the plan to be submitted to the minister of service Nova Scotia and municipal relations by Oct. 15. The order sets out the province's concerns for the citizens of Westville, as well as details what it expects the town council to provide in the plan.

For the last number of years services to Westville residents have been provided by contract with the Town of New Glasgow. However, New Glasgow has given notice that as of Feb. 12, 2008, it will no longer be providing those services.

"We are very concerned about the future of Westville," said Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "There are issues that call for serious action on the part of the Town of Westville."

The town's governance was recently reviewed by Richard G. Ramsay Management Consultants and a number of governance options were identified. The report noted that the status quo is not viable.

The ministerial order stipulates that the town must select and then prepare a detailed long-term plan for one of the available governance options. Provincial funding is available to help Westville comply with the ministerial order.

The Town of Westville is currently operating without a chief administrative officer.