Municipal Modernization Education Sessions

Council for the Municipality of the District Shelburne, at their meeting held on January 26, 2022, approved sending invitation letters to the three Towns (Shelburne, Lockeport, Clarks Harbour) and the Municipality of Barrington, inviting them to participate in Council Education Sessions regarding municipal modernization.

In February 2020, Council at that time, passed a motion supporting a meeting with the Towns of Shelburne and Lockeport and the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing, provided the province would bring new information concerning funding that could be available to help address financial concerns. In 2020, the Warden for the Municipality stated, “For Council to move forward, we need to investigate all options, including the pros and cons of each before making a decision that will have a direct impact on the future of our residents for years to come.”

Since the motion of 2020, COVID-19 and a municipal election that same year, put a hold on investigating the options. The Municipality is planning to schedule speakers for the Council Education Sessions regarding unification, amalgamation, and dissolution, as well as other options such as shared services and discussed the idea of inviting all Shelburne County Councils to join them.

“We are always looking at ways in which the municipal units in Shelburne County, and beyond, can work together. We see this as an opportunity to learn about the various options and processes available when it comes to municipal modernization,” stated Warden Penny Smith.

At this time, the only commitment the Municipality is making is to gather information and to become better informed of the options with regards to municipal modernization. “We see gathering information as the very first step. We realize if we move beyond the education sessions it will require cooperation, communication and commitment, not just from municipal units but from the province as well,” stated Warden Penny Smith.

The sessions are being planned for the Spring with hopes that many of the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted, enabling the sessions to be in person.