Why Consolidation

Municipalities across Nova Scotia are exploring new, more innovative ways of working together to face the numerous challenges before us. The Town of Windsor and the Municipality of the District of West Hants made a decision to ensure the future strength and viability of our communities. Through collaboration and the creation of a new, unified regional government, we will be able to leverage our collective resources and respond to opportunities in our resident’s best interest. Together, we will be stronger. With the consolidation, our citizens will benefit from more effective decision-making in many areas including land use, infrastructure and economic development. We have the opportunity now to create the future we want for our communities – the future our citizens deserve.

In July 2018, we passed motions agreeing to enter into negotiations to voluntarily consolidate the two municipalities. In October 2018, the Province of Nova Scotia passed legislation which will help us achieve this goal known as Bill 55. We are now working to complete the consolidation process by April 2020. Together, we will seize the future opportunities that consolidation offers us. As a united regional government, we will be a stronger region.

Bill 55

bill55An Act to Incorporate the Region of Windsor and West Hants Municipality

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Committee Members

Kevin Latimer

Kevin Latimer
Co-ordinator

Anna Allen

Anna Allen
Mayor

Abraham Zebian

Abraham Zebian
Warden

Laurie Murley

Laurie Murley
Deputy Mayor

Paul Morton

Paul Morton
Deputy Warden

Terms of Reference for the Co-ordinating Committee

 

Guiding Principles for the Co-ordinating Committee

boundaries

When looking at boundaries, ensure equitable representation for both urban and rural communities for the new council. It is essential that the culture and identities of both the urban and rural communities are retained in the new consolidated community.

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When developing a taxation model for the consolidated community, the existing tax system should serve as a base. Business as usual, services as usual. The electoral boundaries should not impact taxation.

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Administrative Structure

When addressing debt from the former communities, area rates should be used to ensure the repayment of the debt is paid in the spirit it was incurred. By way of example, if the debt was incurred for the benefit of the taxpayers in Windsor, the debt should be area rated to the tax payers of Windsor.

Taxation

Administrative Structure

When developing the blended administrative structure of the consolidated community, all efforts should be taken to ensure there is no job loss as a result of the consolidation. Any planned efficiencies should strive to be achieved through attrition and maintaining corporate knowledge should be prioritized.

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Regional Service Strategy

An overall strategy for regional service delivery and regional infrastructure prioritization should be informed by an inventory of existing assets.

Regional Service Strategy

Regional Planning

Regional planning should be a priority for the consolidated community to ensure that the strengths of the urban and rural communities are being leveraged appropriately.

Regional Planning

Public Engagement

A Public Engagement Plan should focus on transparency and provide diverse ways to inform and engage the public and stakeholders.

Public Engagement

Decisions

All pertinent decisions should be reviewed with the lens of looking for economic development growth and opportunities.

Decisions

When will consolidation happen?

To find out more about consolidation, get updated on the process, and provide input and feedback on your new regional municipality please visit us at one of the information stations set up at community events across the region.

WWH Timeline Website 600px 02

Click here to see all events