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.
An Act to Incorporate the Region of Windsor and West Hants Municipality
Kevin Latimer
Co-ordinator
Anna Allen
Mayor
Abraham Zebian
Warden
Laurie Murley
Deputy Mayor
Paul Morton
Deputy Warden
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Public Engagement Plan should focus on transparency and provide diverse ways to inform and engage the public and stakeholders.
All pertinent decisions should be reviewed with the lens of looking for economic development growth and opportunities.
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.