Windsor, West Hants ordered to pay for amalgamation study
Paul Withers | CBC News | Posted: September 29, 2016 8:08 PM | Last Updated: September 29, 2016
Government regulator found 'strong public interest' in citizens group's petition
Citizens trying to force the merger of the Town of Windsor and the municipal district of West Hants scored a victory Thursday.
Government regulators ordered the two feuding governments — not the citizens — pick up the $500,000 cost of studies required to justify an amalgamation.
"It's a great day and it's a great ruling," Avon Region Citizens Coalition member Kathy Monroe said.
"It prevents the derailment of the amalgamation effort in this area."
The coalition applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board to dissolve both governments earlier this year, with members saying they're fed up with bickering between Windsor and West Hants.
The neighbouring governments have been unable to agree on sharing the cost of basic services, such as fire protection. Nearly 20 per cent of residents in both places signed a petition in support of the merger application.
The Town of Windsor is for amalgamation and West Hants is opposed.
West Hants argued the Avon region citizens group should pay for the studies, telling regulators "there is not sufficient support amongst residents of the municipality for amalgamation to warrant the great public expense and inconvenience of a merits hearing."
In a decision issued Thursday, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board rejected that argument.
'Strong public interest'
The regulator said making citizens pay "would result in a significant financial impact upon individual members of that organization."
The regulator was swayed by the fact that almost 20 per cent of electors in each unit signed the application.
"There is a strong public interest in determining whether amalgamation is in the best interests of the inhabitants if the region," the board ruled.
'Not the right time to jump'
Later that afternoon, West Hants issued a statement expressing disappointment with the decision.
"We continue to believe that this is not the right time to jump into amalgamation for West Hants," Warden Richard Dauphinee said in the statement.
Dauphinee noted the decision comes two weeks before a municipal election where amalgamation is a central issue.
"With upcoming election, residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on amalgamation," he said.
Amalgamation possible by 2018
The studies will examine the impact of amalgamation on taxes, municipal human resources and governance in the area, among other issues. The province has agreed to fund other studies on roads and streets, policing, deed transfer tax and equalization.
The board also set out a timeline, wanting to hold a hearing by the fall of 2017. If approved, amalgamation would occur in April 2018.
The board has not decided whether a plebiscite will be held. With Monroe one of the 25 candidates running for 10 seats on West Hants council, a plebiscite of sorts is underway now.