Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston faced opposition in Antigonish during a community meeting about potential plans for amalgamation. Residents expressed concerns about the fast-moving process and lack of information regarding the decision to merge the town with the county. Members of the group Let Antigonish Decide questioned the reasons behind the consolidation and described the process as undemocratic. Both town and county councils had previously voted to proceed with amalgamation, with the province’s law amendments committee approving the merger without changes.
During the meeting, some councillors who voted against the legislation voiced their concerns about the lack of information available to the public. They felt pressured to move forward with the decision by the province’s Department of Municipal Affairs, denying residents the opportunity to have their say. Antigonish county councillor John Dunbar criticized the rushed process, stating that the community should have the chance to voice their opinions before any final decisions are made. Despite the opposition, Premier Houston defended the amalgamation plan, emphasizing the importance of respecting the decisions made by elected councils and moving forward with the consolidation.
A review process is currently underway to determine if amalgamation is in the best financial interests of both the town and county, with a decision expected by August 1st. The town of Antigonish stated that the mayor would not be conducting any interviews as the Antigonish Consolidation Act continues through the legislative process. Let Antigonish Decide is calling for the decision to be paused until after the October election, allowing for more time for the community to provide input on the proposed merger. The group believes that the consolidation process should be more transparent and inclusive of public opinion.
The group Let Antigonish Decide is advocating for a more democratic and transparent approach to the amalgamation process, urging officials to pause the decision until after the upcoming election in October. Residents at the community meeting expressed concerns about the lack of information and the rushed nature of the consolidation plan, questioning the motives behind merging the town with the county. Some councillors who initially voted in favor of the merger spoke up against the decision, citing a lack of information and public input in the process. Despite the opposition, Premier Houston defended the councils’ decisions, emphasizing the need to respect the votes made by elected officials and move forward with the consolidation.
The town and county councils had previously voted to proceed with the amalgamation, and the province’s law amendments committee approved the merger without any changes. However, residents and members of Let Antigonish Decide believe that the process is undemocratic and have called for a more inclusive approach to the decision-making process. The review process currently underway will determine the financial implications of amalgamation for both the town and county, with a final decision expected by August 1st. The group is pushing for a more transparent and inclusive process, advocating for the voices of the community to be heard before any final decisions are made regarding the merger. Premier Houston defended the councils’ decisions and emphasized the importance of respecting the votes made by elected officials in moving forward with the consolidation.
