Councillor Shannon Cunningham's extension

As the dissolution process was discussed last night at the regular meeting of Hantport Town Council, Councillor Margot Bureaux asked if council had received an extension of CCLR Cunningham's term. According to Bureaux, Cunningham has not lived in town for several months. His house is for sale. He told her that he has an offer on a house which is not in town. He is confident that he can still represent the residents of the town.

According to the Nova Scotia Municipal Act, a councillor who no longer lives in town can continue in office for six months. Under this provision, Cunningham's term now concludes at the end of August. Council has now asked for an extension for him until the end of March when the dissolution may occur. Council feels that the election of another councillor could be expensive.


Many people in town feel council needs someone more engaged in the daily life of the town, according to Bureaux. She questioned the extension and asked council to reconsider it. The proposed dissolution may be completed at the end of March 2015. Other towns have done so in one year.

But the others were dealing with one possible municipal partner, Deputy Mayor Harold Bulger pointed. Hantsport is dealing with two. Dissolution may extend beyond March 31. Council voters to revisit Cunningham's status at the July regular meeting 4:2. The Mayor and CLLR Rob Fredericks vowed against the motion.