Village Status is on the table for Hantsport

Hantsport resident Joe Foy, in his presentation as a member of the public, to the Utility and Review Board's Hearing for a Preliminary Order on June 19 at the Hantsport Fire Hall, stated that most residents believe that the town should be dissolved.

Joe Foy

But they are confused about the future administration of the area and whether it will join the Municipality of West Hants or the Municipality of the County of Kings. Now village status has been added into the equation.


Foy has the impression people believe that the province opposes village status. He wondered why. He suggested that the province conduct a study of the pros and cons of village status. This would assist not only towns such as Hantport which are facing dissolution but other towns which will soon be facing the same prospect.

Duanne Eddy, lawyer for the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs, stated that village status is outlined in the Municipal Government Act. He added that the province has no policy to oppose village status.  Later in the hearing when other studies were also suggested, he commented that the province feels that the town will present reports which are the same studies as those suggested but with different wording.

Above table, 2nd from left lawyer Duane Eddy, Department of Municipal Affairs.
 Far right table, on left, Tom MacEwan, Municipality of Kings.
Back table, in centre, Amanda Peters, Glooscap First Nations.

NOTE: Administration of a village according to the Municipal Government Act.
Starts P. 214 Sections  403 - 448.  LINK

(I can't cut and paste any of the document. You will need to access it yourself - Heather)

John Shanks who is representing the town in the negotiations said that town status is now in the town's application. It will add the financial impact model. Panel Chairman Roland Deveau stated that the town must also add governance in a village to its study. Community identity will also be studied.

On right, Hantsport's lawyer John Shanks.

According to West Hants lawyer Peter Rogers, the municipality has no villages. Kings has seven villages and has good working experience with them, according its CAO Tom MacEwan.

On left, West Hants lawyer Peter Rogers

Toni Heatley representing Think Hantsport outlined reasons why the group should be granted intervenor status. Residents feel that the decision to dissolve was premature, not fully formed, and did not consult residents. Intervenor status was granted.

In centre, Toni Heatley of Think Hantsport.

Amanda Peters, Director of Administration, Glooscap First Nations, outlined her community's need for the existing partnership with Hantsport to continue in order for it to thrive. It is located in Kings County.

The public gallery.