(July 27, 2011)

Citizens for Halifax are pleased that the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board has set the number of polling districts and councilors at 16, a reduction from the current 23.  In the Board decision released today, the application by HRM to confirm the number of councillors and polling districts and to alter the boundaries of polling districts was denied.  The Board split the process into two components, first setting the number of councillors, followed by determining the boundaries of polling districts themselves. The boundary review has been referred back to Council with a hearing set for this October.

Paula Minnikin, Vice Chair of Citizens for Halifax, presented at the hearings and commented today “A smaller council size has been a key position of Citizens for Halifax and we are pleased to see this decision. We believe a smaller council, combined with stronger community councils, will lead to better decision-making and more effective governance. It will allow council to focus on the big issues that will move our city forward. Citizens for Halifax has advocated a number of positions that we believe Council should be focused on.”

Malcolm Fraser, Chair of Citizens for Halifax, adds “we advocate on behalf of the citizens of Halifax. Research has shown that they want a smaller council and more effective governance. The background information compiled by Citizens for Halifax can be seen in the letters submitted by citizens to the UARB.” Both a comparison of other similar sized urban centers across Canada with its average ratio of population to councillors, and the results of public opinion were given strong consideration by the Board. He also added that “while we endorse two municipal units, the decision to create a smaller council gets us well on the way to more effective governance.”

Many thanks to our members who participated in the letter writing campaign. It’s clear that informed advocacy can make a positive impact.

Citizens for Halifax is an independent, non-partisan organization created by Citizens who live and work in Halifax. We promote and motivate civic engagement with a goal of building the most vibrant and liveable city in Canada.

NOVA SCOTIA UTILITY AND REVIEW BOARD DECISION