We’re hearing suggestions from community members to revisit incorporating some or all of Area A into a municipality.
The goal is to increase local representation and enhance delivery of local government services which typically include:
– Drinking water
– Sewers
– Roads
– Fire protection
– Street lights
– Garbage/recycling collection
– Land use planning
– Building inspection
– Parks
Unincorporated communities in electoral areas may consider incorporating as a municipality to increase local representation and enhance service delivery. Municipalities are only required to provide a few essential services, such as local emergency planning and, in some cases, policing. Most services can be provided either throughout the entire municipality or in specific areas as local area services.
– Community population and growth trends
– Proximity to neighbouring municipalities
– Road networks
– Diversity of the property tax base
– Existing local services
– Community involvement
– Local economy and future prospects
A municipal council governs the municipality, making collective decisions based on a majority vote.
The purposes of a municipality include:
– Providing good government
– Delivering community services and benefits
– Managing public assets
– Fostering economic, social, and environmental well-being
– Guides decision-making on land use, services, development, and Crown land use
– Forms recommendations for land use and zoning, but is not a zoning bylaw itself
In 1999, there was an unsuccessful incorporation effort, with 51% voting in favour. PHARA has acquired the files from this attempt, including the Pender Harbour Restructure Study, which is available for review but somewhat outdated.
If the community wishes to explore incorporation, the province will fund a new study. A local group would need to be formed to manage the process, likely requiring community champions. Currently, no one has stepped forward to lead this project, so no further action is planned at this time.
We welcome community feedback on whether incorporation is something we should consider pursuing.
