Council’s obligation to citizens - “duty of care”
Regarding the reduction of polling districts for Kings County, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board recently delivered a decision which rejected the “Alternate 8” scenario presented to it by Kings County council and adopted the “Nine District” scenario recommended by the consultants.
There had been no motion by council directing the CAO to produce the “Alternate 8” scenario, but when it was presented to council, the majority of councillors approved it. In the matter of the Municipal Government Act, that council motion was rejected. The decision by the NSUARB to overturn a council motion was not disrespectful but an action to correct a grave error.
We now have another situation in which the warden appears to be suggesting that if anyone in the citizenry or Kings County council questions the decision of council regarding the municipal complex project, we are being dis- respectful.
My concern regarding the municipal complex project is that the CAO presented a recommended motion to council in December 2015: “Council hereby approves and adopts the new municipal complex strategy (as presented by the CAO to council on 14 December 2015) and authorizes the CAO to do all things necessary to implement the actions associated with the new municipal complex strategy.” This motion was approved.
The councillors who voted for the motion had no idea that they were transferring their fiduciary responsibility over to the CAO. That is to say, the council gave the CAO their responsibility for “duty of care” for citizens over to the CAO who is not an elected representative. This situation undermines the democratic oversight of the review and approval of all actions associated with the project. The representative councillors may as well go home.
Raising concerns about the project is not being disrespectful, it’s about being responsible. Do we need another NSUARB review?
After living here for several years and comparing Kentville to other towns and cities, I believe this is one particularly fine place to live.
I see friendly neighbours and residents who smile and say hello when we meet on the street. Neighbours clear our driveway if we go away in winter!
This is a well-managed town that is not almost bankrupt like some N.S. communities and it
L’Arche Homefires wishes to thank all who turned out to support us at The Building Our Dream sod turning on Sept. 1.
We are especially grateful to Minister Scott Brison who announced federal funding of $ 400,000 for our project - $ 350,000 from ACOA and $ 50,000 from the 2013 Enabling Accessibility Fund. keeps improving infrastructure such as the recreational facilities, the bridge and the library. That takes long-term vision and sound financial management from our municipal government.
Our friendly police force is great at promoting safe behavior while responding quickly and effectively when needed. The town supports many programs for children (education, recreation) and adults (parks, trails, etc.). They dependably manage the quality of our water supply, maintain the streets we drive on, and clear the snow before we need to get out of our driveway every winter
Thank you to Home Hardware and Acadia University for lending us the hard hats and shovels, and our good friend Pat Loughnane for providing the delicious cake.
To all who have worked hard, donated and been part of this journey we are so grateful. Construction at 341 Main St. Wolfville is starting and we hope to be inviting you all to a grand opening celebration in 12 months time. day. We enjoy the advantages of a rural lifestyle with local agriculture and wildlife, low traffic, trails, and nearby lakes and ocean shore.
In addition there is commercial convenience with shopping, great local entertainment and services, university energy nearby, and easy access to Halifax.
I believe Kentville is an exceptionally friendly well-managed community with a clear commitment to long-term continuous improvement.