Was dissolution the right move for Parrsboro?

Looking back at the decision to join the county

More than a year after the dissolution of the Town of Parrsboro, reviews are positive but not unanimous.

County councillor Norman Rafuse, the lone holdover from the previous town council, said he is convinced it was the right move.

“It’s opened us up to a lot more opportunities, from what I can see,” he said. “There’s a lot more out there we have access to, to grow the town.”

Rafuse pointed to the wide knowledge and expertise available on county staff, and the capability of the larger municipality to handle big projects like the new sewer system under construction.

“We probably could have stayed as a town for another year or two, but it wouldn’t have been a great advantage to us,” he said. “For one thing, we have our sewer system now. If it hadn’t been for dissolution, we would not have had that.”

The $ 12.5- million project came in far over its original budget, a cost overrun the former town never would have been able to handle, according to the councillor, who also pointed out that taxes have gone down in Parrsboro, while tourism is now “growing like crazy.”

One of his former colleagues on town council, Ron Shaw, is not so convinced. He was a dissenting voice throughout the dissolution talks, claiming there was not enough information available to residents.

“I’m still not totally sold on the shift,” he said. “People did not have ample time to have their voices heard.”

He criticized the sewer project, saying the original plan was to take care of the “waterside,” which included Whitehall Road. He understood that part of town was to be done at the same times as Pier Road, and was not aware it would be excluded.

Water rates have also increased faster than expected, according to Shaw, although he is pleased that meters will be installed.

“Water rates were to increase over three years approximately 40 per cent, and this happened within the first year,” he said. “But I am happy with the meters. Maybe there will be less waste when citizens see how much water that is wasted and they will be paying for their waste of such a valuable asset.”

One local organization pleased to be associated with the county is Parrsboro Creative, an initiative aimed at creating a vibrant artist community in Parrsboro.

Their dealings with the county have been positive, according to chair Michael Fuller.

“Parrsboro Creative is very impressed with the level of commitment that has been forthcoming from all departments, as well as the elected members of council,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with them to bring a significant positive economic change to our community and the surrounding area. This creative economy is based on the primary resource we have in spades — a beautiful location and a wonderfully welcoming community.”

Rafuse does not think Parrsboro will be the last of the smaller towns to opt for dissolution.

“I really think there has to be a lot more of this,” he said. “When you get in there and see what all these little governments are costing to run, it’s astronomical.”