In Nova Scotia, all municipalities are required to review the district boundaries for their councillors once every 8 years, and 2006 is the year for this review to be conducted.  The law states that the review process must include public input and review prior to any changes being made.

Annapolis County is currently divided into 11 districts; with each district having one councillor to represent the interests of the citizens who live within the designated boundaries of that district.

The law requires that each district have substantially the same number of voters contained within its boundaries, so that each councillor represents approximately the same number of residents.  Because new homes are built, old homes may be abandoned, and people move from place to place, this review process must be conducted periodically to insure fair representation.

At our September public meeting, the Fundy Communities Development Association welcomed three of our four current councillors, and spent an interesting evening discussing the best representation for our communities.  Should we continue to be represented as the minor portion of a district for four different councillors?  Would we have more effective representation if the FCDA area was represented by only one or two councillors who spent all of their time and attention on the issues that affect us here?

The county has already developed a new proposed plan for defining the 11 districts, and our representation here on the shore will be changing.  The new plan will be shown and discussed at four public meetings in November – this is your opportunity to see what is being proposed for our communities and to voice your opinion and preferences.

The public meetings will be held as follows:

-         Wednesday, Nov. 1st – Annapolis Royal Fire Hall – 7 pm

-         Thursday, Nov. 2nd  – Bridgetown Legion – 7 pm

-         Monday, Nov. 6th – Nictaux Fire Hall – 7 pm

-         Tuesday, Nov. 7th – Hampton Community Hall – 7 pm

The county states  – “If we do not hear from you, your silence will be accepted as consent.”  Our representation on Council is an important issue that deserves thoughtful consideration from us, because it affects many issues that have direct impact on our quality of life here on the shore.  Don’t be silent – attend a meeting, review the plan, and voice your opinion!