Residents for Bedford Council
The original intent of the Bedford Community Council Association was to petition the Province of Nova Scotia for changes to the Municipal Government Act which would provide communities with a more effective governance model. Prior to our petition being finalized, the Halifax Regional Municipality asked the Province for a Charter. Bill 179, the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, was brought forward in the Spring of 2008. The Association spoke to the three major political parties and voiced our concern relative to the existing governance structure of the Halifax Regional Municipality. These discussions resulted in an inclusion in Bill 179 of "District Councils". Unfortunately, this inclusion was made without consultation with the Halifax Regional Municipality and was also not reflective of what our Association asked for - which was for the Community Councils, which already exist, to be given more financial and decision making capabilities. Because of this inclusion, Bill 179 was not passed during the Spring sitting but was brought forward again in the Fall with the District Councils removed.
When Bill 179 was brought before Law Amendments in the Fall several members of the Association submitted comments and/or spoke at Law Amendments. Unfortunately, Bill 179 passed without any reference to changes to the existing Community Councils.
Our intention is to continue to voice our concerns to the Province and the Halifax Regional Municipality and possibly raise it as an election issue if there is a Provincial Election this year.
It is still our belief that the existing governance structure of HRM is a regressive model in that issues that directly affect community interests are discussed by a large and unwieldy Council representing diverse and competing interests, which thwarts progress, promotes inaction and community discord, and creates a forum where overriding competing interests dominate. Nova Scotia cannot continue along the path where its major municipality is unable to progress effectively. It was for this very reason that HRM was created - to allow for effective governance of the area. In our view, the intention was, and still is, correct; however, the model implemented fell far short of its goal. There is mounting evidence now that HRM is stalled and criticism and discontent within the business and residential communities is increasing rapidly both from a regional and community perspective.
It was believed at the time of creation of HRM that the Community Council model would address many of the issues facing communities. This model has failed to live up to its potential as too much authority and financial control remains vested in Regional Council. The Community Councils have little control over fundamental issues affecting the quality of life and services to the community and must compete with other communities for allocation of financial resources creating a shift and dispersion of wealth. In addition, as seen in Bedford's participation in Northwest Community Council, communities of dissimilar interests are co-joined resulting in discord and competition for resources. This exact issue exists in most areas in HRM.
Although our proposed structure was initially modeled to fit the needs of the community of Bedford, the recommended changes to the MGA are intended to have global application to HRM as a whole. Under these recommendations, Bedford is simply an example of how this model change will benefit all of HRM. Locally and regionally, the revised model creates responsible governance in all communities within HRM, while preserving regional considerations within the present Regional Council structure.
DID YOU KNOW?
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The Bedford Community Council Association has issued numerous Press Releases and Letters to the Editor. However, very little press is given to this issue, although it is one of extreme concern to thousands of Halifax Regional Municipality Residents! Why?
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HRM has experienced dramatic increases in crime…Can this be attributable to loss of community identity? If you are in a cohesive neighbourhood or community, where the residents are engaged and active, will crime rates decrease given the criminal element are more closely watched and ‘opportunity’ is removed?
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Prior to amalgamation Bedford had one of the finest Fire Departments in Nova Scotia, with equipment bought and paid for through the efforts of a vibrant volunteer group and contributions of Bedford taxpayers and donors. After amalgamation, HRM removed some of the equipment from Bedford and disbursed it throughout the Municipality. As well, we have less firefighters stationed in Bedford but our population has more than doubled!
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There are numerous organizations within HRM that have originated from concerns about the way the Municipality is functioning (Bedford Community Council Association, Citizens for Halifax, Build-it-Right, etc.), yet the Province doesn't perceive the concerns being expressed by the Bedford Community Council Association as being widespread or more than a Bedford issue!
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Q - What are District Councils?
A - District Councils are a misnomer! Unfortunately, what was asked of the Province by the Bedford Community Council Association appears to have been misconstrued. We asked for Community Councils, which already exist, to
have more financial and decision-making capabilities. We also asked for
Community Councils to be allowed to have only one District (ie. District
21 - Bedford) rather than the three or more required now - IF the population, assessment base, and other criteria are
met!
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Q - Would the changes suggested to Community Councils result in additional elected officials?
A - Possibly. However, certainly not 100 or more and certainly not all
elected officials would be sitting at one table! There are presently six
Community Councils consisting of three to six Districts each. We envison only a few communities would be able to
have their own Community Council based on the criteria that would be
required. We also envison that the number of Regional Councillors could be
reduced, thus offsetting some of the Community Councillors elected.
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Q - Would issues have to be dealt with twice, ie. another level of government?
A - At present, most issues before Community Councils must be ratified at Regional Council. Thus, dealing with issues twice. In our scenario,
Community Councils would be mandated with the ability to deal with
community-centric issues so that Regional Council can deal with Regional issues, thus streamlining the process.
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Q. Is the existing governance structure of the Halifax Regional Municipality democratic?
A. No! At present, you are only able to vote for the Mayor and your
District Councillor. However, the entire Regional Council makes the
decisions. Even if your Councillor votes the way you want them to, the
remaining Councillors can out vote them. You have no recourse at the polls
to deal with the issue. What is democratic about that?
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Q - How can I help or get involved?
A - You can speak up! Talk to your local Councillor and MLA. As well, if you are a Bedford resident, you can sign the petition and pay your $5.00 membership if you have not done so already. We are also always looking for help in obtaining signatures/memberships, getting the word out, etc. Please contact us if you would like to help out, have suggestions/comments, or questions you would like answered.
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Q - If I signed the old electronic or paper petition do I need to sign again?
A - If you signed the paper petition you do not need to sign again. Unfortunately, however, if you signed the earlier electronic petition you will need to sign again as additional information is required for an on-line petition to be accepted.
