Raymond calls for municipal government act review in wake of Williams Lake decision

Tuesday January 11, 2005

Halifax – NDP Halifax Atlantic MLA and NDP Municipal Affairs critic, Michele Raymond, is calling on the Hamm government to undertake a complete review of the Municipal Government Act, as well as a Class II environmental assessment of the Governor’s Brook subdivision area at Williams Lake.

“The history of the Governor’s Brook development proposal is only one of too many examples where the current legislation is failing the residents of this province,� says Raymond. “It’s been five years since the Act was passed.�

“It’s time the Act was reviewed and brought into line with the new challenges being presented by rapid urban development.�

“People are calling me from all over the HRM about the loss of Williams Lake. This affects the quality of life for people beyond the immediate neighbourhood. The whole process and the issue of protecting natural and historical assets all across the province are at stake.�

The Municipal Government Act was enacted in 1998, replacing a previous Planning Act, which for example required regular review of municipal plans. With this requirement missing in the current Act, Raymond notes that proposals like the one for Williams Lake originally put forward in 1987, can be accepted without revision and review.

“Every square inch of this province is included in a municipality,� says Raymond. “Let’s clarify the rules.�

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