Antigonish sign; from StFX website
The Town and County of Antigonish have released their What We Heard Report, a summary document from the community engagement sessions that details the key themes and discussions around the exploration of consolidation.
The release of the report comes one year after both councils voted unanimously to explore consolidation. A firm called Brighter Community Planning and Consulting was hired to lead the Town and County through the community engagement process. The process involved 24 sessions both in person and virtually. The purpose of the report was not to measures who was for or against consolidation but to capture the themes of the discussions that took place as part of the community engagement.
According to Municipality of the County of Antigonish Warden Owen McCarron, the engagement sessions were an opportunity to inform the public on why consolidation is being considered and to give people a better understanding of the potential impact’s consolidation may have on community members. There has been some opposition to the consolidation proposal from both residents and decision makers. One of the biggest concerns is possible increased taxes, something that is not expected to occur if consolidation goes ahead.
“Both Municipalities have witnessed the benefits of working together on important initiatives in recent years including economic development, active transportation, physician, retention, and emergency management as well as collaborating on large events and new attractions such as the National Special Olympics and the construction of the Antigonish Skatepark” says Town of Antigonish Mayor Laurie Boucher. “We believe its good to explore this opportunity now to allow us to continue to build a stronger Antigonish for all.”
The report is available for residents to look at online at antigonish.ca and hard copies can also be picked up at the town office or the Peoples Place Library. People are encouraged to view the report and if you would like to voice your opinion on the matter you can submit your feedback via email [email protected], by phone call 1-833-563-2786 or you can drop off a written submission to the town or county office before September 29th at 4PM.
The town and council are expected to make the final decision on consolidation this fall.
