HRM will have sixteen (16) NEW Districts for the 2012 Municipal Election.
Why did HRM change the number of Districts and District Boundaries?
Every eight (8) years all municipalities in the province are required by law to do a review of Electoral Districts and the number of Councillors in the municipality. The Boundary Review ensures that Districts take into account population changes over time and also looks at different approaches to municipal government.
Who makes the decision about the number of Districts and the District Boundaries?
HRM makes an application to the Provincial Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB). The Board holds public meetings and makes the FINAL decision BOTH on the number of Districts in HRM (and therefore Councillors) and where the District Boundaries will be.
– July 2011 – NSUARB determined that there would be sixteen (16) Districts and District Councillors in HRM.
– December 2011 – NSUARB provided direction to HRM on where the District Boundaries were to be drawn.
– January 2012 – NSUARB issued their final order laying down the boundaries, district name and number of the 16 NEW Districts in HRM.
Is the NSUARB decision final or can changes be made now?
The decision of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) is final – just like an order from the Court. No changes can be made for another eight (8) years unless the Board makes them.
When do the new Districts become effective?
The Municipal and School Board Election in October 2012 will be conducted based on the NEW Districts and boundaries. Candidates will be running in the NEW Districts, not the old ones. Eligible voters in HRM will be voting for candidates in their NEW Districts.
The NEW Districts come into effect right after the Election in October 2012. Nothing changes until then.
How do I know what my NEW DISTRICT IS?
You can find out online at: www.halfax.ca. Click on the button on the right side of the screen that says “HRM’s NEW District Boundaries”. Enter your address into the Polling District 2012 Finder and a map will come up showing you your NEW DISTRICT.
For detailed maps of more information, visit: halifax.ca/BoundaryReview or call 490-4000.
Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/hrms-new-districts-and-district-boundaries
