Pictou County files conditional amalgamation application

The towns of Pictou, New Glasgow, Stellarton and the County of Pictou have filed a conditional application to amalgamate with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

The move follows yearsofdiscussion amongresidents and officials around a slowinglocal economy.

"There's many reasons for doing it,"said Pictou CountyWarden RonBaillie.

"One is the fact that it would brighten the future of Pictou County.It will make us more efficient, it will make more of a one-stop shopping where any business wanting to come to the area can make one phone call and get the answers they needed and hopefully set up business here."

Baillie said financial problems are not a motivation behindthe application. Instead, he says amalgamation is just "the way of the future."

The application hasconditions:

• tax rates and service levels cannot be adversely affected
• any outstanding debt owed by a municipality would be covered by area rates

"We're still gathering data, and we need to have that data before we can actually say to the residents, 'OK, this is what it's going to cost you. Are you in favour of it or not?'" Baillie said.

Even thoughBailliesays he's confident the conditions can be met,the issue would be put to plebiscite.If the application is approved, the number of councillors in the area would go from 31 to 10.

The town councils of Westville and Trenton have rejected the amalgamation proposal.

Baillie says the business community and the Chamber of Commerce have voiced their support.

"The Michelins and the Sobeys of the world are saying this is the right thing to do."

Today, theConvergysCall Centre in New Glasgow closed its doors.