A group of concerned residents of the Town and County of Antigonish are putting pressure on the two councils to allow a plebiscite vote for the proposed consolidation of the two municipalities and the dissolution of the Town of Antigonish.
The group called “Let Antigonish Decide” feels that the engagements the town and county made with community members only reached 10 percent of the population and allowing a vote on whether or not residents approve or disapprove consolidation is the best way to move forward. “Let Antigonish Decide” Member Sarah Armstrong says if the town and county voted to consolidate and the town dissolves, people affected by this decision would not have a say on the matter, and that its critical for a healthy democracy to have active civic participation in decision making.
Not all organization members are against the idea of consolidation, but they all agree that having a fair vote will provide a chance for all community voices to be heard before a final decision is set in stone. “There’s so much we simply don’t know like what major impacts this new path toward a merger will have on many critical issues, from the make up and structure of a united council: to the funding of fire departments to possible layoffs and severance.” Says concerned town resident Chad Brazier.
The organization has been holding Town Halls to give people an opportunity to talked about their concerns and thoughts about the proposed consolidation and they will be having their next town hall in Antigonish tomorrow night at the St James United Church in Antigonish from 7PM until 9PM. “Its Critically important for all residents to be paying attention right now and get involved, this is not something that can be taken back, once the decision is made there is nothing we can do to step back.” Says Armstrong.
You can learn more about the organization on their Facebook page or their website letantigonishdecide.ca
