In 2016, the Nova Scotia ombudsman advised CBRM that they should create a public participation policy (PPP) as required by the Municipal Government ACT. 

Why?

The sale of Archibald’s Wharf left a community feeling blindsided and outraged at the lack of consultation around the plan. 

But CBRM did not create a serious PPP.

This is CBRM’s response to the Nova Scotia Ombudsman, basically stating that they will just write down what they are already doing:

As a comparison, this is the goal of comprehensive engagement that the Halifax Regional Municipality undertook when revamping their PPP in 2018:

Perhaps if the CBRM mayor and the majority of council had heeded the advice of the Nova Scotia ombudsman in 2016, they could have avoided a dismal parade of failures to properly consult with us on several key issues. 

The photos below point to some of the decisions made in CBRM where proper consultation could have had a logical, positive impact. 

Let’s ask our candidates about consultation.