It is like deja vu all over again. (It is a long story, but know that CBRM Council has a history of ignoring the public when it comes to making planning decisions.) 

CBRM, and all other municipalities in Nova Scotia, have plans that are meant to, basically, keep like things in like spaces. (Remember "One of these things doesn't belong" from Sesame Street?)

These are called Municpal Planning Strategies (MPSs).

A good MPS will have by-laws and policies that prevent, say, a quarry being built next to a residential area. Or that make sure that people have spaces to walk and ride bicycles. Or that stop EDM raves from vibing in quiet rural properties until a sanctioned 3 AM. (Yes, Richmond County, I am talking to you.)

CBRM has an old MPS. It is 18. But MPS years are kind of like dog years. So, our MPS is getting up there - creaky bones, can’t hear in restaurants anymore, and godddammit wants those teenagers off its lawn.

CBRM Forward is replacing this MPS.  You can read about it, and contribute to it, here. 

But while CBRM is working hard on CBRM Forward, which is partly based on community consultation, as it should be, some of the CBRM Council seem not to be into the whole consulting with the public thing at all.

I, and yes I am lame, decided to watch a bit of the video of the CBRM Council meeting held on May 24th.

I am uniformed about the specific case, so I will just write that a CBRM resident wants CBRM to change its bylaws or policies so that they can operate a business that is currently not allowed under the rules.

When someone asks that a rule like this be changed, the public must be consulted.

Why?

The Municipal Government Act (MGA) of Nova Scotia says so.

Several councillors do not, or speak as if they do not, understand what public consultation is.

How do we know this?

- They ask questions about how long it will take to consult with the public so that this business can get up and running as it wants to, with the new rules. 

- One long-serving councillor suggested that it was “unfortunate” that the public had to be consulted, but understood that it did.

Huh?

The idea is that Council listen to the public. So, the business may not be able to go ahead. Or it may have to change its plan. Or the relevant area might embrace the business idea.

Not to be repetitive, but there is no point in consulting the public if you are just going to do what the business wants you to anyway.

Here is a chart:

CBRM Council, please make sure that you understand the process of publication consultation around planning decisions in Nova Scotia.

It will mean better decisions.

It will more fair decisions. 

It will mean a better environment to do business in. 

Thank you