It gives municipalities a good idea of what properties in their area are worth so they can better plan for the 1997-98 fiscal year. Municipalities use assessments to ensure property owners pay their fair share of the property tax burden. Municipal Legislation to be Revamped Municipal legislation could soon get a lot simpler. An extensive review of most of the legislation affecting municipalities in Nova Scotia which began last year, is now in the second stage. The Municipal Legislation Review Committee submitted its report to Housing and Municipal Affairs and copies will be widely distributed in early July.
Comment is anticipated from municipalities and others who deal with municipal legislation.
The committee is proposing combining some 13 current acts into one Municipal Government Act. Municipal Legislation is scattered in a variety of statues. The powers of the three regional municipalities are in their respective statutes. Most of the law governing towns is in the Towns Act and that of rural municipalities is in the Municipal Act. Boundaries are set under the Municipal Boundaries and Representation Act.