New Municipal Government Act takes effect

The historic Municipal Government Act marks a new era for local governments in Prince Edward Island.

When it comes into effect this Saturday, December 23, the act will help Prince Edward Island’s cities, towns, and rural municipalities better serve their residents. It establishes consistent rules and procedures for municipalities while providing them greater authority, flexibility, and discretion.

“The new Municipal Government Act is a modern approach to local governance,” Communities, Land and Environment Minister Robert Mitchell said. “The act will raise the standards of services municipalities provide their residents, and it will result in more transparent and accountable governments.”

This new act replaces the former Municipalities Act, Charlottetown Area Municipalities Act, and City of Summerside Act. Key areas of change relate to:

• new structure and service requirements;
• how elections are held;
• council composition and conduct;
• administrative expectations;
• accessing municipal information and privacy protection;
• areas of municipal jurisdiction;
• powers of the minister responsible; and
• financial matters.

“It has been great to see the amount of collaboration between municipal government leaders, members of the public, and government throughout the development of this act,” said Federation of PEI Municipalities President Bruce MacDougall. “The proclamation is another important step toward the vision for sustainable and viable municipalities.”
 
Media contact:
Samantha Hughes
shughes@gov.pe.ca