The government of West Hants Regional Municipality is committed to serving its residents through transparent governance, strategic planning, and community-focused initiatives. Here’s an overview of how the municipality operates:
Council Structure
Mayor and Councillors
The municipal government is led by an elected Mayor and 11 Councillors, representing 11 electoral districts. The Deputy Mayor is selected from among the Councillors.
Code of Conduct
Municipal politicians across Nova Scotia must follow a provincially mandated Code of Conduct, which outlines over 40 guidelines across 14 categories, including gifts, benefits, and confidentiality. Developed by a working group formed in January 2022, the policy was adopted by WHRM Council in December 2024. It requires municipalities to retain legal counsel to review complaints and conduct investigations. The policy defines appropriate and inappropriate conduct and outlines a process for investigating incidents and applying sanctions when necessary.
Elections
Municipal elections are held every four years, with the next election scheduled for 2028.
Council Meetings
Public Access
Council meetings are open to the public and provide an opportunity for residents to engage with local governance.
Meeting Records
Agendas, minutes, and meeting packages are available online for transparency and accessibility.
Livestreaming
Meetings are live-streamed on the municipality’s YouTube channel, allowing residents to stay informed from anywhere.
Committees of Council
Councillors participate in various committees which were either created by Council for advisory purposes or are formed by Provincial or private entity in which the Regional Municipality has a significant interest.
Councillors are appointed to committees every 2 years or in accordance with the committee's or organization's by-laws and policies.
Some committees have resident appointments to provide an alternate perspective on the committee or to represent the Regional Municipality and its interests.
pdf 2025 Advisory Committee Appointments(125 KB)
Municipal Planning
West Hants is guided by a comprehensive Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS), which outlines long-term goals for growth, development, and sustainability. Supporting documents include:
- Land Use By-law (LUB): Regulates land use to align with the MPS.
- Subdivision By-law (SUB): Governs the division or consolidation of land parcels.
Budget and Taxation
Operating Budget
The annual budget ensures funding for essential services like infrastructure maintenance, recreation, and public safety.
Tax Rates
Residential and commercial tax rates are reviewed annually. For 2024–25, residential rates decreased slightly across former municipal boundaries.
By-laws and Policies
The municipality enforces various by-laws and policies to maintain order, protect public safety, and promote sustainable development. These include:
- Noise Control By-law
- Property Maintenance Standards
- Land Use Regulations
Residents can access all by-laws and policies through the municipal website.
Engage with Your Government
West Hants encourages active participation from its residents. Whether attending council meetings, joining advisory committees, or providing feedback on municipal initiatives, your voice matters in shaping the future of our community.
