Springhill town council votes to dissolve municipality

Video: Springhill, N.S., the hometown of Canadian singer Anne Murray, turns 125 this year. But as Ross Lord reports, even an attempt to capitalize on its most famous resident couldn’t save the town.

SPRINGHILL, N.S. – Plagued by a declining population and sagging finances, the town council representing one of Nova Scotia’s most historic communities has decided to dissolve the municipality.

The mayor of Springhill says council can’t keep raising taxes to keep the town going.

That’s why the council has decided to dissolve the town, issuing a statement Tuesday saying it is applying to the province’s Utility Review Board to join the nearby municipality of Cumberland County.

Springhill is perhaps best known for its long history of coal mining.

It is also the hometown of singer Anne Murray.

Council says a transition co-ordinator will be appointed and public hearings will be held.

The plan is to officially dissolve Springhill on April 1, 2015.

Province says municipal changes on table as towns struggle

Nova Scotia’s municipal relations minister says the government is open to municipal change, including amalgamation, given the financial challenges facing some towns and communities.

Mark Furey says as many as 12 towns and municipalities are facing financial problems similar to Springhill, where the council voted to dissolve its status as a town and join the nearby municipality of Cumberland County.

Furey says he spent the last five weeks touring the province and has heard from several mayors and councils who are ready to discuss options such as amalgamation.

He says any future changes would be done co-operatively between communities and the province.

Progressive Conservative Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie, whose riding of Cumberland South includes Springhill, says the government should move on its own to push through municipal reform.

He says the province is over-governed at a time when property taxes in towns and municipalities are skyrocketing.