Municipal Government Act Engagement and Consultation
The Government of Prince Edward Island is launching public engagement and consultation of the Municipal Government Act and Regulations in February 2025. This important initiative aims to refine the Act, ensuring it supports effective local governance and provision of local services.
Municipalities are created to provide local services including police services, sewer and water utilities, fire services, recreation facilities and programming, playgrounds, and emergency planning.
Whether you're a municipal leader, municipal staff, a stakeholder, or a resident, your input is essential to shaping the future of municipal governance in Prince Edward Island.
What is the Municipal Government Act?
The Municipal Government Act is the primary legislation that governs how municipalities operate in Prince Edward Island. Enacted in 2017, the Act provides a clear framework for the creation, administration, and governance of municipalities across the province.
Purpose
- Legal Framework: To provide a legal framework and foundation for municipalities' continuation, establishment, restructuring, and dissolution.
- Council Authority: Grants councils the flexibility to address municipal needs and adapt to changes.
- Accountability: Ensures councils are accountable to their communities and the provincial government.
Key Areas
- Municipal Establishment & Restructuring: Criteria for municipalities (city, town, rural), naming conventions, and service requirements.
- Elections: Regulations for qualifications of electors and candidates, election procedures, campaign financing and handling vacancies.
- Council Operations: Specifies council roles, governance structure, code of conduct, and decision-making processes.
- Municipal Services: Requires essential services like fire protection and emergency planning, with flexibility for land use planning and other community needs.
- Financial Administration: Sets budget guidelines, revenue generation, debt management, and audit requirements.
- Jurisdiction & Bylaws: Outlines municipal powers to pass and enforce bylaws within their jurisdiction.
Specific Provisions:
- New municipalities must comply with population and property assessment thresholds for city or town classification.
- The Minister has oversight over restructuring processes.
- Municipal councils are required to engage the public in transparent decision-making processes.
Why is the Municipal Government Act important?
The Municipal Government Act ensures that municipalities operate effectively, transparently, and in alignment with the needs of their communities. It balances local autonomy with provincial oversight to promote sustainable growth, responsible governance, and equitable local service delivery across all Island municipalities.
Why Review the Municipal Government Act?
The Municipal Government Act is the cornerstone of municipal governance in Prince Edward Island. Public engagement and consultation on the Act ensures it remains:
- Responsive to the needs of Island communities for local services.
- A strong framework for governance, growth, and sustainability.
- Aligned with the current and future needs of local government.
How to Get Involved
We've created multiple opportunities for Islanders to share their feedback and contribute to the review process:
- Municipal Interviews: Each municipality can participate in one-on-one interviews to share their experiences, insights, and priorities.
- Public Survey: A province-wide survey will be launched to collect input from Islanders on key aspects of municipal governance. Take the survey here.
- Stakeholder Engagement: We will engage directly with key stakeholders to gather specialized input on specific areas of the Act.
- Written Submissions: We welcome written submissions from municipalities, organizations, and individuals. Share your thoughts in detail to help shape the review by emailing MGAreview@gov.pe.ca or by calling toll-free 1-877-569-7619. Written submissions will be accepted until May 15, 2025.
- Public Open Houses: Join us in person to discuss the Municipal Government Act and share your input. Open house sessions will take place:
Souris: February 20, 2025 Souris High School (15 Longworth St.) 6:00–8:00 PM
Charlottetown: February 25, 2025 Murchison Centre (17 St. Pius X Ave) 6:00–8:00 PM
O'Leary: February 26, 2025 O'Leary Legion Branch #2 (69 Ellis Ave) 6:00–8:00 PM
Montague: February 27, 2025 Montague High School (274 Valleyfield Rd.) 6:00–8:00 PM
Summerside: March 6, 2025 Credit Union Place (511 Notre Dame St.) 6:00–8:00 PM