According to information provided by Pierson LUD Chair Bill Warren, a community meeting was held on April 8 to discuss the situation. At the meeting, the purpose of the LUD was explained, the benefits and drawbacks of having one discussed, and the process of dissolving one highlighted. A committee was struck and the petition was drawn up and circulated.
Local Urban Districts are unincorporated urban areas that some municipalities create under the Municipal Act that distinguish different service levels between the community and the rural areas. They have committees or councils to deal with some local affairs. The threshold for a LUD is 250 residents.
In Pierson, their population is down to 174. However, as Clark stated, they could be grandfathered in if they wanted.
She said she was not sure exactly why there was a move to dissolve from the community, but added there was a request from a business to change a truck route in Pierson. This highlighted some issues with possible paving expenses on streets if they were worn down. If the trucks damaged them, the LUD would be on the line for the costs. If they were dissolved it would fit within the municipality as a whole.
“I think some felt there would be tax savings overall if it was done by the larger municipality. I feel as though it is primarily due to financial considerations.”
Clark added they could request this action anytime, but doing it now could be due to a proposal at a higher level.
Two Borders is looking to shrink their council from nine councillors to five, as well as a reeve. She said there were many reasons for the changes.
“Part of that is financial,” she explained. “It costs a lot to have nine or ten people on a council and at meetings. That is not to mention other events like conventions. Also, decision making with that many people is difficult. We felt we could manage that change with our committees and it would work.”
Originally, Two Borders had wards that reflected their pre-2015 amalgamation borders of the RMs of Albert, Arthur and Edward, with three councillors per. Now the wards would be shrunk to five, with similar populations and one councillor each.
Clark said they have given first reading to the by-law and are planning a public meeting for October 16. The process started a year ago, and the hope is they can have it all done and approved by the province in time for the election in 2026.
As for the Pierson LUD, Clark said there has not been much discussion of the LUD at the council table as of yet. That will likely change soon.
“We tried not to be in their business, not to step on their toes. I would anticipate there will be some discussion once it comes our way.”
If there are enough numbers on the petition, there will be a decision for the council to make. If they approve of the dissolution concept, it would move on to the province. Clark was not sure how it would work after that, but certainly anticipates if approved at the higher level, there would not be voting for the LUD in 2026 for sure, although the dissolution could happen sooner.
“We’ll have to see how this goes,” Clark stated. “I’m not sure about the timing.”
by PAUL RAYNER
Recorder staff