Council 101

What is Council?

In New Glasgow, residents elect a Mayor and six Councillors every four years to represent the community and make decisions on behalf of the municipality.

Council is responsible for setting the overall direction of the Town, establishing policies and bylaws, approving budgets, and helping guide long term priorities for the community.

Municipal government is often referred to as the level of government closest to the people because many of the decisions made by Council directly affect daily life in the community.

 

How is New Glasgow represented?

The Town of New Glasgow is divided into three wards:

• Ward One
• Ward Two
• Ward Three

Each ward is represented by two Councillors, for a total of six Councillors on Town Council, along with the Mayor. Residents vote for the Councillors representing their ward during municipal elections, which are held every four years.

 

Who represents each ward?

 

What is the role of the Mayor?

The Mayor serves as the head of Council and helps provide leadership for the municipality. The Mayor chairs Council meetings, represents the Town at official functions and events, and works alongside Council and staff on municipal priorities.

The current Mayor of New Glasgow is Mayor Nancy Dicks.

 

What is the role of the Deputy Mayor?

The Deputy Mayor is a member of Council selected to support the Mayor and serve in the Mayor’s place when needed.

Responsibilities of the Deputy Mayor may include:

• Chairing Council meetings when the Mayor is unavailable
• Representing the Town at events and functions
• Supporting leadership and communication within Council

The current Deputy Mayor for the Town of New Glasgow is Councillor Dawn Peters.

 

What do Councillors do?

Councillors represent the residents of their ward and help make decisions that benefit the community as a whole. They attend meetings, review reports and recommendations, discuss community issues, and vote on municipal matters.

Residents are encouraged to contact their Councillor to ask questions, share concerns, or provide feedback.

 

Do Councillors only represent their ward?

While Councillors are elected by residents within their ward, all members of Council are responsible for making decisions that support the overall wellbeing of the entire community.

Council works together to consider the needs and priorities of New Glasgow as a whole.

 

What does Council do?

Council responsibilities include:

• Approving annual operating and capital budgets
• Setting property tax rates
• Approving bylaws and policies
• Supporting long term planning and community development
• Listening to resident concerns and feedback
• Attending Council and committee meetings
• Supporting public engagement opportunities
• Making decisions about municipal services and infrastructure

 

What can Council NOT do?

There are important limits to the authority of Council and individual elected officials.

Council cannot:

• Change provincial or federal laws
• Direct Town staff individually
• Approve projects or spending without a formal Council decision
• Waive taxes or fees without proper legal authority
• Prioritize services outside approved procedures unless there is an emergency
• Promise funding, projects, or services without Council approval
• Use their position for personal benefit

Council decisions must follow legislation, municipal policies, budgets, and established procedures.

 

How are decisions made?

Many municipal decisions follow a process that includes:

• Identifying an issue or opportunity
• Staff research and recommendations
• Council discussion and debate
• Public engagement or public hearings when required
• A formal vote by Council

Some decisions may take time due to budgeting, engineering reviews, provincial regulations, procurement requirements, or public consultation.

 

What happens after Council makes a decision?

Once Council makes a decision, Town staff are responsible for carrying out the direction. This may include preparing documents, coordinating projects, communicating updates, applying for funding, issuing tenders, or completing work within approved budgets and policies.

 

What ward do I live in?

Wards help ensure residents across the community have local representation on Council. Each resident belongs to one of New Glasgow’s three wards and is represented by two Councillors.

 

Residents can use the Ward Map, if they are unsure which ward they live in.