The purpose of the Amalgamation Steering Committee is for the Municipality of Shelburne, Town of Shelburne and Town of Lockeport to explore feasibility, implications, opportunities, and challenges of municipal amalgamation. All meetings are open to the public for observation and residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed.
All meetings will be held 6:00pm on first Wednesday of the month at the Municipal Administration Office, 414 Woodlawn Drive, Shelburne. Due to Canada Day being on the first Wednesday of July, the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. As requested by residents, this meeting will be held in Lockeport. Location details to follow.
If you would like to observe the meeting online, please email nicole.blades@municipalityofshelburne.ca to request the meeting link.
Inquiries
Have an inquiry? Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions or contact the the Chair at amalgamationchair@temp.g23.ca
Committee Members
The Amalgamation Steering Committee is made up of the following appointed Council representatives:
Municipality of Shelburne
Deputy Chair, Warden Penny Smith
Deputy Warden Heidi Wagner
Alternate: Councillor Dale Richardson
Staff Support: Warren MacLeod, CAO
Town of Shelburne
Mayor Stan Jacklin
Councillor Therese Cruz
Staff Support – Sarah Mattatall, CAO
Town of Lockeport
Chair, Mayor Derek Amalfa
Deputy Mayor Craig Hillen
Staff Support – June Harding, Clerk
Staff support positions do NOT have voting power. The alternate Councillor appointment is ONLY able to vote if an appointed Councillor is NOT present.
Committee Terms of Reference outlines the Committee roles, responsibilities and structure of the Committee.
Meeting Minutes
*Please note, meeting minutes are uploaded only after receiving approval from the Committee.
Other Information
The Committee received a letter from the Minister of Municipal Affairs on June 2, 2026 stating the Municipal units would need to initiate the process and determine whether they are prepared to proceed with an application to the the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board (NSRAB) before the province would consider any funding. This letter can be viewed here. In response, the Committee has submitted a letter to the NSRAB seeking clarification regarding the studies and analyses that would likely be required should the three municipalities submit an application and can be viewed here.
At the March 4, 2026 Committee meeting, a discussion was held regarding the importance of provincial funding and it was agreed that a letter be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs requesting a commitment of funding for the full cost of all studies and related requirements necessary to evaluate and complete a potential municipal amalgamation between the three units. A copy of letter can be viewed here. A response letter was received from the Minister of Municipal Affairs on April 8, 2026 and can be viewed here. On June 2, 2026 the Minister of Municipal Affairs provided a follow-up letter and can viewed here.
The committee is at a very early, exploratory stage and is focused on ensuring that any discussions are informed, collaborative, and grounded in evidence. We believe it is important to include our local MLA and the Province early in this process, particularly given the policy, governance, and financial considerations involved. A copy of the letter sent to MLA Nolan Young on February 5, 2026 can be viewed here.
On February 3, 2026 the Councils of all three units had an amalgamation workshop with Kevin Latimer. Kevin is the former Managing Partner of Cox & Palmer, Halifax (2012-2018) and was appointed by the Province of Nova Scotia to act as Transition Coordinator for the Windsor / West Hants municipal consolidation project (2018-2020). The workshop summary can be viewed here.