The Region of Queens is holding an information session for prospective candidates in October’s municipal election. (Elections Nova Scotia Facebook)
The Region of Queens is planning an information session for anyone thinking of running for mayor or council in this fall’s municipal election.
The session is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Queens Place Emera Centre.
It will explain the process from now until after the election, including the nomination process, candidate requirements, electoral boundaries, position requirements (including time requirements and expectations for council members as well as compensation). Municipal officials will also answer questions.
To reserve a spot, call Angela Green, the region’s deputy returning officer, at 902-354-3453 or by email at agreen@regionofqueens.com .
Region of Queens Mayor Darlene Norman will not be seeking another term in the October municipal election. (Rick Conrad)
Darlene Norman has made it official, announcing she won’t seek re-election as mayor of the Region of Queens.
“I have decided not to reoffer simply because these last four years have made me realize that it was one thing to be a councillor, it’s another thing to be the mayor,” she said in an interview Wednesday.
“When you are a councillor and you vote in a certain way at a meeting and the vote didn’t go your way, then it’s over and done. When you are the mayor and you vote at a council meeting for something that you feel is very important and you lose the vote, … as the mayor you still have to speak on behalf of council for the vote. And I am the type of personality that finds it very difficult to speak favorably about an issue that I think is so wrong.”
Norman’s decision to serve one term as mayor caps a 20-year career in municipal politics, which began in 2000 when she was elected councillor in District 1, which covers the area of Hunts Point, White Point, Port Mouton and Port Joli.
She served as councillor for the area until 2016 when she was defeated by current councillor Kevin Muise.
In 2020, she decided to run for mayor, beating incumbent David Dagley and two other challengers – Susan MacLeod and Brian Fralic.
Norman said she enjoyed her time as mayor.
“I really liked being the mayor, I liked helping people, I liked meeting people. But I just have a very difficult time when I have to as mayor speak on behalf of council and it’s a decision of which I disagreed. Other than that, being the mayor was wonderful.”
In a Facebook post on Tuesday announcing her decision, she said council has achieved many good things over the past four years. But she said there were other things she regrets.
One of those was not building a new library. The Thomas H. Raddall Library has to leave its leased premises in downtown Liverpool by the end of December. After many stops and starts, council couldn’t agree on a new permanent location, so they decided to put it, at least temporarily, in the Liverpool Business Development Centre on White Point Road.
“We could have built a lovely library, it would have been open by now. For one reason or another, things went sideways. Council couldn’t agree on a location.”
Another frustration for Norman over the past four years is the concentration of municipal resources in the Liverpool, Brooklyn and Milton areas. She says council needs to find a way to improve services in other areas of Queens County, such as north Queens and areas outside the so-called urban core of Liverpool.
“Our biggest assessment areas are in rural Queens. … I look around at north Queens, east and west, people are paying incredible tax dollars in those parts of the county, despite people in the town of Liverpool who think they’re paying the biggest tax dollars. I’m just finding it really difficult with the Region of Queens and trying to find a balance with specnding in rural as well as central.”
She said building new accessible washroom and change room facilities at Beach Meadows Beach was council’s way to try to spread some municipal dollars outside the Liverpool-Brooklyn-Milton core.
“Those are good things, those are really positive things for Queens. … There have been so many more benefits than disappointments.”
And even though the region still struggles with staffing shortages, she said she’s very proud of what municipal employees have been able to accomplish. She said the region has only two building inspectors and one planner, at a time when development is on the rise. And she said their bylaw enforcement division is also understaffed, while complaints increase.
“People are so quick to criticize the staff of the Region of Queens and I really wish that perhaps people like that could be the mayor for a week or a month and actually sit in my chair and get a good understanding of how much work they do, because our staff work hard.”
Norman said another reason she won’t be reoffering in October’s municipal election is the abuse she said she’s received on social media.
“The cruel, the unkind, the unjust things that are said. And all people have to do is pick up a phone and they’ll know that all those rumours aren’t true. I tend to bite my tongue and … almost cut off my fingers not to write back some things on some posts that I’ve read. But it’s just not what I was prepared for.
“And I just don’t want it anymore. I’m a really good sleeper and when I don’t sleep at night because of stuff at council or things going on, I have too many people my age dropping dead and I want to do positive things that have positive results and are not attached with any negativism.”
She says she’s not sure what she’ll do after October. But it will include spending more time with her young grandson in Shelburne. And she plans to volunteer in her community of Port Medway and work on some of her art projects.
“I’ll find something to do. … I’m interested in helping my community of Port Medway. … I’m artistic, I might just discover who I am again. But I want to get out and do something that I want to do that doesn’t have the stressors that being the mayor does.”
Regardless of some of that stress, she says she’s grateful for the opportunity to be mayor of the Region of Queens for the past four years.
“I’d just like to thank the people of Queens for poviding me this wonderful privilege to represent Queens County,” she says. “And it is a privilege. We are a wonderful county, we have some of the best people in the world. And we are very attractive to people around the world who want to live here. So let’s welcome newcomers, regardless of what country or what culture they are. Diversity is wonderful for us. It makes us stronger. Thanks to the people of Queens.
“And I’m here for a couple of more months if there’s anything anybody needs any help with.”
The municipal election is set for Oct. 19. Former teacher Terry Doucette and business consultant Scott Christian have already announced their campaigns for mayor. People have until Sept. 10 to file their nomination papers.
For the first time, voters in Queens will be able to make their choices by traditional ballot or by phone or online.
Liverpool resident Terry Doucette declared his bid on Tuesday for mayor of the Region of Queens. (Rick Conrad)
A former teacher wants to be the next mayor of the Region of Queens.
Terry Doucette retired in 2015 after 37 years as a teacher and school and school board administrator. He declared his intention at a council meeting on Tuesday during the public comments portion.
In an interview afterward, Doucette, who lives in Liverpool, said he’s running because he wants to see a number of concerns and priorities addressed in the next four years.
He said some of those are housing, senior care and the environment.
“In addition to that, we have a new mill being proposed through the province of Nova Scotia. And I’m excited about the potential for that. That will create the need for environmental sensitivity as well as labour-related benefits for our community. I watched Bowater Mersey over my time. … I know people who worked there with good wages. And I think if it comes this way … if they can assure us it’s going to be an environmental plus, I think the community would support that.
“And I realize that housing is the No. 1 concern for our residents. Seniors, young people, the demand for more apartments, the increase in rents has created a crisis.”
So far, the only other person running for mayor is Scott Christian. He announced in November that he was vying for the top elected spot in Queens County.
Christian is a business consultant who is also the former chairman of the Queens Daycare Association.
Another candidate had declared his intention to run, but has since thrown his support behind Christian. James Grant, a former business owner from Milton, said he would drop out of the race if somebody else ran that he could support.
Queens Mayor Darlene Norman has not said whether she will seek re-election.
For his part, Doucette said Tuesday that there wasn’t one single issue that made him decide to run. And he declined to assess the job of the current council.
“I know there are always dissensions when people are in the position to govern locally or provincially or federally. As a mature person, I believe in communication, I believe in moderation, I believe in conflict resolution. I have a lot of leadership skills from my past. People have to come together and share their views and this is a place on the council to share those views. At the end of the day, we’re all here and running for the same reasons, which is to respect what the people want.”
In his time as an educator, Doucette says he’s lived and worked all over Queens County. He’s also volunteered with the board of Queens Manor and run a property management company.
“I’m not running against anybody, I’m running for something,” he said. “I’m running for the people in North Queens, I’m running for the people in South Queens, I’m running because I’ve been into all the communities. I’ve worked with the people, people know me and I’m asking for a chance and some support.”
There’s still lots of time for others to join the race for mayor and the rest of council. The election is on Oct. 19, with the second Tuesday in September, or Sept. 10, set for candidates to file their nomination papers.
This year, for the first time, people will be able to vote in person, online or by phone.
Queens County voters may get an electronic voting option in October. (Elections Nova Scotia Facebook)
Queens County voters are getting closer to having the option to vote online or by phone in this October’s municipal election.
Councillors asked CAO Cody Joudry in January to prepare a report on the feasibility and costs of introducing electronic voting to Queens, while keeping the traditional paper ballot.
Twenty of 49 Nova Scotia municipalities offered an electronic voting option in 2020. Elections Nova Scotia used electronic ballots in the July byelection in Preston. And it plans to allow e-voting in the 2025 provincial election.
Joudry says in a report to council this week that more than 40 municipalities are expected to offer electronic voting as an option this year.
Joudry recommends that councillors vote to keep the traditional paper ballot, while also introducing online and telephone voting. Joudry estimates that adding an e-ballot option would cost an extra $20,000, for a total of $70,000.
Joudry also recommended that Ian Kent be appointed the new returning officer for the municipal election. Kent was recently hired by Elections Nova Scotia to replace Ted Bulley as the provincial returning officer for Queens, after Bulley’s retirement. The province’s returning officer has traditionally performed the same role in municipal elections.
Scott Christian announces candidacy for Region of Queens Mayor. Photo: Scott Christian for Mayor of RQM Facebook page
Scott Christian is first to announce his intention to run for Mayor of Queens in the 2024 municipal election.
The former Chair of the Queens Daycare Association made the announcement in a video released on social media Friday.
During the two and a half minute long video Christian raised concerns about the high levels of poverty, lack of affordable and seniors housing, and under-realized economic development in Queens.
He calls for the municipality to work with the province, grassroots and non-profit organizations, as well as local businesses to address those concerns.
Christian says he intends to change the culture around the council table.
“But the reality is that the current mayor and council have held us back because they’ve failed to work together as a team, and they have no plan in place for the future,” says Christian. “So, what I propose is this, that in our next council defines and commits to a common vision for the future of Queen County, develops a plan to get us there, and supports our administration to follow through on that plan. We make thoughtful, affordable, strategic investments in our community.”
Christian spent several years as the Chair of the Queens Daycare Association before it was recently placed under the care of the YMCA.
He is a business consultant and launched the Work Evolved co-working space in Liverpool.
Christian says Queens has many attributes and much to be proud of including the Universally Designed Play Park and the new long-term care home under construction around Queens Place.
In his video, Christian says Queens Place is still reeling from the loss of their junior hockey team and the canteen has been unable to find a way to stay open. He also criticizes council for not moving fast enough to get a new swimming pool in South Queens.
“There’s clear desire for change within the Region of Queens Municipality and I would be honoured to lead that change,” says Christian. “We can and will do better together.”
At this point neither Mayor Darlene Norman nor Deputy Mayor Jack Fancy have publicly announced if they will run for the position.
There is still plenty of time for candidates to announce as the next municipal election is scheduled for October 2024.
To hear the broadcast version of this story click play below.
Newly elected mayor of Queens, Darlene Norman. Photo Credit: Darlene Norman
The Region of Queens new mayor plans to hit the ground running.
Darlene Norman won the top job in the county by over 200 votes in Saturday’s municipal election against her nearest rival, Susan MacLeod.
Norman says she realizes there’s a lot of people in the county she doesn’t know and plans to get to work right away to remedy that.
“My first goal is to knock on almost every door I can in this county and look them in the eye and say, I’m Darlene Norman. I am your new mayor. Here is my card. If you ever have a question, please contact me,” said Norman.
During her campaign, Norman was critical of infighting between current councilors and staff.
She intends to change the tone and foster cooperation amongst council members, regional staff and the community
“I do believe that there were some members, perhaps unwittingly, that paired up together and you can’t do that as a council,” said Norman. “As a council everybody needs to work as one and been seen as one working unit.”
Norman was complimentary of some of the work the outgoing council has done, particularly in expanding high-speed internet coverage, and collecting on a large amount of unpaid taxes to put the municipality on stronger economic footing.
Norman defeated outgoing mayor David Dagley by close to 500 votes, a margin which, seemed to signify the desire for change on council.
Only two sitting councillors will return to their seats: Kevin Muise will continue to represent district one and Jack Fancy will remain the councillor for district five.
Sitting councillors Brian Fralic and Susan MacLeod gave up their seats in districts three and four, respectively, to challenge David Dagley for mayor.
Replacing Fralic will be Maddie Charlton and Vicki Amirault takes McLeod’s seat.
Another pair of councillors lost their bid for re-election. Heather Kelly is turning over district two to Ralph Gidney while district seven will see Gil Johnson bow out to Carl Hawkes.
New councillor David Brown won District six over Jason Croft after Raymond Fiske decided not to reoffer.
Norman says she plans to speak with each of the new councillors ahead of their first session to hear their priorities.
“I do not have a set agenda. I simply want to hear what fellow council has to say and what they think,” said Norman. “And to understand what the people think, where they want to go.”
Norman will be meeting with Mayor David Dagley, CAO Chris McNeill and Director of Finance Jennifer Keating-Hubley* over the next week to get the lay of the land and to select a day for the new council to be sworn-in.
Four candidates for Queens mayor participate in a debate at the Astor Theatre, Liverpool. Photo Credit: Ed Halverson
Candidates vying for to be mayor in the Region of Queens gathered on stage at the Astor Theatre Sunday attempting to woo voters to cast a ballot for them in the upcoming municipal election.
David Dagley, Brian Fralic, Susan MacLeod and Darlene Norman responded to eight questions put forward by the South Queens Chamber of Commerce, who organized the event.
After taking a couple of minutes to introduce themselves, the candidates took turns answering questions on topics ranging from their stance on open pen fish farming and gaining the confidence of the business community, to how to provide more opportunities for physical activity and arts and culture and what they see is council’s role in protecting the natural environment.
All candidates expressed some level of concern about open pen fish farming. David Dagley pointed to his 45 years in fish conservation before saying he would support fish farms only in a bay that flushes appropriately. But as mayor he has no opinion.
“Municipal governments work closely with the province to receive grants,” said Dagley. “Making waves when it will have zero impact on the review process is counter-productive and may ultimately result in a financial cost to local taxpayers.”
Both Brian Fralic and Darlene Norman expressed their opposition to open pen fish farms while Susan MacLeod says she is not against open pen farms that are suited to an area and monitored by the province. She understands the industry has experienced growing pains but opposes any expansion or new sites in Liverpool Bay.
When asked how to increase the business community’s confidence in the region Brian Fralic committed to adding resources to the region’s economic development effort if it is supported by council.
“The branding project, the internet project for the county, waterfront development and flood mitigation have stretched the resources in that department,” said Fralic. “Additional resources in economic development will put a focus on business opportunities to all four corners of Queens County.”
Darlene Norman said if there was communication between municipal staff and the business community they would know where the challenges lie.
Susan MacLeod agreed better dialogue is needed and the region should also look at reducing red tape.
While David Dagley said the region’s economic development officer regularly attends chamber of commerce meetings. He also pointed to work council has done to promote the region in Ontario, which has led to an uptick in visitors and in people moving to the area.
All candidates were supportive of efforts to use the regional facilities to provide opportunities for Queens residents to be more physically active and enjoy better access to arts and culture.
Darlene Norman wants to see a staff member hired through council who would help with operations at the Astor Theatre.
Susan MacLeod would like for the region, Queens Place and Astor Theatre to work more closely together.
David Dagley wants local communities to feel more empowered to expand their recreation offerings.
And Brian Fralic encouraged everyone to make use of the trails and facilities while calling arts and culture the keystone of Queens.
Candidates were also asked what they see as council’s role in enhancing and protecting the region’s natural assets. All four used Carter’s Beach as an example.
Susan MacLeod said the secret is out and both the province and municipal government should accept that visitors want to come to Carter’s Beach.
“So rather than shut it out for everyone, let’s take the attitude: if you can’t hide it, highlight it. Work together to make this a welcoming spot. Put in an access road away from the residential area and provide safe parking and walkways to the beach,” said MacLeod.
David Dagley noted the beach and road are provincial property and council has been in contact with the minister responsible on this issue for many years and are waiting on his decision on Carter’s.
Both Darlene Norman and Brian Fralic expressed their frustration that the municipality has so little control over the beach.
Candidates then had to let voters know what they would do to build a strong, cohesive government team that effectively represents the regions in the county.
Darlene Norman recounted an exchange with someone on their doorstep who pointed out it’s a bad sign when three members of council are running for mayor. Norman had strong words for the three candidates.
“I was part of a council that, we were not all best friends, but we all worked together and we got along together. I have watched and observed the present council as they snicker at each other, as they raise their eyebrows and as they butt into the mayor’s speech. That is not good governance,” said Norman.
David Dagley said seven councilors should easily be able to represent their constituents and talked about how council meetings were rotated through different communities prior to COVID-19 to bring the governance to the people.
Brian Fralic said many of the issues in the region can be traced back to poor communication on the part of the region, something he will work to improve by creating open dialogue within council, between staff and throughout the community.
Susan MacLeod echoed the need for better communication, particularly by erasing the historic divide between North and South Queens.
QCCR recorded the debate and will be rebroadcasting it in its entirety several times before the polls open on October 17.
Listen in for dates and times or check our Facebook page.
Municipal Elections are going ahead as normal in the Region of Queens despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Returning officer Ted Bulley says people will see little difference when they go to the polls October 17.
“It’s a normal election with COVID sitting over the top of us and that we have to, naturally, abide by all the rules that are out there for COVID-19 with masks and that kind of thing,” said Bulley.
Bulley says the polling locations will look similar to what people have gotten used to seeing when they visit their local shops.
“When you come in to vote, you’ll see screens in front of the DRO and the poll clerks,” said Bulley. “We’re having screens made, and there’ll be a person controlling traffic, and they’ll be the social distancing, and hand sanitizers, that kind of thing.”
While some other municipalities across the province have moved voting online, Region of Queens council opted to stay with the familiar paper ballots.
Anyone who has lived in Nova Scotia prior to April 8, is a Canadian citizen over the age of 18 and a resident of the Region of Queens before October 8 is eligible to vote.
Bulley says this is his third municipal election as Returning Officer and the first time he hasn’t seen a seat on council won by acclamation.
Whether or not it’s because people have had more time to sit and look around them during COVID-19, Bulley says he’s pleased to see a full slate of candidates running in all seven districts and for the mayor’s chair.
“I don’t know why people put their name forward when they do, but it seems that people are more engaged these days,” said Bulley.
He says typically, the municipal election draws about 40 precent of eligible voters to the polls.
He is optimistic the large number of candidates will also mean more people getting out to cast their ballot.
“In most cases I’ve found that where you have an election for a councillor will draw the people out, versus just the mayor running in that particular district,” said Bulley.
Advance polls will be available where people from any district can vote for their candidates October 8 at the North Queens Fire Hall, West Queens Recreation Centre and the Milton Community Hall, or on October 13 at the Greenfield or Mill Village Fire Halls, or at the Royal Canadian Legion in Liverpool.
After the advance polls, residents must vote in their districts at their designated polling stations.
Bulley says a team of two election staff will be going into the area’s three long-term care homes on election day to collect the resident’s votes.
“Dr. Strang and the department of health have added election workers as essential workers,” said Bulley. “That means they can go into any nursing home.”
People of Queens have until October 5 to get themselves on the final List of Electors, which will speed up the voting process at the polls.
Anyone not on the final list may still vote on election day, but will have to take the extra step of swearing an oath before they can cast their ballot.
