On January 1, 2025, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador proclaimed the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act, which replaces the Municipalities Act, 1999.

This new modern and enabling legislation reflects the current and evolving nature of towns and local service districts. Some of the highlights of the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act are:

• Increases flexibility for towns to generate tax revenue and provides tools for tax affordability.
• Reduces unnecessary ministerial oversight and red tape.
• Improves clarity and provides additional tools to facilitate economic development.
• Increases readability and the language is gender neutral.
• Providing towns with broad powers for enacting by-laws.

The new legislation also acknowledges the role of local service districts in providing services to residents and strengthens their accountability through key areas such as:

• Provides the authority to establish, own and operate recreational facilities.
• Establishes that local service districts committee elections will be held every four years.
• Provides authority to request audited financial statements and for all financial documents to be made available for inspection, upon request.

In October 2024, the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs announced the start of a series of in-person and virtual training sessions, all of which have been very well attended to date. The training sessions are designed to inform key stakeholders such as Professional Municipal Administrators, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, and municipalities about the new legislation. The next training session will be held virtually on January 8, 2025, for Local Service Districts. To register, email MAPAtraining@gov.nl.ca.

In the near future, an updated handbook will be distributed providing guidance and best practices on the new legislation.

For more information on the new Towns and Local Service Districts act and please visit the department’s website.

Quote
“With the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act enforced, local leaders are empowered to better meet the needs and expectations of residents throughout our province. This new legislation will enhance our collective efforts to build stronger, sustainable communities.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

-30-

Learn more
New Towns and Local Service Districts Act Training Begins Today

Minister Haggie Introduces Modern and Enabling Municipal Legislation

Follow us on X @GovNL and @MPA_GovNL

Like us on Facebook