Meetings of Town Council and council-appointed committees are open to the public unless the law allows a closed session. The Municipal Government Act of Nova Scotia sets the rules.
Open meetings
Most council and committee meetings are open to the public. Everyone may attend and listen. Only people listed on the meeting agenda can speak to council or a committee unless the meeting is a public hearing, a public participation meeting, or the second reading of a by‑law. If you want to speak, learn more about making presentations.
Closed meetings
Some meetings are closed to protect confidential information. We publish agendas and reports for all council and committee meetings online, including notes when a closed meeting has taken place. The minutes of the related open meeting normally say that a closed meeting occurred and may briefly list the topic reviewed.
Closed sessions may be held to address:
- purchase, sale, lease or security of property
- setting a minimum price to be accepted at a tax sale
- personnel matters
- labour relations
- contract negotiations
- litigation or potential litigation
- receiving legal advice that is protected by solicitor‑client privilege
- public security