Cocagne, Sussex-area LSDs will vote on rural communities

Citizens in two areas of the province will be voting on whether to transform their local service districts into rural communities on Oct. 28.

Local Government Minister Bruce Fitch announced on Tuesday that voters in the local service district of Cocagne as well as Waterford, Hammond, Studholm, Sussex and Cardwell will be asked in a plebiscite on the idea of forming a rural community.

"I applaud the dedication of the local committees in working with our officials to analyze the feasibility of becoming rural communities," Fitch said in a statement.

"It clearly shows that New Brunswickers are taking an active role in the development and long-term sustainability of their communities. I encourage residents to become informed and to vote on these important issues."

Local service districts are unincorporated areas and have advisory committees. The local government minister is ultimately responsible for all local decisions.

The New Brunswick government is encouraging local service districts to merge with neighbouring communities.

Fitch has said the existing structure of 101 municipalities, four rural communities and 266 local services districts is no longer sustainable.

In May, voters in the local service district of Lincoln soundly rejected a plan to turn the Fredericton-area community into a village.

The No side won with 893 votes compared to 262 Yes votes.