PEI

Three Rivers region amalgamation talks resume with Montague

Georgetown, P.E.I. is happy the town of Montague has returned to monthly discussions on a possible amalgamation of seven communities in eastern P.E.I.

'Our group are very pleased to have Montague back, that they've decided to re-join'

The new Three Rivers region would take in seven communities including Georgetown and allow the area more bargaining power with the province. (Government of Prince Edward Island)

Georgetown, P.E.I. is happy the town of Montague has returned to discussions on a possible amalgamation of seven communities in eastern P.E.I.

Montague had pulled out of the Three Rivers Region amalgamation talks back in January, saying the proposed boundaries of the new municipality were too big. But officials changed their minds and decided to re-enter the fold a month later.  

"Our group are very pleased to have Montague back, that they've decided to re-join," said Georgetown Mayor Lewis Lavandier, adding the group had a productive closed-door meeting March 1.

The seven communities involved are Georgetown, Montague, Lower Montague, Brudenell, Cardigan, Valleyfield and Lorne Valley. 

At its meeting last week, the group began looking at how fire services would be delivered in a new municipality, noting local fire departments already cooperate.

"We met with the three individual fire departments, Georgetown, Cardigan and Montague," said Lavandier.

"They are sharing their equipment and that with each other when needed. They are backing each other up, and it's exactly what we are looking to do with the communities."

The next step will be to decide what a new council for an amalgamated area would look like, said Lavandier, stressing the group is taking the planning very slowly. 

The next meeting will be held early in April.

With files from Angela Walker