Georgetown to push forward with amalgamation without Montague
Six communities still in talks to form one municipality in eastern P.E.I.
Georgetown mayor Lewis Lavandier said the push for amalgamation among communities in eastern P.E.I. will continue, despite a decision by the Montague town council decided not to move forward with the initiative.
Montague rejected the plan on the grounds that the proposed boundaries are too big.
Montague mayor Richard Collins said if amalgamation goes forward in the future, Montague would only join with the area served by the Montague fire district.
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In addition to Georgetown and Montague, the amalgamation initiative also included the Three Rivers-area communities of Lower Montague, Brudenell, Cardigan, Valleyfield and Lorne Valley.
Lavandier said the six remaining communities are not giving up on the idea of amalgamation.
"We have decided that we are going to keep moving ahead with our original commitment and have all agreed to continue with the meeting process in order to ensure a long-term sustainability in our region." he said.
Land and Environment Minister Robert Mitchell is also disappointed with Montague's decision.
He has been encouraging the seven communities to work together because he felt there were strong economic benefits.
"In my own mind I saw great potential for success that this could be the model for Prince Edward Island," he said.
"I am a little disappointed that Montague stepped back, but certainly respect the decision to do so."