By Steve Goodwin
TRURO: Brenda Chisholm-Beaton says she felt uplifted by the energy and level of engagement demonstrated by participants at the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities’ (NSFM) spring conference.
“I think it’s definitely a success,” she said on May 2, as the three-day event was drawing to a close.
Chisholm-Beaton highlighted the positive response delegates had to the various sessions, particularly those held on May 1. That day featured opening remarks from Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr, NSFM President Pam Mood – who also serves as mayor of Yarmouth – and NSFM CEO Juanita Spencer.
Topics explored during the conference included climate change, citizen engagement, navigating social media, emerging issues, and affordable housing.
“I think a good measure of each session is members coming up to the mic,” she said. “There were great sessions and great networking. You want as many voices as possible. It’s about supporting each other.”
Chisholm-Beaton is currently serving her second year as past-president of the federation and is in her third term as mayor of Port Hawkesbury. She previously held the position of deputy mayor from 2012 to 2016, was first elected mayor in 2016, and re-elected in both 2020 and 2024.
She noted that attendance at this year’s conference was the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“It was very worthwhile coming to the conference and learning and networking,” she said.
Port Hawkesbury Councillor Blaire MacQuarrie, who has served on council since 2018, was the town’s other delegate at the event.
“I really enjoy it,” he said. “I think it’s important to represent the town and meet people. It’s a great opportunity to gather information on things that are hot topics.”