BRIDGETOWN, N.S. — The council and mayor of a small town in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley quit en masse Tuesday because of financial problems, but there was little explanation beyond a terse statement on the town’s website and confirmation that the RCMP are investigating a potential theft.
The statement said Bridgetown’s seven-member council lacks financial and human resources to manage its money problems, and it is acting on the advice of accounting and legal consultants.
“Due to the magnitude and complexity of the town’s financial problems ... town council of the Town of Bridgetown agreed to resign to make way for a quicker resolution of the town’s present difficulties,” the statement said.
RCMP spokeswoman Brigdit Leger said the Mounties received a complaint from the Town of Bridgetown on May 16, but she declined to release details, saying the investigation is in its preliminary stages.
“In the event this investigation results in the laying of criminal charges, only at that time would we confirm the nature of the charges and the names of any individuals involved,” she said.
The provincial government had no immediate comment on the resignations, but Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell was expected to take steps to ensure the town keeps running.