History of Legislation

1855

Colonial Government Incorporates Charlottetown as PEI's first municipality

1870

The Towns and Villages Act (T&VA) is passed, forming the basis for incorporation of municipalities

1875

Summerside is incorporated under T&VA; it gains its own Act of incorporation in 1877

1948

The T&VA is amended to standardize the powers and responsibilities of local governments

1950

The Village Services Act (VSA) is passed, allowing small communities to appoint commissioners

1957

The Federation of PEI Municipalities (FPEIM) is formed

1968

The Community Improvement Act (CIA) is passed and Community Improvement Committees (CICs) are established

1983

The Municipalities Act (MA) is passed & replaces the T&VA, VSA, and CIA, creating two classifications: towns and communities

1994

Charlottetown Area Municipalities Act (CAMA) and City of Summerside Act (CSA) passed, establishing 3 municipalities: Charlottetown, Cornwall, Stratford

2005

The Report on Municipal Legislative Reform recommends changes to the MA, and the government commits to drafting new legislation

2009

The New Foundations Report recommends a new Municipal Government Act that is modern and progressive

2017

A new Municipal Government Act is passed, raising standards for governance, financial accountability, and service delivery