Strait Talk Episode 17

Port Hawkesbury Deputy Mayor Mark MacIver sat down with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot to discuss his decision to seek another term on Port Hawkesbury Town Council.

MacIver was re-elected in 2020 and received a pin from the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities for 20 years of service in municipal government.

The long-time councillor has also been involved with the Port Hawkesbury Volunteer Fire Department and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 for over 20 years.

“I’m active in the community,” he said. “One of my little pets is the waterfront, so people see me around there a lot.”

Before he first ran for council, MacIver attended Port Hawkesbury Town Council meetings.

“The mayor at the time – past mayor Billy Joe MacLean – and the deputy mayor, Hector MacInnis, nurtured me along, showing me the ropes,” he said. “I thought I had a lot to offer. I’m not a traveller. I stay in the town most of the time, even on vacation, and spend my time here trying to move it forward.”

Before deciding to seek re-election, MacIver said residents approached him, encouraging him to remain on the council.

“This election involved a lot of thinking about whether or not to re-offer,” he explained. “There’s a lot of new councillors coming in because of retirements. We have three running for mayor, so there’s a possibility of a new mayor. They were looking for some experience at the table to help guide them.”

Although housing isn't directly within the town’s jurisdiction, MacIver said Port Hawkesbury can still lobby and apply for funding from the provincial and federal governments while working with non-profits and developers.

“To help young families get started, I’d like to see the town provide incentives, like land or something similar,” he said. “I think it would be a great help to young families building a new home today.”