HISTORY OF THE FOUNDING OF NSAPB

The concept of a Nova Scotia Association of Police Boards was born.... not in Nova Scotia... but in Edmonton Alberta, when Councillor Robert Wilson of Kentville, then President of the Canadian Association of Police Boards, Councillor Cyril Reid, Police Commissioner for the Town of Amherst Nova Scotia and Mayor Sylvester Atkinson, Chairman of the Middleton Police Commission met in that city during the Spring meeting of the CAPB in March,1990.

The formation of such a body for Nova Scotia was discussed on numerous occasions in the ensuing weeks and in September 1990 a meeting was held following the afternoon schedule during the annual Union Of Nova Scotia Municipalities conference in Halifax. Lengthy discussions were held at that session with 18 of the 26 Nova Scotia Municipalities, having Municipal Police Forces, present. The meeting instructed the “trio” to proceed further with the concept- actually a recommendation stemming from the Royal commission on the Donald Marshall Jr. Prosecution.

On September 20,1990 Bob, Cyril and Sylvester met at the Halifax Sheraton to put together a brief which they presented, on October 16, to the Hon. Neil LeBlanc, Solicitor General for Nova Scotia. They were encouraged to pursue the task further. On February 22,March22 and May3,1991 they met to deal with both “formation” and the organizational structure.

On May 10-11 ,1991 a formal organizational meeting was held in Dartmouth City Hall. At this meeting, attended by approximately 50 from 20 units, the assembled group requested that Wilson, Reid and Atkinson continue with the task and formalize the establishment of such an organization.On June 14,1991 a meeting was held to establish the “Goals” for NSAPB. On September 19 again, in conjunction with the annual UNSM conference in Sydney , a meeting was held with representatives from 21 municipal units,18 of which had Municipal Police Forces.

Election of officers was held with the following slate elected:

President- Cyril Reid, Amherst
Vice President-Theresa Mac Neil ,Glace Bay
Secretary/Treasurer-Sylvester Atkinson, Middleton
Member at large- Robert Wilson ,Kentville

On October 25.1991 Reid, Wilson and Atkinson met at the Chateau Halifax, (MacNeil had been unsuccessful in the last municipal election). A brief was outlined and later prepared for the Minister.

On November 1,1991 a meeting was held with the Hon.Joel Matheson to formally announce the formation of the Association. A request for a grant from the Department in the amount of $2000.00 was made. The minister’s remarks were most encouraging.

Subsequent meetings were held between November 8,1991 and May 1,1992 to plan an orientation session. A two day program was held on February 14-15,1992 at the Delta Barrington Hotel with 48 present, representing 17 units with Municipal Forces. On April 9 and May1,1992 executive meetings were held to deal with dues structure, long range plans and to prepare an agenda for a meeting with the Hon. Joel Matheson which was held on July 21,1992.

On September 18,1992 an executive meeting was held at the Halifax Hilton in conjunction with the UNSM conference to deal with finalization plans for the upcoming NSAPB conference. Meetings on October 2 and 13 dealt specifically with conference planning with the first NSAPB conference being held on October 30-31,1992 at the Halifax Hilton . There were 36 in attendance representing 17 units with Municipal forces. The Hon. Joel Matheson was the luncheon speaker. Sylvester Atkinson gave a verbal report on behalf of the president Cyril Reid who was out of the province. A financial/Treasurers report was presented by Atkinson and seconded by W.Purdy.
The nominating committee report was presented by Wilson, seconded by R. Cavanaugh; carried, that the Officers/Executive for the ensuing year be:
Cyril Reid-President.(Amherst, Deputy Mayor)
Ann MacLellan, Vice President (New Glasgow, Mayor)
Ann Cosgrove, Secretary (Bedford , Deputy Mayor)
Sylvester Atkinson, Treasurer, (Middleton, Mayor)

NSAPB DIRECTORS HISTORY
FOUNDERS
Councilor Robert Wilson, Kentville
Councilor Cyril Reid, Amherst
Mayor Sylvester Atkinson, Middleton

PRESIDENTS
1991-1993 Councilor Cyril Reid, Amherst
1993-1994 Mayor Sylvester Atkinson, Middleton
1994-1995 Mayor Ann MacLean, New Glasgow
1995-1996 Mayor Ernie Bolivar, Bridgewater
1996-1997 Councilor Theresa Halfkenny, Amherst
1997-1998 Councilor Kevin Saccary, Cape Breton Regional
1998-1999 Councilor Bill Stone, Halifax Regional
1999-1999 Councilor John Kyle, Stellarton
1999-2001 Deputy Mayor Larry Honey, Kentville
2001-2002 Councilor Claire Detheridge, Cape Breton Regional
2002-2006 Councilor Diane Bennett Cook, Truro
2006- Jim MacLeod, (CBRM) Cape Breton Regional Municipality