Three municipalities on Nova Scotia's South Shore may be moving closer toward amalgamation.

Tonight, the council for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg will meet to discuss whether to explore the pros and cons of operating under one municipal government that includes the towns of Bridgewater and Mahone Bay.

On Monday night, the Bridgewater council passed a motion to begin studying the process and how it might benefit the town's residents.

Earlier this month, the Mahone Bay council voted 4-3 in favour of a plan to notify the other municipalities that it plans to proceed with its exploration of amalgamation.

Positive feedback

Bridgewater Mayor David Walker said the concept isn't new.

"We had a study done in 2010, with Mahone Bay and the district of Lunenburg. There were five recommendations. A number of them we implemented," he said.

"Another one was that we revisit amalgamation in three years. It has been four years. We felt this was an appropriate time to examine it."

Mahone Bay council decided earlier in August to move forward with the process of amalgamating with Bridgewater and the Municipality of Lunenburg. (CBC)

He said he has heard positive feedback from Bridgewater residents about amalgamating the three municipalities.

"That we could become more efficient, we don't need as many councillors as we have," he said.

More studies needed

The process will demonstrate the benefits of amalgamation "if there are any," said Walker.

"If there are not, it will tell us that as well. I know what my gut feeling is, but my gut feeling is not factual."

Meanwhile, more studies need to be done, including an analysis of the region's current financial situation now and five years into the future, an analysis of efficiencies and how things could be set up, a study of infrastructure — including roads and sewers — and the challenges going forward.

In addition, residents have questions of their own, Walker said.

Lunenburg municipality key to process

"For example, in the district of Lunenburg, do we have to have the town of Bridgewater's tax rate because it is way higher than ours? And our residents may say, 'Do we have to take over the District of Lunenburg or Mahone Bay's debt?'" he said.

"At the end of the day, we have to look at what are the benefits for our residents."

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is a key piece in the puzzle, Walker acknowledged.

"This can`t be something between the town of Bridgewater and the town of Mahone bay. We are separated by a rather large municipality. So we'd need the district of Lunenburg on side in the process or it would probably die where it is," he said.