176.5(1)In this section, “service” includes a facility used as a recreational facility or a community services facility, whether the facility is located within a rural district or not, and does not include the services set out in paragraphs 176.41(1)(a) to (h).

176.5(2)Twenty-five or more residents of a rural district who are qualified to vote in an advisory committee election for the rural district may petition the Minister for the provision of a service or for the discontinuance of a service in the rural district.

176.5(3)A rural district advisory committee may make a recommendation to the Minister that the Minister provide a service or discontinue a service in the rural district.

176.5(4)After being petitioned under subsection (2) or receiving a recommendation under subsection (3), the Minister may, by order, prescribe that a service be provided in the rural district or in any area within the rural district or that a service be discontinued in the rural district or in any area within the rural district.

176.5(5)In determining whether to make an order under subsection (4), the Minister shall consider any recommendation made by the rural district advisory committee and whether the service contributes to the peace, order and good government of the rural district and promotes the health, safety and welfare of its residents.

176.5(6)If the Minister discontinues a service in an order made under subsection (4), all liabilities associated with the establishment of that service continue until discharged.

176.5(7)Despite subsection (4), the Minister may, without making an order, provide a service in a rural district or in any area within a rural district if that service is being provided by or through a regional service commission.

176.5(8)The Regulations Act does not apply to an order made under subsection (4).

176.5(9)The date for determining whether a person is qualified to vote in a rural district advisory committee election for the purposes of subsection (2) shall be the date of the making of the petition.