The Nova Scotia government is set to move forward with a request to merge the town and county in Antigonish into one municipal unit.

It’s been a long and controversial process which includes a Nova Scotia Supreme Court challenge from residents opposed to the change.

Dozens of people spoke for and against the move at the legislature in Halifax this week.

In the end, Antigonish Warden Owen McCarron believes it will eliminate duplication, save money and provide better services.

The consolidation bill will now be passed in the legislature and should be complete by the fall. Ultimately, it will see the town dissolve into the county of Antigonish.

A single municipal council will make decisions and provide services for all residents of Antigonish.