Municipality of the County of Colchester

Community Development

Community Development offers a suite of municipal services that support growth and development in our communities. Sixteen full-time staff are involved with the following broad scope of activities.

Community Planning

The planning staff work directly with Council to create policy development and help communities articulate a vision for the community which is captured in Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws. The Bible Hill Master Plan is a recent example of planning working with the community and council to create a vision for the future.

Planning staff worked directly with CoRDA (Colchester Regional Development Agency) in the preparation of the Debert Concept Plan and on an ongoing basis in the redevelopment of the Debert Industrial Park and surrounding community.

When special projects come before Council, such as the Civic Centre, Community Development staff are involved.

Development Control and Building Inspection

The Development Officer and Planning Technician oversee the day to day administration of Council's various land based by-laws primarily through the issuance of development permits and approval of subdivision plans. These processes ensure that properties can be developed by the owner and that a development proposal compliments the area in which it is situated.

Municipal Building Inspectors ensure new construction meets the technical requirements of the National Building Code so that homes, shops or businesses are safe for public use and occupation. The Building Officials also provide Fire Safety Inspections and administer Colchester's Dangerous and Unsightly Premises By-law.

Recreation Services

The growing variety of recreation services are provided by just three staff members, the Manager, Park and Trails and Active Communities Coordinators.

Parks and Trails are an important part of our community fabric. In recent years, recreation staff have started a good network of trails which is ongoing. To take trail development to the next level, the Municipality, in partnership with the Town of Truro and the Village of Bible Hill, are preparing a "safe cycle" plan to provide a network of safe routes for people seeking alternative transport in our community.

Inactivity and obesity is a growing global issue and one that Colchester is helping to address. The "Mayors Challenge" initiative helps to provide opportunities for people to become more active and healthy. Popular summer camps and programs are also being offered to help our community's youth to keep active.

Property Information

The property Information Department maintains the historical records for properties located within the Municipality of the County of Colchester and is responsible for assigning civic numbers for residences, businesses, and other facilities requiring a civic address. The Property Information Department works in conjunction with Nova Scotia provincial systems to ensure the civic addressing for the Municipality of the County of Colchester is current.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a major component of the Property Information Department; the GIS technician develops, collects, and maintains digital information of the Municipality’s infrastructure including roads, water courses, property boundaries and other such items, a variety of maps can be generated with this information for use within the Municipality’s various departments and by many public service organizations. Current road maps for the County of Colchester can be downloaded from this website by clicking here.