Municipality of the County of Colchester

Planning

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 bylaws. 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 (our 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. A number of recent projects are listed on the menu to the left of this page.

Statutory or Policy Planning

As governed under the Municipal Government Act, Colchester is responsible for land use planning. This normally takes the form of planning strategies and land use bylaws. These documents are a method for Council and the community to articulate how and where development should occur in Colchester. 

The Planning Strategy is Council's policy document which outlines the vision for growth and development. The Land Use Bylaw implements the policy typically through a series of zones and standards. Development permits are issued prior to the commencement of any development to ensure it is appropriate for the area. Before the Development Officer issues the permit, information is provided concerning such physical concerns as building location, parking and signage.

More complicated development may be permitted through other approval processes such as a site plan approval or development agreement. For more information on the approval precesses, please refer to the Development Control section.

Colchester has two planning strategies and land use bylaws. The Central Colchester Plan applies to the area surrounding the Town of Truro as well as the Village of Tatamagouche.