News

Notice of Planning Advisory Committee Meeting

5 Corners Property, on behalf of 443257 NS Ltd., have applied for a Development Agreement for property they own within the Village of Bible Hill.  The Property Identification numbers for this 150+ acre area are 20067658, 20069027, and 20408456.

They are requesting to enter into a Development Agreement to allow for a mixed-use development, including a variety of residential housing, commercial businesses and parks and trails. This development is proposed to be phased in over many years.

You have been identified as an owner of a property within five hundred metres from the boundaries of the applicants’ property and are being advised of this application accordingly. Information on this application is available here: Planning - Municipality of Colchester under Current Applications.

The Colchester Planning Advisory Committee will meet at the Bible Hill Junior High School, 741 College Road, Bible Hill, at 6:00 pm on Monday, December 15, 2025, for a public meeting to review and discuss the proposed development agreement.

If you would like to receive a copy of the staff report in advance of the meeting or require any further information, please contact Jill McGillicuddy at 782.370.1374 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

pdf PAC Report (Five Corners Properties)(8.30 MB)

More Governance Transition for the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society

The Municipality of Colchester has given notice to the Town of Truro and management of the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society to end the existing Operating Agreement for the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC). This decision will result in governance structure changes to improve future operations and building conditions at the RECC and is not expected to impact immediate day-to-day service at the facility.

It is Colchester Council’s view that the management of the RECC has been compromised since contracts to lease and manage the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition property (NSPE) were signed by Society management without municipal approval in 2024. It’s believed that the initiative to manage two large complexes has not served the RECC well, resulting in a divided mandate and diluted efforts.

A new governance structure is anticipated to help speed up the resolution of the unauthorized contracts and refocus much-needed energy and attention on the RECC facility, enabling it to better serve community needs as intended.
This decision is not a reflection of support for a viable NSPE. The Municipality is and will always be a proud supporter of efforts to make the NSPE grounds viable and will be working collaboratively with the Province to support signature events like the Provincial Exhibition and the Nova Scotia Stampede moving forward.

The Municipality emphasizes that this decision is also in no way a reflection of the efforts of the Society’s Board. The Municipality greatly values their contributions and sincerely appreciates their time and commitment.

The Municipality extends its appreciation to the Board members of the Society and looks forward to working through this transition period to advance the interests of the RECC and the community.


Tatamagouche Water Restrictions LIFTED

Attention Customers of the Tatamagouche Water Utility:

Staff have been monitoring the water levels in the French River since the initial advisories and restrictions were put in place and based on improvements in these river levels, the Mandatory Water Conservation Measures have been LIFTED, effective today, October 17, 2025. We always encourage residents to be mindful of water wastage, and we thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these dry drought conditions.

Debert Water System - Fall Flushing 2025

Our Water Utility Crews will be flushing water lines within the Debert Water System starting on Monday, October 20, 2025.

Debert Water Utility customers may experience dirty water or low pressure during this time. The annual flushing program helps keep the water system functioning safely.

  pdf Click here(1.35 MB) to view our map for the schedule of when the water lines in your area will be flushed.

Water Utility Billing Update

Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, we are unable to mail out the current water bills for Debert and Tatamagouche.

Payments are due by November 10, 2025.

For payment options, click here.

To obtain a copy of your current bill or balance, please contact our Tax Office at 902-897-3150 (Option 3) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Active Transportation Strategy

The Municipality of Colchester and Villages of Bible Hill and Tatamagouche have partnered to create a comprehensive active transportation (AT) strategy intended to improve, optimize and prioritize AT options across the region.
In March 2025, the Municipality of Colchester received Provincial Funding from the Connect2 Program to allow for the development of an updated Active Transportation Strategy and in August 2025, staff awarded the contract for the project to Urban Systems. The project will modernize the Municipality’s existing AT Strategy by developing a phased, inclusive, and evidence-based framework for future AT investments and is expected to finish by spring 2026.

Project Webpage - Click to learn more about active transportation and share your thoughts!

What is Active Transportation?

Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity. Active transportation includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.

AT Icons Website

Engagement Opportunities 

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES 

Help shape the future of active transportation in Colchester!

  Date Time  Location Address
Open House 1 Monday Nov 17 6:00pm-8:00pm The Lodge - Debert and Area Community Association 1191 Plains Road, Debert
Open House 2 Tuesday Nov 18 1:00pm-3:00pm Rath Eastlink Community Centre 625 Abenaki Road, Truro
Open House 3 Wednesday Nov 18 6:00pm-8:00pm Rath Eastlink Community Centre 625 Abenaki Road, Truro
Open House 4 Thursday Nov 19 6:00pm-8:00pm H. Douglas Boyce Village Hall 69 Pictou Road, Bible Hill

What to Expect

  • Each open house will have the same information, however you may participate in more than one if you wish.
  • These are come and go events with informational and interactive boards, as well as discussion areas where you can share your feedback with members of the project team.
  • There will not be a formal presentation.
  • There will be light refreshments available for participants at each in-person event.  

ONLINE ENGAGEMENT 

SURVEY  

Survey Now Closed

Share your thoughts about walking, biking, and rolling in colchester by taking the online survey! The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your input will help to inform the goals and recommendations in the Active Transportation Strategy. 
The survey will be open from November 17 to December 5, 2025.

Everyone who completed survey, will have the option to enter into a random draw for one of two $50 gift cards to Bike Monkey or Hub Cycle.

Paper Copy Survey: If you would like to fill out a paper copy of the survey, you can pick one up at the Municipal Office at 1 church street, truro, or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

INTERACTIVE MAP 

Link to Interactice Mapping Tool

We want to understand where you currently like to actively travel, and where exactly in the community you would like to see improvements made. On the map linked above, place a pin to indicate:

  • locations where you typically travel
  • locations you like (and don’t like!) walking, biking, and rolling
  • areas where it is challenging or unsafe to actively travel
  • areas you would like to see developed or improved for active transportation

    Select the pin type you would like to use, place it on the map, and provide any additional comments. Please be respectful in the comments you share. All comments can be viewed by the public on the map. Any comments that are vulgar, inappropriate, or contain personally identifiable information (e.g., names, personal addresses, etc.) will be removed. 

COMMUNITY WALK AUDITS

Between October 21-30 the Municipality hosted 11 walks across Colchester to assess how walkable our communities are. If you missed the opportunity to join a walk audit, you can still participate!

  • Pick up a Walk Audit form at the municipal office at 1 church street, Truro, or click the link below to print your own copy. 
  • Complete the route at a time that works best for you.
  • Return the completed form to the municipal office or email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More details such as; walk routes (including maps, distances and estimated walk times), surface types, washroom access, and parking can be found at the following link: Colchester Walk Audits.  

pdf Walk Audit Check List(127 KB)  

Stay Informed

Sign up below with your email to receive updates about the project and public engagement details.

Questions? 

Questions about the Active Transportation Strategy can be directed to:

Katie Price
Project Planner 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.