Green Development Standards
The Municipality of Colchester is advancing Green Development Standards (GDS) as a tool to support its Carbon-Free Colchester Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) and the Province of Nova Scotia’s broader climate and sustainability objectives. The intent is to design a voluntary, incentive-based framework that encourages higher-performance development while remaining feasible, administrable, and appropriate for Colchester’s diverse urban and rural contexts.
The core objectives of this project are to develop a suite of incentive and value-added options to encourage the construction of energy-efficient, low-emissions and climate-resilient new buildings. The GDS will establish clear and practical pathways to define how applicants qualify for incentives.
The Colchester Green Development Standards are being developed over the next several months with the oversight of a core staff team from the municipality and representatives from the Clean Foundation. Opportunities to engage in the process will be posted on this page, so please check back for meeting dates.
Regional Transit Study
Project Updates
About the Project
The Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro have commissioned a study to examine the feasibility of a public transit service for the region. Public transit offers the potential to reduce transportation emissions and reliance on passenger vehicles, address energy poverty, and ensure equitable access to jobs, housing, amenities, and services in the region.
The geographic scope for this study is all of Colchester County, which has a population of around 51,500 people. Thousands of people travel into and out of Truro and Central Colchester from all over the region for employment, education, and services. The study will evaluate the best way to serve residents moving within the urban core, along well-traveled corridors into and out of the urban core and employment centres, and between rural communities.
In July 2024, the Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro received funding for this project from the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, administered by the NS Federation of Municipalities. Staff awarded the contract for the study to Arcadis Professional Services Inc in December 2024 and held the project kick-off meeting in January 2025. The study is expected to conclude by early 2026.
Public Engagement
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Contact
Questions about the Regional Public Transit Feasibility Study can be directed to Sustainability Planner Joanna Burris at (902) 897-3170 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Colchester County Wide Planning
Administrative Amendments to the Colchester Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law
The county-wide plan and bylaw came into effect in June of 2025. Since that time, staff have been noting any errors, inconsistencies such as mapping discrepancies, typos, cross-referencing, misnumbering, etc. Also, some amendments are proposed to reduce ambiguity for staff, applicants and the public as well as support efficient administration.
Council gave First Reading on April 27, 2026, and these amendments have advanced to Second Reading and a Public Hearing, scheduled for May 28, 2026, starting at 6pm in Council Chambers, 1 Church Street, Truro. Please refer to the Notice of Hearing below. Contact Pam Macintosh by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 902.897.3170 for more information.
pdf Plan and By law Admin Amendments APRIL 27(3.93 MB)
pdf Public Hearing Notice - May 2026(1.96 MB)
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Documents
Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS):
pdf Colchester Municipal Planning Strategy 2025(13.05 MB)
MPS Schedules
pdf Schedule A - Growth Centres(4.36 MB)
pdf Schedule B - Future Land Use(10.40 MB)
Land Use Bylaw (LUB)
pdf Colchester Land Use Bylaw 2025(17.68 MB)
LUB Schedules
pdf Schedule A - Zoning(10.65 MB)
pdf Schedule B - Flood Overlay(15.85 MB)
pdf Schedule C - Growth Centres(4.36 MB)
pdf Schedule D - Coastal Elevation(8.01 MB)
pdf Schedule E - Heritage Overlay(5.35 MB)
Additional Resources
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Interactive Zoning Map - Click Here! |
Colchester County Interactive Flood Mapping
3D flood visualizations in Nova Scotia are extensively used to map risks from sea-level rise, storm surges, and climate change. These tools use high-resolution Lidar elevation data to simulate flood scenarios for selected communities. These models can visualize the risk and threat levels to infrastructure and road networks. Incorporating this information into emergency and disaster planning is critical in the face of climate change.
The Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro partnered with the map creators, 3D Wave Design, to provide these maps with the assistance of the Department of Municipal Affairs, Province of Nova Scotia.
Explore the map below to learn more about the impacts of tides, storm surges, and sea-level rise.
Interactive 3D Flood Map - Click Here!
Disclaimer: This interactive map is intended for general informational purposes only. While every effort is made to make the information current, it is subject to change. Any interpretation of the data and any decision made as a result of using the data is the sole responsibility of the user. Users with site specific questions should consult with a qualified professional. By continuing to use this application, you confirm that you understand this disclaimer and that the Municipality of the County of Colchester and the Town of Truro do not have any liability for any loss or damage of any kind incurred because of the use of this information.
Wind Turbine Development By-Law Review
pdf Notice(79 KB) pdf of Approval Wind By-Law(79 KB)
Wind Turbine Development By-law - Chapter 56 (February 2023)