News
Governance Transition at the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society
- Details
- Category: Media Releases
- Published: Thursday, 22 May 2025 15:00
Truro, NS – May 22, 2025 – The Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro wish to inform the public of an important decision regarding the governance of the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society (Society), the organization responsible for operating and maintaining the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC).
After careful consideration, both municipal councils have made the decision to appoint new members to the Board of Directors, replacing the current community Board members.
The decision is not the result of any single incident or the actions of any individual board member. We are deeply appreciative of the time, dedication, and commitment demonstrated by all current and past board members.
The purpose of the Society is to manage the operations of the RECC. However, over the past year, the Society’s activities have expanded beyond the RECC to include external operations and initiatives. While these efforts may speak to a commitment to community growth and engagement, the municipalities believe it is essential to ensure that there is a strong, transparent business case in place when deciding on the sustainability of this expanded mandate and whether the Society is equipped to carry that out.
To support this process, the Town and Municipality will be appointing a new interim Board of Directors, consisting of eight new community members (four from each municipality), for a one-year term. The interim board will place a renewed focus on governance, including a comprehensive review of the Society’s contractual obligations and an in-depth financial analysis to assess the long-term sustainability of its activities.
All newly appointed members will be required to complete governance training and will be expected to take an active, accountable governance role during their term.
We understand the community’s investment in the work of the Society and the RECC. The Town and Municipality will support the Province of Nova Scotia to ensure that signature events, such as the 2025 Nova Scotia Stampede, will continue as planned.
New board appointments will be announced in the coming week. We thank all board members—past and future—for their service and commitment to our region.
For further information, please contact:
Dan Troke
Chief Administrative Officer
Muncipality of Colchester
902-897-3160
Michael Dolter
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Truro
902-895-4484
Council Approves 2025/26 Operating Budget – No Increase in Tax Rates
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- Category: Media Releases
- Published: Friday, 25 April 2025 09:11
Colchester County Council has officially approved its 2025/26 operating budget with no increase to residential or commercial tax rates. This marks the seventh time in eight years that the Municipality has held tax rates steady, with only a modest half-cent increase occurring in 2019.
Residential property owners will continue to pay $0.885 and commercial property owners $2.28 per $100 of assessed value, as determined by Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC), the independent, not-for-profit agency responsible for all property assessments in Nova Scotia.
This year’s balanced operating budget totals just over $45 million, up from $42 million last year. The increase is supported by strong local growth, including new builds, resulting in a 7.63% rise in residential tax revenue and a 2.27% rise in commercial revenue, allowing the Municipality to expand services without raising rates.
The 2025/26 budget maintains support for core programs and services, while investing in critical infrastructure, economic development, and community wellbeing. Funding continues for the County’s comprehensive grant programs supporting local not-for-profit and volunteer organizations.
“Council reviews requests from many dedicated community groups each year,” said Mayor Christine Blair. “These organizations—often volunteer-run—are the backbone of our communities, providing vital services and facilities. We’re proud to continue our support for their incredible work.”
Despite increasing financial pressures, including rising mandatory contributions to the Province, Council has delivered a responsible, forward-looking budget. This year, over 43% of the Municipality’s tax revenue—$19.3 million—will be transferred to the Province to fund services such as education, libraries, policing, and assessment. Education costs alone rose by $828,000, following last year’s $973,000 increase, while policing costs increased by $434,000, building on a $670,000 rise in 2024.
That leaves $25.7 million to fund essential local services such as wastewater treatment, environmental planning, recreation, and solid waste management.
“This budget is a reflection of smart planning, strong growth, and a deep commitment to our residents. Holding the line on tax rates—while still expanding services and supporting vital community initiatives—is no small achievement. I’m proud of the work Council and staff have done to ensure we’re not only meeting today’s needs but preparing for a stronger, more resilient future.” – Mayor Christine Blair.
Notice of Approval: Ainslee Lane, Valley
- Details
- Category: Notices
- Published: Friday, 21 March 2025 10:21
TAKE NOTICE that the council of the Municipality of the County of Colchester, at a hearing held on March 20, 2025, approved amendments to an existing Development Agreement on PID# 20331225, Ainslee Lane (Lot F1-2 - Private Lane) off Pictou Road, Valley. The requested amendments will permit developmetn of eight (8) accessory buildings (storage sheds).
The amendments to the development agreement may be inspected at the Community Development Office, County Court House, 1 Church Street, Truro, N.S. during regular business hours and are also posted on the Municipal website at Planning - Municipality of Colchester.
This decision may be appealed to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board within fourteen (14) days of the date of the publication of this notice.
Planning | Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board
Dated in Truro, March 21, 2025
Dan Troke
Chief Administrative Officer
pdf Notice of Development Agreement Approval - March 2025(125 KB)
Notice of Approval: 149-151 Pictou Road, Bible Hill
- Details
- Category: Notices
- Published: Friday, 21 March 2025 10:15
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Municipality of the County of Colchester, at a hearing held on March 20, 2025, approved amendments to the Central Colchester Land Use By-law. The amendments are for a rezoning on PID# 20440491, 149-151 Pictou Road, Bible Hill.
The land use by-law amendment may be inspected at the Community Development Office, County Court House, 1 Church Street, Truro, N.S. during regular business hours and are also posted on the Municipal website at Planning - Municipality of Colchester.
This decision may be appealed to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board within fourteen (14) days of the date of publication of this notice.
Planning | Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.
Dated in Truro, March 21, 2025
Dan Troke
Chief Administrative Officer
Joint Regional Transit Feasibility Study
- Details
- Category: Media Releases
- Published: Thursday, 20 March 2025 09:22
Town of Truro and Municipality of Colchester Announce Joint Regional Transit Feasibility Study
Truro, NS – March 20, 2025 – The Municipality of the County of Colchester and the Town of Truro are pleased to announce the launch of a collaborative initiative to explore the feasibility of introducing new public transit options in the region. The municipalities have retained Arcadis, in collaboration with Colliers Project Leaders, to conduct a Regional Transit Feasibility Study that aims to explore how new transit solutions can connect communities, enhance economic opportunities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve social equity throughout the Truro and Colchester region.
This study marks an important step toward improving transportation infrastructure and fostering more sustainable and accessible mobility options. By assessing various public transit models, the project will consider how best to serve the diverse needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, with a strong focus on economic, environmental, and social outcomes.
The municipalities are committed to ensuring that the views, ideas, and concerns of the community are central to the planning process. An engagement strategy has been developed to gather meaningful feedback from residents, community organizations, local businesses, transit users, and other identified groups and stakeholders. Community engagement will run from March to May and consist of a variety of outreach activities, including a stakeholder workshop and interviews, pop-up information centres, and two public surveys.
"We are excited to embark on this important initiative with the Municipality of Colchester," said Cathy Hinton, Mayor of the Town of Truro. "Public input is critical to understanding the needs of our community and how best we can create a transit system that works for everyone. Together, we can develop a plan that not only improves transportation but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future."
The study is expected to evaluate different models of public transit that could be implemented across the region, taking into account environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. It will also explore potential partnerships and funding opportunities, with the goal of building a transportation network that enhances the quality of life for all residents.
"We believe this study represents a significant opportunity to enhance transportation in our region, reduce environmental impact, and improve accessibility for all," said Christine Blair, Mayor of the Municipality of Colchester. "The success of this project depends on the active participation of the public, and we encourage everyone to get involved and have their say."
The first public survey will be open from April 1-22, 2025, and will seek insights into residents’ current transportation challenges. Further details about engagement activities will be shared in the coming weeks.
For more information on the Regional Transit Feasibility Study or to learn how you can participate in upcoming engagement activities, please follow the Town of Truro or Municipality of Colchester's social media or visit their websites.
Together, the Town of Truro and the Municipality of Colchester look forward to working with the community to explore innovative public transit solutions that will benefit everyone in the region.
For more information, contact:
Alison Grant
Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Communications
Town of Truro
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (902) 893-1434
or
Joanna Burris
Sustainability Planner
Municipality of the County of Colchester
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (902) 897-3170
Public Notice: Closure of Lower Truro Spring
- Details
- Category: Media Releases
- Published: Monday, 17 March 2025 09:07
The Municipality has made the difficult decision to decommission the Lower Truro Spring due to health, safety, and liability concerns. While traffic issues and occasional altercations at the site have been factors, the primary issue is that the Municipality does not own the land where the water originates and therefore has limited ability to ensure its ongoing safety. Since both the fill site and water source are leased—and these agreements are set to expire—closure has been determined to be the most responsible course of action.
Work to dismantle the site will begin soon. The public will receive at least two weeks’ notice before the official closure. We understand this may be disappointing for those who use the spring, and we appreciate your understanding as we prioritize community safety and responsibility.