News

Notice - Special Council Meeting Thursday May 15, 2025

A Special Session of Municipal Council of the Municipality of Colchester will be held in Closed Session on Thursday, May 15, 2025, immediately following the regularly scheduled Council Committee meeting. This meeting will be conducted both in-person in Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 1 Church Street, Truro, and virtually via Zoom.    

The purpose of this Special Session of Council, in Closed Session, is to brief Council on a legal matter and to receive legal advice.  

Dated May 8, 2025

Dan Troke
Chief Administrative Officer

Nova Scotia Utility & Review Board - Notice of Public Hearing for the Tatamagouche Water Utility

IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by the MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF COLCHESTER, on behalf of the Tatamagouche Water Utility, for approval of amendment to its Schedule of Rates and Charges for Water and Water Services and amendments to its Schedule of Rules and Regulations. This matter will be considered in a public hearing as follows:
Hearing starts: Monday, June 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Hearing Location: Colchester East-Hants Public Library, Tatamagouche Branch, Patterson Room, 170 Main Street, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia,

For more information,  pdf click here (104 KB)

Nova Scotia Utility & Review Board - Notice of Public Hearing for the Debert Water Utility

IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by the MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF COLCHESTER, on behalf of the Debert Water Utility, for approval of amendments to its Schedule of Rates and Charges for Water and Water Services and amendments to its Schedule of Rules and Regulations. This matter will be considered in a public hearing as follows:
Hearing starts: Monday, June 23, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Hearing Location: Debert Hospitality Center, 130 Ventura Drive, Debert, Nova Scotia

For more information, pdf click here (132 KB)

Council Approves 2025/26 Operating Budget – No Increase in Tax Rates

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 Intent - Second Reading Chapter 28 Land Lease Development By-law, Chapter 36 Commercial Dog Care Kennel Facility By-law, and Chapter 56 Wind Turbine Development By-law

Take Notice that the Council of the Municipality of the County of Colchester will consider Second Reading of proposed amendments to Chapter 28 Land Lease Development By-law, Chapter 36 Commercial Dog Care Kennel Facility By-law, and Chapter 56 Wind Turbine Development By-law, at the regularly scheduled Council meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025. This meeting will be held both virtually via Zoom Webinars and in-person at 1 Church Street, Truro, NS.

The proposed amendments to these By-laws are required due to the recently approved Colchester Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law, and if approved, will ensure continued enforcement mechanisms for any existing permits or licenses granted under these By-laws.

The text of the proposed amendments to the By-laws may be inspected or a copy obtained at the Community Development Office, 1 Church Street, Truro, and is also available on the County's website at www.colchester.ca. Anyone interested in addressing these amendments either by written submission or in-person at the Council meeting, please contact 902-897-3170 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Dated April 8, 2025
Dan Troke
Chief Administrative Officer

pdf Chapter 28 Land Lease Draft Amendments (April 2025) (3.09 MB)
pdf Chapter 36 Commercial Dog Care Kennel Facility Draft Amendments (April 2025) (812 KB)
pdf Chapter 56 Wind Turbine Development By law Draft Amendments (April 2025) (923 KB)

Virtual Meetings Notice - Council & Council Committee (April-June 2025)

Take Notice that the following Council and Council Committee/Presentation meetings will be held both in-person and virtually:

Council Committee Presentations (held on an as needed basis)
• May 6, 2025
• June 3, 2025

Regular Council Committee
• April 10, 2025
• May 15, 2025
• June 12, 2025

Special Council Committee (Budget Meetings)
• April 8, 2025 (Maintenance Budget) @ 5pm
• April 15, 2025 (Additions & Deletions) @ 5pm
• April 22, 2025 (2nd Additions & Deletions) @ 5pm **IF REQUIRED

Council
• April 24, 2025
• May 27, 2025
• June 25, 2025

All meetings begin at 6pm unless otherwise noted. Anyone wishing to attend these meetings virtually, please contact the Administration Office at 902-897-3184 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 3:30 pm on the date of the scheduled meeting.

Dated April 3, 2025
Dan Troke
Chief Administrative Officer