Lawrence R Nicoll - Photographer
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 the end of September 2025.
Public Survey Now Open!Survey 1: transportation needs and challenges Now closed Survey 2: Potential Transit Solutions Open: May 1-22
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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.
Notice of Approval
2025 Colchester Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Municipality of the County of Colchester has approved the 2025 Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law.
The purpose of the Colchester Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law is to guide growth and development and to control land use in all of Colchester, including previously unzoned areas of the Municipality. Second Reading and approval of these documents was given at a meeting of Council on March 27, 2025. The effective date of the documents is the date of publication of this notice (June 12, 2025). Copies of the 2025 Colchester Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law may be inspected at the Community Development Office, Municipality of Colchester building, 1 Church St., Truro, NS, during regular business hours or online www.colchester.ca.
Dated June 12, 2025
Dan Troke
Chief Administrative Officer
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
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Background on Plan It Colchester
In 2023 the Municipality of Colchester launched Plan It Colchester - a project to develop a County-Wide Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB). Much of the County is unplanned, resulting in an organic form of growth and development over the years. Colchester, like the rest of Nova Scotia, has seen a recent population increase, and with a growing population comes pressure for new development. Without planning in place, communities have no say in where and how their communities grow and change.
Recognizing the changing dynamics of development in Nova Scotia, the Provincial Government passed Bill 58 in 2018, an amendment to the Municipal Government Act that requires every municipality to develop and adopt planning that meets the minimum planning standards. This project will bring Colchester County into compliance with the new provincial regulations, while also presenting an important and exciting opportunity for residents to help shape the vision for the future of their communities. Plan It Colchester relies heavily on feedback from the community to help shape the vision, guiding principles and policies that will determine how the Municipality grows and develops.
Quick Definitions
| Municipal Government Act (MGA): The primary legislation that governs the structure, powers, and responsibilities of municipal governments in the province of Nova Scotia. It empowers municipalities to create bylaws, make planning decisions, and ensure local community development in accordance with provincial laws. |
| Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS): A comprehensive policy document created by the Municipality to guide land use and development within its jurisdiction. The MPS sets long-term goals and objectives for the community, addressing issues like zoning, growth management, transportation, housing, environmental protection, and public services. It must address the statements of provincial interest outlined in the MGA. |
| Land Use Bylaw (LUB): A municipal regulatory document that is used to implement the land use policies provided in the MPS through land use bylaws. It ensures that land development aligns with the municipality's planning goals, helps avoid conflicts between different types of land uses, and manages the physical form and appearance of the community through zoning. |
Fact Sheets - learn a bit more about the proposed policies on important issues
pdf Fact Sheet 1 - Introduction (428 KB)
pdf Fact Sheet 2 - Housing (261 KB)
pdf Fact Sheet 3 - Agriculture (319 KB)
pdf Fact Sheet 4 - Environment (263 KB)
pdf Fact Sheet 5 - Recreation and Tourism (443 KB)
What is Planning?
New to the Project? Want to learn a bit more about it and how planning works in Nova Scotia? Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdtBVZHmU
Public Engagement
Engagement Summary and Recommendations Report
This document includes a thematic analysis of information that was received throughout the formative engagement phase and also contains a draft Vision Statement and Goals for the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use By-law (LUB). The draft Vision Statement and Goals provides a comprehensive overview of community land use issues and perspectives related to current and emerging areas of interest. The report also identifies any information or knowledge gaps that need to be filled in before the drafting of the planning documents. Click the link below to read the draft report.
pdf Plan It Colchester Engagement Recommendations Report 2023 (16.62 MB)
Draft Document Engagement
Following our initial public engagement consultation, we launched a second round of engagement focused on the draft Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB). This phase provided an important opportunity for the public to share their thoughts on the proposed plans and contribute to shaping the future of their community. We wanted to know what aspects of the plans were on the mark, and where improvements or adjustments were needed.
To ensure broad participation, we utilized multiple communication channels to reach residents across Colchester. Information about the consultation was shared through the Municipality’s website, social media platforms, project email list, and the municipal newsletter sent to every household in the county. Additionally, an extra postcard was mailed to all residents, and newspaper publications provided further updates and details.
Engagement activities included a variety of methods to cater to different preferences and ensure everyone had the opportunity to get involved. These included:
| Six community meetings held across the County to facilitate group conversations and receive direct feedback |
| An interactive online zoning map that allowed residents to explore proposed land use changes and provide feedback digitally |
| A public online form for submitting thoughts and suggestions on the draft plans |
| Direct communication via email or phone with consultants, providing a personalized way for residents to discuss specific concerns or ideas |
| Fact Sheets that summarized five key topics covered in the draft plans, presented in a short, accessible format for easy understanding |
| Stakeholder Meetings with adjacent municipalities and key community interest groups to gather input from organizations and regional partners with a vested interest in the planning process |
We are grateful for the strong participation and valuable feedback from the community. The insights gathered during this engagement phase will help guide revisions to the draft documents, ensuring they reflect the needs and aspirations of Colchester’s residents as we move forward with this important project.
pdf Engagement Summary + Policy Direction Report: Report Summary (196 KB)
pdf Engagement Summary + Policy Direct Report 2025 (4.34 MB)
Questions?
Please call 902-897-3170 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Why should I participate in Cozy Colchester?
Whether you are looking to get off oil with a heat pump, insulate your attic, or complete other renovations to increase the energy efficiency of your home – Cozy Colchester can help you every step of the way.
Not only does the program provide low interest financing to complete these upgrades, it also gives you access to an energy advisor to guide you through the whole process. This includes answering your questions, assisting with obtaining quotes, and ensuring you take advantage of the many provincial and federal rebate programs.
We make it simple...
- Improve the value and comfort of your home
- Easy access to technical advice
- No money down
- Low interest financing
- Savings that will exceed payments, in most cases
- Help to access and benefit from all eligible provincial and federal rebates
Connect with a program advisor today as we move towards our goal of being a carbon-free community. To get started, call (902) 920-0615 (local Truro number) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
How do I participate?
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Contact us for advice at (902) 920-0615 & This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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We can help you get a Home Energy Assessment and quotes from local contractors
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When you are ready, sign our Participant Agreement
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We authorize contractor to proceed
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We pay contractor once the work is complete
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Start your payments and start saving
Eligible Projects
Cozy Colchester will support almost any project that saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some examples:
- Air-source heat pumps
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Heat pump pool heaters
- Heat pump domestic water heaters
- Insulation and air sealing
- Exterior windows
- Exterior doors
- Smart thermostats
For solar PV, visit our Solar Colchester webpage.
Call for Contractors!
Are you a local contractor/supplier and want to know more about the program and grow your business?
To express interest or get invited to our next industry engagement session, give us a call at 902-334-6031 (Contractor Hotline) or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Financing
Have your project pay for itself through energy savings!
Key Financing Terms:
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Financing through your property, not personal credit
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2.75% interest rate
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10- or 15-year terms, depending on the upgrade
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One-time 5% admin fee to cover program administration costs (see more details below in The Fine Print)
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No fees for early repayment
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Finance up to $30,000 or 25% of your property value (whichever is less)
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Low monthly payments with typical savings that will exceed payments
Do you qualify for our Low-Income Administration Fee Exemption?
To better serve low-income residents of Colchester County, we have expanded our efforts to make Cozy Colchester and Solar Colchester programs more accessible. The 5% administration fee will be waived for all qualifying households with incomes below the following thresholds:
| Household Size | Maximum Net Household Income (Line 236 of Notice Assessment) |
| 1 person | $27,250 |
| 2 to 4 people | $50,635 |
| 5 or more people | $72,113 |
To apply, please contact Sarah Lynds at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 902-897-3170.
Let’s minimize costs and maximize energy savings, together!
Homeowners eligible for the Low-Income Admin Fee Exemption may also be eligible for free home upgrades through Efficiency Nova Scotia’s HomeWarming program. Visit HomeWarming.ca for more information.
Combine with other Incentives
You could be eligible for federal or provincial rebates to support your project! Call us at 902-920-0615 and an energy advisor will help you access available incentives, such as:
Greener Homes: https://www.efficiencyns.ca/residential/services-rebates/greener-homes/
HomeWarming (for low-income households): https://www.homewarming.ca/
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Grant (for low- to median-income households): https://www.efficiencyns.ca/residential/services-rebates/oil-to-heat-pump/
The Fine Print
Call us if you would like to see a sample Participation Agreement at 902-920-0615.
Additional Fees & Charges: There is a one-time 5% administration fee for each project to cover program administration costs, including energy concierge services, arranging free home energy assessments, checking property value & property tax status, helping homeowners navigate the rebate process, drafting and executing legal agreements, setting up and collecting monthly payments for 10-15 years, etc. For example: a $20,000 project with a 10-year loan term will have a $1,000 admin fee, equivalent to $8.33/month.
The administration fee may be paid in full upfront or added to the loan principal at the same interest rate. Note that Solar Colchester and Cozy Colchester are operated on a user-pay model for the Municipality. This means the programs are not being subsidized by non-participating taxpayers.
There will be additional fees for missed loan payments.
This project was carried out with assistance from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, an endowment created by the Government of Canada.
