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Planning & Engineering Services

Tel: (902) 667-6527
Fax: (902) 667-5409
Email:

Making Main Street - Presentations will be updated as they are received.

Click here for Census 2006 Statistic Information

The Canadian Institute of Planners, which is the national certification body for the planning profession in Canada, defines Planning as "the scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities and services with a view to securing the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of urban and rural communities."

Within this context, the Town of Amherst Planning and Development Department has three main roles:

• The first role is to 'Plan for the future'
  
  The goal here is to ensure that the Town develops in an orderly fashion. Through the policies of the Town's Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and regulations of the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and Subdivision Bylaw (SUB) appropriate lands are set aside, or 'zoned', for certain land uses. Within each zone there are also a number of regulations such as parking requirements, minimum property sizes and permitted locations for buildings on each property. Such regulations ensure that buildings and uses on one property do not negatively impact an adjacent property.
  
  In planning for the future we also strive to make efficient use of the Town's built infrastructure (streets, water and sewer lines) in order to avoid wasting the towns limited resources. Our Municipal Planning Strategy also contains policies on environmental protection, acquisition of recreation lands, retention of heritage buildings and revitalization of our downtown business district, among others. (click here for the Historic Places Initiative)
  
  In order to properly carry out this function our staff undertake various studies, conduct research and liaise with other municipalities in the Maritimes and various other level of government in order to develop policies that will improve the quality of the built environment of the Town.
  
  
• The Second role could best be defined as 'bylaw enforcement'
  
  This is where we ensure that all development activity within the Town is in compliance with the above policies and regulations. In order to do so we, like all other municipal units in Nova Scotia, require a development permit prior to construction taking place on any property within town. In the vast majority of cases the development does conform to the relevant regulations and the permit is issued. In the rare cases when the proposed development does not conform, we work with the applicant to make a few minor changes to the development to bring it in conformance. It is extremely rare when a proposed development cannot be permitted.
  
  As part of this process we also require building permits for all new construction and renovation / alternation of buildings within the town. In this process we ensure that all new buildings and renovations to buildings satisfy the National Building Code of Canada.
  
  Our staff also enforce the Dangerous and Unsightly Premises section of the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The goal here is to ensure that all buildings and property within the town are safe and conform to a minimum standard of 'aesthetic appeal'. Every spring we hire a temporary Bylaw Enforcement Officer for a number of months to work with owners of property which the town feels are either 'unsightly' or 'dangerous'. In the vast majority of cases once an owner of such a property is approached by our Bylaw Enforcement Officer they are willing to rectify the problems on the property immediately. In rare cases we may have to fine a property owner or fix the problem ourselves and add the cost to the property's tax bill.
  
  
• The third role is to support persons interested in developing property within Town
  
  When a developer expresses interest in developing a property in town planning staff will generally meet the developer to explain our development regulations so they can plan their development accordingly. In some circumstances we also offer to work with a developer to create a 'site plan' for their property which has the greatest benefit to both the property owner and the town. Quite often town staff from various departments, usually Planning and Development, Economic Development and Operational Services will work with a local developer to guide then through the development process, or work with a non-local developer to entice them to locate in our town. The goal is always to come to a mutual agreement that will offer the greatest benefit to both the property owner and the town.