Municipal Planning Strategy

A Municipal Planning Strategy is a legal document created by all municipalities in Nova Scotia. The MPS allows Council to identify policies that will guide future decisions on the development of the Town, as well as services and facilities available for residents.

The Town of Antigonish recently updated its Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use By-Law (LUB). With the support of WSP Consulting Inc. the Town conducted a series of public engagement phases and gathered feedback from community members on local priorities that will help build a roadmap for Antigonish’s future growth and development. The result led to the modernization of existing policies that will create opportunities for growth and new investment which provides a cohesive vision for the community to determine Antigonish’s long-term strategic direction.

The general objectives of the MPS are to:

1. Guide Council Decision Making – The MPS aims to provide guidance for and direction on what the community needs most as expressed by residents of the Town. The MPS also accounts for trends in the Town, as well as Nova Scotia, that informs how municipalities will need to evolve to meet the needs of their populations. The MPS translates broad goals into specific policies. The MPS doesn’t commit Council to undertake any projects described within it, however, Council is restricted from undertaking actions inconsistent with the policies of the MPS.

2. Makes Growth Strategic – The MPS determines where community growth should occur and what type of growth is needed. Strategic growth maintains and enhances the quality of life for all residents by promoting equitable growth of neighbourhoods and a diversity of housing options while maintaining small-town character.

3. Simplify Development Approvals – The MPS in conjunction with the LUB will guide decisions on future land use and development. These two documents use a variety of control tools available in the Municipal Government Act to strategically permit growth in the Town.

All documents can also be found on Eastern District Planning Commission’s website.

If you have questions regarding the Town’s MPS, please contact Kate MacInnis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you have any questions about the LUB please contact John Bain at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Get in Touch

Town of Antigonish
274 Main Street
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Canada B2G 2C4

Phone: (902) 863-2351
Fax: (902) 863-0460 / (902) 863-9201

Town Hall hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Search