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 goal of the review was to modernize existing policies that will create opportunities for growth, new investment, and community development. The review process will provide the Town with the strategic capacity to plan for the future, while also aligning the Town’s vision with the five priority action areas that were collectively outlined in the Engage Antigonish consultation sessions. The full report from Engage Antigonish is available  pdf here. (563 KB)

The Plan

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 of a variety of control tools available in the Municipal Government Act to strategically permit growth in the Town.

To download and read a copy of the Town's Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law, click here.