County of Annapolis, January 19, 2024 - During a Special Council meeting held on January 18th, second and final reading to adopt the County-Wide Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) was approved.

Changes to Provincial legislation in 2018 required municipalities to review and update the MPS and LUB to ensure minimum and mandatory planning requirements were being met.

In 2022, the County engaged Stantec Ltd. to conduct a review, public consultation, and produce a MPS and LUB for the municipality. Over the next two years, approximately 30 public meetings were held to collect information from the public.

“Council is very appreciative of residents who shared their thoughts, views, and concerns around the development of this County-Wide Plan,” said Warden Alex Morrison. “Our staff worked diligently with Stantec to create a Plan that reflected what was heard during the public consultations.” 

A public hearing was held on January 18^th, where the public had an opportunity to speak to the draft plan. Immediately following, a Special Council meeting was held where Councillors voted to move forward with it.

The Plan will now be forwarded to the NS Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for review and approval. Upon ministerial approval, an advertisement will be placed in the local newspaper, with the date of the advertisement being the effective date of the document.

The existing secondary planning areas of Cornwallis Park, Upper Clements, Bridgetown, and East End Area are not affected by the County-Wide Plan. 

“This was a challenging, yet enjoyable, journey,” noted Warden Morrison. “It provided opportunity to learn more about our County and our residents. Everyone worked hard to make it to this point in the process.”

A copy of the County-Wide Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw can be viewed on our website next week.  Any questions can be directed to Linda Bent, Director of Planning & Inspection Services at lbent@annapoliscounty.ca.