News & Notices
Town Introduces Surplus Lands for Affordable Housing Policy
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The policy will help build affordable housing by reducing or removing land acquisition costs for developers.
Surplus Lands for Affordable Housing Program
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The Town of Yarmouth is making surplus municipal land available to non-profit housing providers. By removing land costs, we help create long-term affordable rental housing in our community.
pdf Surplus Lands for Affordable Housing Policy(299 KB)
Available Properties
Civic Address PID Info
56 Tooker Street, Yarmouth 90211442 View Map & Details
37 Argyle Street, Yarmouth 90212820 View Map & Details
22 Chester Street, Yarmouth 90205428 View Map & Details
Who Can Apply
- Eligible: Non-profit and charitable organizations·
- Partnerships with private developers allowed, but:
- Land title must remain with the non-profit
- Affordable units must be managed by the non-profit
Proposal Requirements
Your proposal must:
- Provide rental units below CMHC average market rents
- Be permitted “as-of-right” under zoning bylaws
- Ensure permits can be issued by June 30, 2027
Proposals needing variances/subdivisions may be considered if approvals can still be completed within the deadline.
How to Apply
- Fill out the Call for Submissions Application Form
- Attach required documents:
- Construction pro-forma
- Operating pro-forma
- Financial statements (last 3 years or since incorporation)
- Partnership agreement (if applicable)
Submissions are open for 60 days.
Deadline: 11:59 pm, December 29, 2025
Late applications will not be accepted. If no proposals are received, the deadline may be extended.
Call for Submissions Application Surplus Lands
Next Steps
- Staff review applications.
- Report to Town Council – Fall 2025
- Land transfer agreements finalized
- Successful applicants sign a buy-back agreement (land must remain in affordable housing use)
Information for Residents
Why is this program is needed?
Yarmouth is facing a housing shortage. The Town can support non-profits by providing surplus land at $1, helping them build affordable units faster.
Example:
One successful example of this is on Shaw Ave in Yarmouth, where town-owned property stood vacant. In 2024 Council sold the site to the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia (AHANS) for $1, allowing AHANS to build 24 mixed rental units — 14 being affordable dwelling units. There is a mix of bachelor, 1-,2-, and 3-bedroom units. Affordable units will rent for between $397 and $1,085 a month – far below the current $2000 to $2200 average monthly rent for similar-sized units. Units are designed to be net zero, making the living spaces more efficient and affordable while also more comfortable for tenants to live in. The entire project meets federal adaptability standards, and all common spaces are barrier free.
Housing details
Any new housing will adhere to the local land use bylaw regulations, which also apply to the surrounding properties. In most in low density residential zones, up to 4 units are permitted.
Who will operate the housing?
A nonprofit housing provider will manage the new units.
Will this be used for shelters?
No, the program supports permanent housing only. Emergency/shelter housing is a Provincial responsibility.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the program, or if you wish to schedule a pre-application consultation meeting, please contact us:
Email: edo@townofyarmouth.ca
Phone: 902-742-4864
Notice of Public Hearing, Thursday, November 13th
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A Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, November 13th, at 6:30 pm in Council chambers, located at 400 Main Street.
Notice of Approval: Rezoning Town-Owned Lots/Feeding Wild Animals Bylaw
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This is to serve notice that the Council of the Town of Yarmouth at its meeting on Thursday, August 14th, 2025 at 6:30 pm, at Yarmouth Town Hall, 400 Main Street, approved the following:
The Town of Yarmouth: A LEGACY OF BLOOMING EXCELLENCE!
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The Town of Yarmouth has taken part as a member of Communities in Bloom (CIB) for 20 years now. Dating back to our first provincial competition in 2006, Yarmouth's commitment to community excellence has led us to winning the International Challenge (Small Category) with 5 Blooms - GOLD at the 2025 Communities in Bloom National Symposium in Stratford, Ontario last weekend–and it’s all thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers. We're proud to be recognized by CIB internationally in 2025 for our success in:
🌷Community Appearance: Vibrant murals resulting from our successful mural grant program, green spaces & welcoming atmosphere. The Town scored 136.25 out of 150 points.
♻️ Environmental Action: Innovative waste management & sustainability initiatives. Kudos to Glendon Ring and staff at the Solid Waste Park, Wastecheck for programs in waste diversion and recycling, and citizens for the annual adopt-a-block program. Our collective efforts earned us 139.50 out of a possible 150.
🕍 Heritage Conservation: Celebrating our history & architecture. The well-preserved homes in the heritage district, the efforts of the Yarmouth County Museum, the Sweeney Fisheries Museum and the Harbourfront Museum are all great examples. Score: 141 points out of 150.
🌳 Tree Management: Expanding our urban forest. Our tree inventory is the envy of managers in much larger and well-funded urban areas. We scored an impressive 167.25 out of 175.
🏡Landscape: Harmonious blend of nature & community spaces. Main Street streetscape redevelopment with a focus on beautification and creating a more pedestrian-friendly and accessible downtown, and the large number of green spaces for the size of the community are great examples. Score: 187.75 out of 200.
🌸Plant & Floral Displays: Stunning floral artistry. Examples: the Lost to the Sea Memorial – planted by David Sollows with children and maintained by volunteer Sue Eldridge, Main Street planters, Jim MacLeod Square, the Vancouver Street median, the Brown Street Parking Lot maintained by the Yarmouth Garden Club. Score: 162.75 out of 175.
TOTAL SCORE: 932.50 out of 1000.00 = 93.25% for 5 Blooms - GOLD!
Over the years, we've also been honoured with national awards for Heritage Conservation, Environmental Action, Land Reclamation, Tree Management, and even "Best Garden in a Small Town in Canada". 2025 represents the first time we have received an award at the international level. But it’s important to note that CIB is more than winning awards for landscapes and blooms – there are economic, environmental, and quality of life effects on a community. Here are just a few examples:
✅ Community Pride & Engagement:
CIB participation and awards boost local morale and encourage residents to take part in community projects. Working together fosters stronger relationships, and a shared sense of belonging, increasing volunteerism.
✅ Economic Benefits:
An attractive community draws tourists, new residents, and businesses, boosting the local economy. Commitment to CIB ideals can increase property values and encourage business investment.
✅ Environmental Benefits:
CIB promotes sustainability through eco-friendly practices like waste reduction and green space expansion. Protecting natural heritage enhances biodiversity and contributes to a healthier environment.
✅ Quality of Life Improvements:
CIB enhances the overall appearance and feel of the community, making it more pleasant for everyone. Preserving cultural heritage and promoting active lifestyles contribute to a strong sense of place.
✅ Recognition & Reputation:
Awards elevate a community's image and make it more attractive to outsiders. Recognition provides marketing opportunities and facilitates networking with other communities.
Thank You to Our Tireless Volunteers
In closing, a HUGE thank you to our dedicated Communities in Bloom Committee members, the Yarmouth Garden Club, YACRO, Town of Yarmouth Parks Supervisor Todd Muise and his crew, and ALL our volunteers. There are too many individuals to mention here, but we recognize and appreciate all of you. Your hard work makes Yarmouth shine. And finally, thank you to the residents and businesses of Yarmouth for doing their part to make this town beautiful. We're proud to host the National Symposium again in 2027 and showcase all that makes Yarmouth special.
- Sincerely, the CIB Team
To read the full Communities in Bloom press release for our award, visit: https://www.townofyarmouth.ca/town-of-yarmouth-wins-gold-at-cib-2025-national-international-symposium.html
Town Acquires 341 Main Street
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The Town of Yarmouth is pleased to announce the acquisition of 341 Main Street. This historic building is an important piece of infrastructure on Main Street, and it’s getting a new life!