Welcome to the Municipality of Yarmouth
The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, affectionately known as MODY by the locals, is a diverse collection of communities located on the southern tip of Nova Scotia. Diversity can be found in our landscapes. The Municipality of Yarmouth boasts rugged and sandy ocean fronts, working wharves, rolling hills, old growth forests, quaint hamlets, bustling business districts and clean cottage country lakes. Diversity is found in our economy. Fishing, forestry, agriculture, light manufacturing, retail, personal services, professional services, and creative arts are a few of the sectors where vocational opportunities abound. Diversity describes the recreation and leisure offerings. Music, water sports, school and community sporting leagues, dancing, theatre, pottery, photography, wood carving, quilting and so much more are available. Diversity is celebrated in our people. With a global ethnic presence, the Municipality of Yarmouth is increasingly seen as an ideal place to put down roots, seize work/life balance opportunities and contribute to one's community.
If you'd like to explore living, working or investing in the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, please contact the office of the CAO at 902-742-7159.
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Top News
For Immediate Release
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Artists Reach the Top
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, September 7, 2023 — The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth (MODY) and the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) have partnered on an exciting new project celebrating local artists and elevating the region's musical talent.
Launching on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, the Lantern Room Sessions is a six-part video series that takes place 125 feet above sea level in the lantern room of the world-famous Cape Forchu Lighthouse in Yarmouth. Each video showcases Nova Scotian musicians with a local connection to the region performing an original song. Videos will be released on Yarmouth & Acadian Shores and Cape Forchu's Facebook pages and YouTube channels every Thursday for the six weeks leading up to Nova Scotia Music Week. Some Lantern Room Sessions artists will also be showcased during Nova Scotia Music Week in November.
MODY is the owner and operator of Cape Forchu and sees the site as a tourism anchor for the region. Victoria Brooks, CAO of MODY, knows partnerships like this help promote the destination and regional events.
"Music, the sea, and lighthouses are what Nova Scotia's all about. Bringing all three of these themes together at Cape Forchu for the Lantern Room Sessions is a perfect way to celebrate our amazing local talent, proud history, and this iconic landmark," said Brooks.
YASTA CEO Neil MacKenzie, co-chair of the Nova Scotia Music Week host committee,
is pleased to see regional partners engage with the event.
"Music is a big part of our region's identity, so many talented musical artists call this area home. YASTA is proud to showcase artists from Yarmouth & Acadian Shores and promote Nova Scotia Music Week —it will be an amazing celebration of Nova Scotia Music this November," said MacKenzie.
Viewers can expect diverse performances in an intimate setting in both English and French. Yarmouth & Acadian Shores hosts Nova Scotia Music Week from November 2nd to 5th.
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Links:
Yarmouth & Acadian Shore Tourism Association
facebook.com/VisitYAS
youtube.com/@VisitYAS>
instagram.com/visityas
Cape Forchu Lighthouse
facebook.com/capeforchu
youtube.com/@CapeForchu>
instagram.com/capeforchu
Nova Scotia Music Week
nsmw.ca/
Musicians:
Charles Robicheau and Daniel LeBlanc
Dusted
Jacques Surette
Marlee Bubar
Paul Murphy
Vickie Deveau
Media Contacts:
Neil MacKenzie
CEO, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 902-400-0323
Marissa Parker
Communications Officer, Municipality of the District of Yarmouth
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 902-742-7159
For Immediate Release
Mariners Centre Expansion Concept Designs Under Review
The Expansion Project Committee is currently reviewing concept designs, and has requested additional proposals with options and costing from the architect
<July 20, 2023 - Yarmouth, Nova Scotia>
The Mariners Centre Expansion Project Committee (EPC) is currently reviewing concept designs for the planned expansion at Mariners Centre. Two initial proposals have been reviewed, and the committee has requested more concepts from the architect. The additional concepts, including associated costing, are expected by the end of July from Ventin Group Architects, who were awarded the Architectural/Engineering Design contract in April.
As the concept designs are received and evaluated, costing is a key part of the review process. The EPC is focused on an expansion project that will maximize functionality and features, while keeping within the project scope and budget of $30 million (before fundraising). Once the EPC has reviewed and considered all concepts, options and costs, a recommendation will be made to members of the Mariners Centre Expansion Board (MCEB). The board will then approve, or recommend approval from the three partnering councils. A joint council meeting on the topic with Town of Yarmouth, the Municipality of Argyle, and the Municipality of Yarmouth will take place in the near future. Once a concept is selected, the architect will move ahead with a detailed schematic design.
“The MCEB has been engaged with the EPC and the architect over the last several weeks, and the process has been both exciting and challenging,” said MCEB Chair Nicole Albright. “A great deal of focus has been placed on ensuring the final concept is the best facility we can build, that serves as many residents as possible, all within the project budget. We need to get this right from the beginning, so the project committee have tasked the architects to present plans for a facility that offer a variety of options and configurations. We are eager to get the concept design finalized, approved, and out to the public as soon as possible.”
Another important success factor for the project will be fundraising. A strong team has been assembled for this effort, and they are ready to begin their campaign later this summer.
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About the Expansion Project Committee (EPC)
The EPC provides the day-to-day management for project, project scope and changes, and the approved project phase budget. The EPC provides recommendations to the MCEB for key milestone decisions and is responsible for project communications including monthly project status reports to the MCEB.
EPC Members
Municipality of Yarmouth
Dean Fuller
Town of Yarmouth
DeMario Dunkley
Municipality of Argyle
Alain Muise
Mariners Centre
Dorgam Hideib
Project Leader
Marc Brophy
About the Mariners Centre Expansion Board (MCEB)
The Mariners Centre Expansion Board provides project approvals, and is responsible for managing the expansion project on behalf of the Board and the three Councils. It provides approval of funds to the Expansion Project Committee (EPC), and is responsible for execution of the communication strategy and the municipal partner management.
MCEB Members
Municipality of Yarmouth
Councillor Nick Hilton
Councillor Patti Durkee
Town of Yarmouth
Councillor Gil Dares
Deputy Mayor Steve Berry
Municipality of Argyle
Deputy Warden Nicole Albright (Chair)
Warden Danny Muise
Mariners Centre
Darcy DeSutter
Community Members
Jake MacLeay
Media Contacts:
Nicole Albright
MCEB Chair
902-307-4474
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mike Carter
MCEB Communications
Office: (902) 742-2521
Mobile: (902) 746-3167
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For Immediate Release
Council Continues to Hold the Tax Rate Amid High Inflation
<June 2, 2023 - Hebron, Nova Scotia>
On June 1, 2023, the Council of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth approved the budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Amid high inflation, Council continues to hold the tax rate while making strategic investments in key program areas to help improve the lives of the residents and businesses of the municipality. With the presence of competitive tax rates, MODY is a great place to both conduct business and live.
Council have renewed its contribution to the Doctor Recruitment and Retention program with the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce increasing the amount to $30,000 per year for 3 years. Additionally, over $145,000 has been re-invested in the community through grants to organizations, tourism, and place-making projects. Finally, investment to see the design and engineering for Phase II of the Nova West Regional Business Park has been made.
Operationally, Council’s largest investments are in policing - $1.427 million (up 5.4% from last year); fire protections - $1.677 million (up 51.8% from last year); solid waste collection and disposal - $941,000 (up 4.6% from last year); and public education - $2.5 million (up 7.4% from last year).
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Quick Facts
- The Residential/Resource and Commercial rates have not changed since 2018-19
- Municipal Expenditures have grown just over 43% 2018-19 to 2023-24
- Residential & Resource Tax Rates: $1.18 per $100 of assessment
- Commercial Tax Rate: $2.17 per $100 of assessment
- Special Assessment/Sewer: $89.66 per equivalent unit per quarter
- Fire Rates (per $100 of assessment):
- F1 Carleton: $0.11
- F2 Port Maitland: $0.14
- F3 Yarmouth: $0.17
- F4 Lakes & District: $0.17
- F5 Lake Vaughan: $0.15
- F6 Valley & District: $0.08
- F7 Kemptville: $0.11
Media Contacts:
John Cunningham
Warden
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
902-742-7159
Victoria Brooks
Chief Administrative Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
902-742-7159
Marissa Parker
Communications Officer
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902-742-7159
For Immediate Release
Municipality of Argyle Joins the Municipality and Town of Yarmouth as the Mariners Centre’s Newest Owner
Argyle, Nova Scotia, May 12, 2023 — On May 10, 2023, John Cunningham, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, Her Worship Pam Mood, Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth, Danny Muise, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Argyle, Victoria Brooks, CAO of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, Jeff Gushue, CAO of the Town of Yarmouth, and Alain Muise, CAO of the Municipality of the District of Argyle, signed the Mariners Centre Intermunicipal Service Agreement. This forty-year agreement names the Municipality of the District of Argyle as a joint owner of the Mariners Centre, joining both the Town and Municipality of Yarmouth.
"The Municipality of Argyle has been a long time supporter of our regional Mariners Center. Our decision to become a shared owner confirms our long term future commitment to this project and its expansion" said Danny Muise, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Argyle.
By signing this long-term agreement, our community members will benefit as continued stability for sport, recreation, entertainment, and events in the community will be achieved.
“We are so happy to welcome Argyle as a full owner of the Mariners Centre! Argyle has always been a valuable contributor and partner, and with the Mariners Centre Expansion project underway, we can now say that we are building a true Community Hub for the entire region. Exciting times!”, said Chair of the Mariners Centre Board of Directors, Wade Cleveland.
“Council is thrilled for the Municipality of Argyle to become a joint owner of the Mariners Centre alongside the Municipality and Town of Yarmouth. Our community has asked Council for an upgraded pool and recreation facilities, and I look forward to engaging with our municipal partners in providing an inclusive, modern centre for everyone to use and enjoy,” said John Cunningham, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth.
“This is a big moment, and we are so thankful to have Argyle, who has always been a good partner, officially with us as we work together to bring the best to our people!" said Her Worship Pam Mood, Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth.
Together, the three municipal units look forward to working together in providing our communities with facilities and programming that are inclusive and welcoming to all.
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Media Contacts:
John Cunningham
Warden, Municipality of the District of Yarmouth
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 902-742-7159
Danny Muise
Warden, Municipality of the District of Argyle
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (902) 648-2311
Pam Mood
Mayor, Town of Yarmouth
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (902) 742-2521