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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Effective February 21st, 2022 - NEW Hours of Operation

Top News

For Immediate Release

Municipality of Yarmouth Increases Support of Graduating High School Students Attending Post-Secondary Education

<October 27, 2022 - Hebron, Nova Scotia>

At yesterday’s Regular Council meeting, the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth’s Council approved the recommendation to double the number of annual bursaries given to graduating high school students from two to four.

Council recognizes that post-secondary education is an integral component for both the individual in pursuit of their professional aspirations and the region as a whole in fostering its economic vitality. Nevertheless, the steep cost associated with these educational pursuits unfortunately prevents several talented students from engaging in further education after high school.

As a result, The Municipality of Yarmouth Bursary was created to support graduating students who wish to attend post-secondary education but face financial barriers in doing so. Specifically, four annual bursaries in the amount of $1000 each will be given to applicants who are entering a post-secondary program upon graduation and have a financial need for the bursary.

In addition to doubling the number of bursaries, further amendments were made to the Municipality’s Bursary program, creating two streams of the bursary to allow for a more diverse range of applicants. Specifically, two of the bursaries will be awarded to applicants entering a university program, and the remaining two will be awarded to applicants entering a community college, technical or trades-related program. This distinction recognizes the financial need across all forms of post-secondary education.

Moving forward, the application process for the Municipality of Yarmouth bursary will open on January 1,2023 and will close on April 30, 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Municipality of Yarmouth’s Municipal Grants & Bursaries webpage at: https://district.yarmouth.ns.ca

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Media Contacts:

John Cunningham
Warden
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 902-742-7159

Victoria Brooks
Chief Administrative Officer
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone:  902-742-7159

Marissa Parker
Communications Officer
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 902-742-7159

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For Immediate Release

More than $29 Million for Mariners Centre

Expanded Mariners Centre will offer Yarmouth residents more community and wellness programming

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, October 21, 2022— Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Minister of the Public Service Commission, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services and Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, and Nicole Albright, Chair of the Mariners Centre Expansion Steering Committee, announced more than $29.9 million in joint funding for the expansion of the Mariners Centre in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Chris d’Entremont, Member of Parliament for West Nova, Her Worship Pam Mood, Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth, John Cunningham, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, Danny Muise, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Argyle, and Wade Cleveland, Chair of the Mariners Centre Board of Directors, were also in attendance.

“The expansion of the Mariners Centre provides the community with new opportunities to gather and stay active, while supporting two key components of a successful community: tourism and trade. I’m thrilled that the federal government could support this initiative through our Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and I’m fully confident that the community will be much better served by such a comprehensive facility,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $15.9 million in this project. The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing $4 million. The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, the Municipality of the District of Argyle and the Town of Yarmouth are providing a total of $10 million.

“The Mariners Centre provides important opportunities for people from the entire southwest region to connect and be active. This expansion will create more accessible and inclusive spaces that benefit youth, families, seniors and visitors. Hubs like these play a vital role in ensuring stronger, healthier communities,” said the Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services and MLA for Argyle, on behalf of Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

“Quality of life is tremendously important, and this project will certainly play a huge part in ensuring this region benefits on that front. It will continue to take a team of committed partners to get us there, and a huge thank you goes out today to the Federal and Provincial Governments for their pledge to be part of this through their amazing funding announcement. On behalf of the entire community, we are grateful for this partnership and when the project is completed, of course invite you for a workout followed by a swim!” said Her Worship Pam Mood, Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth.

“After several years and countless hours of effort put forth by the community and local governments, I am thrilled that this project is officially moving forward. The modern pool at the Mariners Centre will become an integral component of community recreation in the area, helping to foster economic development and aiding in attracting newcomers to call our region their new home. Council is very pleased to financially partner with the Town of Yarmouth, the Municipality of Argyle, the Federal government, and the Province of Nova Scotia in making this expansion a reality,” said John Cunningham, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth.

“This historical funding announcement is a wonderful first step in providing a world-class fitness experience for all residents of the region. Today’s announcement is proof that when municipalities work together, they can develop strong relationships with their federal and provincial partners, and achieve great things for their residents,” said Danny Muise, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Argyle.

“As chair of the expansion committee, I could not be more proud of our collective accomplishments to date. I am thrilled to be a part of a team of Municipal, Federal, and Provincial governments, coming together to support a fantastic addition to our region, and I am excited to see the contributions from our residents to this legacy project,” said Nicole Albright, Chair of the Mariners Centre Expansion Steering Committee.

Funding will support the expansion of the existing Mariners Centre to include an aquatic centre, a wellness centre and multi-purposes spaces. The existing arenas will be renovated and will feature a new walking track. The different components of the facility will be linked by a two level ‘street’ providing an all-weather social space where people can gather. The facility will be designed to be net-zero ready, climate-resilient, inclusive and barrier-free. Once completed, the expanded Mariners Centre will provide dynamic community and wellness programming that will improve the quality of life of residents for years to come.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

Quick facts

*  The Government of Canada funding is provided through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program.
* The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program is an integral part of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan, providing $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades of existing public community buildings and the construction of new publicly-accessible community buildings that serve high-needs, underserved communities across Canada.
*   At least 10 percent of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.
*  Provincial/territorial governments, municipal or regional governments, public sector bodies, not-for-profit, and Indigenous organizations interested in the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program are invited to apply on the Infrastructure Canada website.
*   Applicants with large retrofit projects to existing community buildings or new community building projects with total eligible costs ranging from $3 million to $25 million were accepted through a competitive intake process which closed on July 6, 2021. A second intake is anticipated later in 2022, however, the date has not yet been determined. Details about the second intake will be published to the Infrastructure Canada – Green and Inclusive Community Buildings’ website as soon as they become available.
*  Applicants with small and medium retrofit projects to existing community buildings ranging in total eligible cost from $100,000 to $2,999,999 are accepted and funded on a rolling intake basis.
*  Announced in December 2020, Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan includes 64 new measures and $15 billion in investments towards a healthy environment and economy.
*  The funding announced today builds on the Government of Canada's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying middle-class jobs, strengthen local economies, and build inclusive communities.

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For more information on the key features and project status of the Mariners Centre Expansion, please visit the Mariners Centre website here.

Media Contacts:

John Cunningham
Warden
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone:  902-742-7159

Victoria Brooks
Chief Administrative Officer
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 902-742-7159

Marissa Parker
Communications Officer
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
902-742-7159

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For Immediate Release

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER FOR THE BETTERMENT OF YARMOUTH, NS.

<July 14th, 2022 – Hebron, Nova Scotia>

The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth (MODY) and The Friends of the Yarmouth Light (FOYL) are collaborating on how best to partner for the betterment of the community.

When the Cape Forchu Lighthouse was automated in 1993, the lightkeeper left and the lighthouse was abandoned. Concerned citizens (FOYL) dedicated to preserving the site proceeded to improve the buildings and grounds, creating a stunning visitor attraction. In 2019, MODY placed a renewed focus on the site and commissioned a comprehensive master plan for the property and FOYL found a new home on Water Street in Yarmouth, with their historical documents and artifacts collected over 26 years. Although concerns arose over the transition, both the Municipality and “The Friends” are now on the same page and are partnering.

Warden John Cunningham says, “We’ve been through a season of great change around the world. As the MODY and FOYL move forward, past their own seasons of change and with their respective ambitious plans, collaboration will be important and welcomed.”

Dave Warner, President of the FOYL says, “The Friends of the Yarmouth Light are pleased to support the new direction to make Cape Forchu a world-class site.” Warner adds that his organization is expanding its focus to celebrate the long history of international tourism, immigration, and their collective economic impact on Yarmouth County. “FOYL is developing a new story for the Harbourfront Museum in the historic Killam Building Heritage Centre at 90 Water Street in Yarmouth. We look forward to continued support from MODY as we promote the many facilities and sites around Yarmouth Harbour.”

Warden Cunningham adds, “The District of Yarmouth supports tourism operators as they recover from the pandemic. Their contribution over many years to Yarmouth County’s cultural and historical preservation have been an asset to the entire community.”

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Prepared by:
Sandra Phinney
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
902 648-0462

Media Contacts:

Victoria Brooks
Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of the District of Yarmouth
902-742-7159
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Warner
President, Friends of the Yarmouth Light
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902-749-8271

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For Immediate Release

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL HOLDS RATES AMID RECORD INFLATION

<May 25th, 2022 - Hebron NS>

Council for the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth cast an ambitious investment plan at the May 25, 2022 Council meeting. Amid inflation rates higher than seen in over a generation, Council continues to focus on infrastructure and programs essential for growing, vibrant communities while holding all tax rates and special assessment fees. With a competitive $1.18 Residential rate $2.17 Commercial rate, living and investing in MODY is a great option.

Capital spending in waste water improvements, Hebron Business Park, Cape Forchu and more high-speed internet, along with its commitment to a modern aquatics facility at the Mariner Center on Jody Shelley Drive, headline the strategic projects which are part of a $5.2 million capital budget for 2022-23.

Operationally, Council’s largest investments are in Protective and Emergency services - $2,894,562 or 19.9%; transfers to Education - $2,341,686 or 16%; Recreation services including Mariner Center and Mariners on Main - $1,283,850 or 8.5%; and Solid Waste collection & disposal - $899,356 or 6.2%.

While property values in the District have risen approximately 7.5%, holding the rates generates a 6% increase in tax revenues, supporting businesses and families during a period of high inflation.

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Media Contacts:

John Cunningham
Warden
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 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

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