Lawrence R Nicoll - Photographer
Project Updates
About the Project
The Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro have commissioned a study to examine the feasibility of a public transit service for the region. Public transit offers the potential to reduce transportation emissions and reliance on passenger vehicles, address energy poverty, and ensure equitable access to jobs, housing, amenities, and services in the region.
The geographic scope for this study is all of Colchester County, which has a population of around 51,500 people. Thousands of people travel into and out of Truro and Central Colchester from all over the region for employment, education, and services. The study will evaluate the best way to serve residents moving within the urban core, along well-traveled corridors into and out of the urban core and employment centres, and between rural communities.
In July 2024, the Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro received funding for this project from the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, administered by the NS Federation of Municipalities. Staff awarded the contract for the study to Arcadis Professional Services Inc in December 2024 and held the project kick-off meeting in January 2025. The study is expected to conclude by early 2026.
Public Engagement
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Contact
Questions about the Regional Public Transit Feasibility Study can be directed to Sustainability Planner Joanna Burris at (902) 897-3170 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Administrative Amendments to the Colchester Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law
The county-wide plan and bylaw came into effect in June of 2025. Since that time, staff have been noting any errors, inconsistencies such as mapping discrepancies, typos, cross-referencing, misnumbering, etc. Also, some amendments are proposed to reduce ambiguity for staff, applicants and the public as well as support efficient administration.
The Colchester Planning Advisory Committee held a meeting on April 22, 2026, and recommended that the proposed amendments be advanced to Council for consideration of First Reading, which will occur on April 27, 2026. Contact Pam Macintosh by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 902.897.3170 for more information.
pdf Plan and By law Admin Amendments APRIL 27(3.93 MB)
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Documents
Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS):
pdf Colchester Municipal Planning Strategy 2025(13.05 MB)
MPS Schedules
pdf Schedule A - Growth Centres(4.36 MB)
pdf Schedule B - Future Land Use(10.40 MB)
Land Use Bylaw (LUB)
pdf Colchester Land Use Bylaw 2025(17.68 MB)
LUB Schedules
pdf Schedule A - Zoning(10.65 MB)
pdf Schedule B - Flood Overlay(15.85 MB)
pdf Schedule C - Growth Centres(4.36 MB)
pdf Schedule D - Coastal Elevation(8.01 MB)
pdf Schedule E - Heritage Overlay(5.35 MB)
Additional Resources
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Interactive Zoning Map - Click Here! |
Colchester County Interactive Flood Mapping
3D flood visualizations in Nova Scotia are extensively used to map risks from sea-level rise, storm surges, and climate change. These tools use high-resolution Lidar elevation data to simulate flood scenarios for selected communities. These models can visualize the risk and threat levels to infrastructure and road networks. Incorporating this information into emergency and disaster planning is critical in the face of climate change.
The Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro partnered with the map creators, 3D Wave Design, to provide these maps with the assistance of the Department of Municipal Affairs, Province of Nova Scotia.
Explore the map below to learn more about the impacts of tides, storm surges, and sea-level rise.
Interactive 3D Flood Map - Click Here!
Disclaimer: This interactive map is intended for general informational purposes only. While every effort is made to make the information current, it is subject to change. Any interpretation of the data and any decision made as a result of using the data is the sole responsibility of the user. Users with site specific questions should consult with a qualified professional. By continuing to use this application, you confirm that you understand this disclaimer and that the Municipality of the County of Colchester and the Town of Truro do not have any liability for any loss or damage of any kind incurred because of the use of this information.
Why should I participate in Cozy Colchester?
Whether you are looking to get off oil with a heat pump, insulate your attic, or complete other renovations to increase the energy efficiency of your home – Cozy Colchester can help you every step of the way.
Not only does the program provide low interest financing to complete these upgrades, it also gives you access to an energy advisor to guide you through the whole process. This includes answering your questions, assisting with obtaining quotes, and ensuring you take advantage of the many provincial and federal rebate programs.
We make it simple...
- Improve the value and comfort of your home
- Easy access to technical advice
- No money down
- Low interest financing
- Savings that will exceed payments, in most cases
- Help to access and benefit from all eligible provincial and federal rebates
Connect with a program advisor today as we move towards our goal of being a carbon-free community. To get started, call 902-920-0615 (local Truro number) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
How do I participate?
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Contact us for advice at 902-920-0615 & This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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We can help you get a Home Energy Assessment and quotes from local contractors
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When you are ready, sign our Participant Agreement
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We authorize contractor to proceed
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We pay contractor once the work is complete
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Start your payments and start saving
Eligible Projects
Cozy Colchester will support almost any project that saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some examples:
- Air-source heat pumps
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Heat pump pool heaters
- Heat pump domestic water heaters
- Insulation and air sealing
- Exterior windows
- Exterior doors
- Smart thermostats
For solar PV, visit our Solar Colchester webpage.
Call for Contractors!
Are you a local contractor/supplier and want to know more about the program and grow your business?
To express interest or get invited to our next industry engagement session, give us a call at 902-334-6031 (Contractor Hotline) or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Financing
Have your project pay for itself through energy savings!
Key Financing Terms:
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Financing through your property, not personal credit
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2.75% interest rate
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10- or 15-year terms, depending on the upgrade
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One-time 5% admin fee to cover program administration costs (see more details below in The Fine Print)
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No fees for early repayment
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Finance up to $30,000 or 25% of your property value (whichever is less)
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Low monthly payments with typical savings that will exceed payments
Do you qualify for our Low-Income Administration Fee Exemption?
To better serve low-income residents of Colchester County, we have expanded our efforts to make Cozy Colchester and Solar Colchester programs more accessible. The 5% administration fee will be waived for all qualifying households with incomes below the following thresholds:
| Household Size | Maximum Net Household Income (Line 236 of Notice Assessment) |
| 1 person | $27,250 |
| 2 to 4 people | $50,635 |
| 5 or more people | $72,113 |
To apply, please contact Sarah Lynds at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 902-897-3170.
Let’s minimize costs and maximize energy savings, together!
Homeowners eligible for the Low-Income Admin Fee Exemption may also be eligible for free home upgrades through Efficiency Nova Scotia’s HomeWarming program. Visit HomeWarming.ca for more information.
Combine with other Incentives
You could be eligible for federal or provincial rebates to support your project! Call us at 902-920-0615 and an energy advisor will help you access available incentives, such as:
Greener Homes: https://www.efficiencyns.ca/residential/services-rebates/greener-homes/
HomeWarming (for low-income households): https://www.homewarming.ca/
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Grant (for low- to median-income households): https://www.efficiencyns.ca/residential/services-rebates/oil-to-heat-pump/
The Fine Print
Call us if you would like to see a sample Participation Agreement at (902) 812-5028.
Additional Fees & Charges: There is a one-time 5% administration fee for each project to cover program administration costs, including energy concierge services, arranging free home energy assessments, checking property value & property tax status, helping homeowners navigate the rebate process, drafting and executing legal agreements, setting up and collecting monthly payments for 10-15 years, etc. For example: a $20,000 project with a 10-year loan term will have a $1,000 admin fee, equivalent to $8.33/month.
The administration fee may be paid in full upfront or added to the loan principal at the same interest rate. Note that Solar Colchester and Cozy Colchester are operated on a user-pay model for the Municipality. This means the programs are not being subsidized by non-participating taxpayers.
There will be additional fees for missed loan payments.
This project was carried out with assistance from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, an endowment created by the Government of Canada.
