Municipality’s Vision: Creating a Brighter Future
Shelburne County’s economic story has long been written by the sea. For generations, our community’s livelihood has been deeply connected to the fishing industry—the very pulse that has sustained our way of life. The fishery is not just a part of our economy; it is the foundation. Yet, our singular economic focus has left us vulnerable. Unlike other regions, we have never diversified beyond the sea.
In the 1990s, we suffered two pivotal losses. The once-thriving naval base—a proud employer and a vital hub of community activity—closed its doors, and shortly thereafter, the Nova Scotia School for Boys was shuttered. These closures not only cut local employment but also drained our community spirit, prompting families and youth to seek opportunities elsewhere. There was a time when our community boasted three grocery stores and lively streets filled with neighbors and businesses. Today, only one store remains, and at times, our streets are so quiet it feels as if the very soul of our community has been muted.
Adding to our challenges, our prized lobster fishery has been in dramatic decline. Since 2016, lobster landings in Local Fishing Area 33 have dropped nearly 31%, and in LFA 34, they have fallen almost 44% since 2014. This dramatic and ongoing decline is a serious threat to our future economic viability and places a strong responsibility on our leaders to have a clear vision for the future.
Our vision as a Municipality is clear: we are committed to improving the quality of life for our residents, ensuring that our community is a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families. Our Council members were not elected merely to “keep the lights on.” We were chosen to tackle hard challenges and to make the tough decisions that will secure a brighter future for our community and our children. We know the obstacles are steep, but we have the vision and determination to make the hard choices necessary to overcome them.
Facing these challenges head-on, our Municipal Council made a bold decision three years ago to prioritize responsible economic development. Our goal is clear yet ambitious—to use every tool at our disposal to attract new businesses and industries, diversify our economy, and ultimately create a future where our children have abundant reasons to stay, grow, and thrive in the community they grew up.
Our plan is twofold. First, we are designating two “areas of special interest”: the 103 property on the south side of Highway 103, just west of junction 25—poised to evolve into a vibrant commercial district visible to thousands of travelers—and the Hartz Point area, uniquely situated where our world-class harbour splits, offering an ideal site for future commercial and economic development with direct access to the harbour. In addition, we are proposing two industrial zones specifically designed for heavier industrial users, providing robust infrastructure and support for manufacturing and advanced industries that will help diversify our economic base. These two zones are located at the existing industrial park and the second is by the old naval base.
These proposals are the result of a transparent, community-driven planning process. Our draft Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) require any developer to submit detailed plans and undergo thorough public consultation—there are no backroom deals or unwanted projects. We are aware that some social media posts, often driven by long-standing skepticism, may circulate messages that don’t fully reflect our open process. We encourage everyone to rely on our official communications and to engage directly with us for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
We recognize the obstacles ahead—from a declining fishery to a constrained power grid. That’s why we are actively working with Nova Scotia Power to secure critical upgrades that will support new growth. Despite these challenges, the Municipality’s strategic location along Highway 103—equidistant from Yarmouth and Bridgewater—and our unmatched harbour remain powerful assets.
Now is the time for action. We refuse to accept a future where our children must leave to find opportunity elsewhere. Instead, we are committed to building a community where they can stay, build their lives, and thrive. Our MPS & LUB process is now in its final phase, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and strategically developed future. However, our work does not stop here. Next, we will embark on the creation of a comprehensive four-year Strategic Plan—one that will be built with the active participation of our residents. This plan will be a guiding document that reflects the collective aspirations of our community and ensures that our Council moves forward with a strong, resident-driven mandate. We invite every member of our community to take part in shaping this vision and setting the course for a stronger, more vibrant Municipality. Together, we will rise to the challenges and create a prosperous future for generations to come.