Welcome
Moving to a new place can be challenging, especially if this is your first time living in Canada. Drop by Town Hall at 400 Main St. — we’ll answer your questions. Our Mayor and Council are happy to meet new residents.
On behalf of everyone here, welcome to Yarmouth!
Our Town
Yarmouth is the regional centre for southwestern Nova Scotia. The town has nearly 7,000 residents and serves as the financial, business, education and lifestyle hub for about 70,000 people across Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne counties. The port sits in the heart of some of the world’s richest lobster grounds and fishing has long shaped our culture and economy.
We are at the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia. New Brunswick lies to the north across the Bay of Fundy; Maine, USA is to the northwest; Halifax is about 300 km away. The climate is maritime: winters are mild with little snow accumulation, summers are cool to warm, and precipitation is spread through the year. Check local tide and weather reports — tides here are among the highest in the world.
Checklist for moving in
- Find a family doctor or nurse practitioner: call 1-844-491-5891 for help finding primary care. Nova Scotia Health Authority also lists programs for people without a family physician.
- Call 211 for community services, including newcomer supports and refugee assistance.
- Register your children for school: see Education for local school contacts.
- Set up taxes and utilities. Learn how to start water, sewer and electricity services and pay municipal taxes.
- Update your driver’s licence at Access Nova Scotia office, 10 Starrs Rd.
- Apply for or update your passport at the Yarmouth Service Canada Centre, 13 Willow St.
What you need to know
- Active living: programs, sports and recreation options. Learn more by clicking here.
- Animal services: how to register a dog and pet-owner responsibilities.
- Bill payments: where to pay your municipal taxes, water bill, and more.
- Building and renovating: apply for a building permit before major changes.
- Culture and heritage: learn about Yarmouth’s history and local museums.
- Emergency services: Police, fire, and medical services are available 24/7. For immediate danger, call 911.
- Events: local festivals and civic events help you connect with the community.
- Local media: listen to CJLS/Y95.5 FM or watch Eastlink TV.
- Minimum housing standards: kKnow your rights as a tenant or homeowner.
- Passport services. You can update your passport at the Yarmouth Service Canada Centre at 13 Willow St.
- Garbage, recycling and composting: Yarmouth uses a 2-bag system — one bag for paper, one for plastic and metal. Learn about collection, hazardous-waste and pharmaceutical disposal on our Garbage, Recycling & Composting page.
- Transportation: FREE local transit, shuttle services and seasonal ferry connections. Learn more by clicking here.
- Weather, tides and pollen: check local reports before travel or waterfront activities. Learn more by clicking here.
- Winter services: learn about snow clearing, resident responsibilities and safe winter driving on Snow & Ice Management.
Report a problem
If you see a maintenance or safety issue, tell us at Report a Problem so we can follow up.