News & Notices
Construction and Street Closure on Water Street
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Just a quick reminder that work on sewer infrastructure upgrades are now fully underway on the north end of Water Street. Here's what to expect over the next several weeks:
In Person Public Workshops
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We hope you can join us for one of the upcoming Public Workshops to learn more about the contents of the Draft Municipal Planning Strategy & Land Use Bylaw (now available for public review on the project website)!
Planning Review Update
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We are excited to announce that the drafts of our new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw are now available for public review!
Water Street Infrastructure Upgrades Underway
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A major infrastructure project is underway on Water Street in Yarmouth. The project, awarded to Aberdeen Paving Ltd. following a competitive tender process, will bring significant improvements to the area between Gardner Street and Richards Lane.
Work to be carried out over the coming weeks includes the installation of a new sanitary sewer system with manholes, a storm sewer with catch basins, curb and asphalt reinstatement, and associated landscaping.
The upgrades were approved by Council at its October 14th meeting, with the contract awarded to Aberdeen in the amount of $882,402.40. The funding is comprised of 537,402.40 from the Government of Canada’s Housing Accelerator Fund, and $345,000 from Mirza Holdings Incorporated. The upgrades will support Mirza’s new housing development of 27 units with estimated completion in the summer of 2026, and a phase 2 project To be completed in 2027.
“Our government is committed to giving local governments the support they need to drive housing supply and bring down housing costs. More than 200 municipalities across Canada are making changes that will cut red tape and fast-track housing and Yarmouth is one of them. It’s an example of what’s possible when governments work together. It’s also another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong. “ – Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margarets.
"These upgrades represent yet another significant investment in Yarmouth's infrastructure. We have completed several projects of this nature in recent years, and this one is much-needed, especially with a significant new housing project under construction in that area. This work reflects the town's commitment to upgrading key infrastructure to support new housing for our residents."–Mayor Pam Mood.
"Mirza Holdings Inc. is pleased to see this project underway and also to have contributed financially to help make it happen. We chose this area to build housing as we believe it has much to offer. It is close to all amenities, offers beautiful waterfront views, and is close to the Yarmouth Regional Hospital. This can help to attract and provide housing for doctors and other medical professionals. These upgrades make it possible for our projects to happen and improve the entire area for future development."–Mirza Holdings Representative.
Construction is expected to reach substantial completion within eight weeks. The work will lead to street closures and occasional water disruptions, all of which will be announced in advance.
This project is an initiative funded in part by the Government of Canada and its Housing Accelerator Fund. To learn more about the fund, as well as the Town's Action Plan, please visit https://www.townofyarmouth.ca/housing-accelerator-fund.html
Town Introduces Surplus Lands for Affordable Housing Policy
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The policy will help build affordable housing by reducing or removing land acquisition costs for developers.
Surplus Lands for Affordable Housing Program
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The Town of Yarmouth is making surplus municipal land available to non-profit housing providers. By removing land costs, we help create long-term affordable rental housing in our community.
pdf Surplus Lands for Affordable Housing Policy(299 KB)
Available Properties
Civic Address PID Info
56 Tooker Street, Yarmouth 90211442 View Map & Details
37 Argyle Street, Yarmouth 90212820 View Map & Details
22 Chester Street, Yarmouth 90205428 View Map & Details
Who Can Apply
- Eligible: Non-profit and charitable organizations·
- Partnerships with private developers allowed, but:
- Land title must remain with the non-profit
- Affordable units must be managed by the non-profit
Proposal Requirements
Your proposal must:
- Provide rental units below CMHC average market rents
- Be permitted “as-of-right” under zoning bylaws
- Ensure permits can be issued by June 30, 2027
Proposals needing variances/subdivisions may be considered if approvals can still be completed within the deadline.
How to Apply
- Fill out the Call for Submissions Application Form
- Attach required documents:
- Construction pro-forma
- Operating pro-forma
- Financial statements (last 3 years or since incorporation)
- Partnership agreement (if applicable)
Submissions are open for 60 days.
Deadline: 11:59 pm, December 29, 2025
Late applications will not be accepted. If no proposals are received, the deadline may be extended.
Call for Submissions Application Surplus Lands
Next Steps
- Staff review applications.
- Report to Town Council – Fall 2025
- Land transfer agreements finalized
- Successful applicants sign a buy-back agreement (land must remain in affordable housing use)
Information for Residents
Why is this program is needed?
Yarmouth is facing a housing shortage. The Town can support non-profits by providing surplus land at $1, helping them build affordable units faster.
Example:
One successful example of this is on Shaw Ave in Yarmouth, where town-owned property stood vacant. In 2024 Council sold the site to the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia (AHANS) for $1, allowing AHANS to build 24 mixed rental units — 14 being affordable dwelling units. There is a mix of bachelor, 1-,2-, and 3-bedroom units. Affordable units will rent for between $397 and $1,085 a month – far below the current $2000 to $2200 average monthly rent for similar-sized units. Units are designed to be net zero, making the living spaces more efficient and affordable while also more comfortable for tenants to live in. The entire project meets federal adaptability standards, and all common spaces are barrier free.
Housing details
Any new housing will adhere to the local land use bylaw regulations, which also apply to the surrounding properties. In most in low density residential zones, up to 4 units are permitted.
Who will operate the housing?
A nonprofit housing provider will manage the new units.
Will this be used for shelters?
No, the program supports permanent housing only. Emergency/shelter housing is a Provincial responsibility.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the program, or if you wish to schedule a pre-application consultation meeting, please contact us:
Email: edo@townofyarmouth.ca
Phone: 902-742-4864