Welcome to the Town of Yarmouth
On the Edge of Everywhere
Sewer & Wastewater Services
Our wastewater collection system moves used water from homes and businesses to the Yarmouth Wastewater Treatment Plant, where it is treated to meet regulated standards before being released to the harbour.
The system includes gravity sewers, pumping stations, force mains, and manholes. It is designed for domestic wastewater only. Putting the wrong materials into the system can cause blockages, damage municipal equipment, create environmental harm, and lead to costly repairs for both the Town and property owners.
What you should never put down sinks, drains or toilets
Even if a product is labeled "flushable," it can cause significant damage to pipes and pumps. Please dispose of these items in the garbage or through appropriate recycling/disposal programs:
- Personal Hygiene Products: Wipes (even "flushable" ones), diapers, sanitary products, cotton swabs, and bandages.
- Household Items: Dental floss, cigarette butts, and plastic materials.
- Sharps & Hazardous Materials: Razor blades, needles/syringes, paints, solvents, pesticides, herbicides, acids, and petroleum products (fuel, oil, gasoline).
- Medications: Never flush unused prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
Handling grease and food waste
Grease, fat, and cooking oil are leading causes of residential sewer blockages.
- Do not pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. It cools and hardens in pipes, acting like glue for other debris.
- Proper disposal: Scrape food scraps into your green cart (compost). Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing, and dispose of the towel in your green cart or trash.
Proper disposal options
- Hazardous Household Waste: Items like paint, solvents, and pesticides should be taken to a hazardous waste depot. Visit the Wastecheck website for local schedules, events, and facility locations.
- Unused Medications: Return unused medications to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Sharps & Needles: Use approved sharps containers and follow provincial guidance for medical waste disposal. Do not place these in regular garbage or recycling.
Private sewer connections: Owner responsibility
Property owners are responsible for the installation, connection, maintenance, and repair of the private sewer line (the pipe connecting your building to the municipal sewer system). If a private connection fails or causes a backup, the property owner is responsible for arranging and paying for repairs.
Watermain flushing
The Yarmouth Water Utility flushes water mains each year across all service areas to ensure water quality.
- What to expect: You may notice temporary water discoloration or fluctuations in pressure.
- What to do: If you experience discolored water, run a cold tap for several minutes until the water clears. If discoloration or low pressure persists, contact the Water Utility.
How to report a problem
- Sewer Backups or Overflows: Contact Public Works immediately.
- Business Hours: 902-742-9423
- After-Hours Emergencies: 1-833-460-8709
Relevant bylaws
Heritage Property Registration
Heritage property registration is a form of protection for our built heritage, which limits the changes which can be made to the exterior of a building but places no restrictions on the interior of the building. It also allows for a delay period of one year before a building can be demolished or substantially altered, to allow for better alternatives to be explored.
By applying for heritage property status, you'll be preserving your property for future generations and be recognized with a special plaque that signals your home's role in our shared cultural heritage. Here's a list of all currently registered properties.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Municipal Heritage Property registration, a building, site, or monument must first qualify by meeting one or more of the following criteria:
- associated with one or more persons of local significance
- associated with groups, organizations or institutions of local significance
- associated with a theme or event in local history or is typical of an era
- provides an example of a particular architectural style or building technique
- associated with a notable architect, master builder, or engineer
- an outstanding landmark fundamentally inseparable from the public's perception of Yarmouth's heritage
While any building regardless of age can be considered for registration, sites whose construction predates 1914 (including buildings, monuments, or burial grounds) are eligible. However, any building, regardless of its age, can be considered for registration. Note that a property may be considered worthy of registration even though it does not meet the above selection criteria.
The Registration Process
Registration is overseen by the Heritage Advisory Committee, which:
- Receives applications for registration
- Oversees the necessary research
- Makes recommendations to Town Council
pdf Application for Municipal Heritage Registration(797 KB)
Heritage Incentive Program
The Town of Yarmouth has a Heritage Incentive Program, in which municipally registered Heritage Properties located within the Town of Yarmouth are eligible for matched financial support for exterior conservation work! This is an annual program in which owners of such properties may apply for 50% cost-sharing support from the Town to aid in exterior renovations to their property, to an annual maximum of $2,000. Learn more.
For more information about heritage property registration, please contact the Heritage Coordinator at:
Town Hall
400 Main St.
Yarmouth, NS, B5A 1G2
Phone: (902) 742-2521
ap@townofyarmouth.ca
Business Startup (BizPaL)
Looking to start a business or grow an existing one? BizPaL is a free online service that creates a customized list of the licences and permits you need to start or run your business in Yarmouth. It brings together information from municipal, provincial and federal governments so you spend less time on paperwork and more time building your business. BizPaL is available 24/7.
Partner Organizations
The Town of Yarmouth funds and supports local organizations that help keep the region safe, clean, mobile, and welcoming.
Emergency Management
The Emergency Management Office plans for and responds to emergencies. It works to protect people, property, and the environment in Yarmouth Town and the Municipality.
Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal links Yarmouth with the United States. It supports tourism and travel to and from the region.
Credit Union RecPlex
The Credit Union RecPlex is the expanded campus of the Mariners Centre located at 45 Jody Shelley Drive in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The Mariners Centre has two ice rinks and flexible event space. It hosts hockey games, meetings, dances, trade shows, and other community events. In 2027, the new aquatics centre, fitness facility, and walking track housed in the Credit Union Wellness Centre.
Waste Check
Waste Check runs waste‑reduction programs and public education across the region. Its work helps reduce waste and protect the environment.
Water Utility
The Yarmouth Water Utility provides drinking water to the town. It has served the community since 1879.
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
The Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) promotes the region’s English and Acadian cultural attractions and tourism experiences.
Yarmouth International Airport
The Yarmouth Airport provides private and emergency flight services. It has a modern terminal, maintenance facilities, and runway support equipment.
