Welcome to the Town of Yarmouth
On the Edge of Everywhere
Economic Development
Our economic development team works to attract new businesses to the town and encourage the expansion and retention of existing businesses within our community. We're here to create the right climate for businesses to succeed through strategic investments in community and infrastructure development.
If you're interested in setting up a new business or exploring investment opportunities, we will work closely with you to ensure your needs are met – and that the right tools and resources are at your fingertips.
Why Invest in Yarmouth?
Thinking of investing in Yarmouth? As the regional economic business hub for southwest Nova Scotia, Yarmouth supports significant levels of development spending. We know that if we're going to sustain a strong economic presence on the provincial and national stage, we must constantly reinvent ourselves to attract investors and a high calibre of talent.
We had no choice but to innovate, so we became the best place to host a street party, create new world-class technologies, and get a community fully connected to the world. Your business can live here – right on the edge! Learn more about our team and starting a business in Yarmouth, including our Community Economic Profile.
Business Startup
BizPaL is an online service that helps you find the permits and licences you may require when starting or operating your business. Spend less time with red tape, and more time building your business! It's free to use, and available 24/7.
Finding Talent
The Town of Yarmouth has a wealth of talent in a variety of sectors – including fishing, retail, tourism, digital and media services, professional services, and a growing student force. Learn about how we're supporting our local workers along with local agencies.
Incentive Initiatives
Many governmental and private organizations offer financial incentives to assist local businesses in successfully reaching their goals – from capital investment to grants for digital media, exports, training, and more. For more information go to Programs and Services.
Real Estate
Yarmouth's economic development team is your go-to resource for information on available sites and buildings, vacant industrial and commercial developments, office and retail space, as well as vacant land situated in the town. For more information go to Commercial/Industrial Properties.
Newsletter
Stay up to date with the latest News & Notices and Programs & Initiatives.
- pdf Facade Society Update Feb 22, 2018 Revised (1.11 MB)
- pdf Facade Economic Impact Report Feb 22, 2018 (582 KB)
- pdf Town of Yarmouth Community Economic Profile (47.88 MB)
- pdf 25 Things to Know About Yarmouth (504.75 MB)
- pdf Town of Yarmouth Community Assets Map (2.84 MB)
- pdf Progress on the Edge of Everywhere (2015) (1.61 MB)
- pdf Developable Land Guide (260.48 MB)
Administration
Headed by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Town of Yarmouth administration directs and coordinates the general management of the business affairs of the Town, in accordance with the by-laws, policies, and plans approved by Council.
Town of Yarmouth Administration
Phone: (902) 742-8565
Fax: (902) 742-6244
CAO
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is appointed by Council to assist in setting the direction of the Town by providing guidance and advice – based on best practices and emerging trends in municipal government.
He works closely with his counterparts in other municipalities, as well as with both federal and provincial government officials on a variety of issues affecting the Town of Yarmouth. The CAO also directs and coordinates the general management of the business affairs of the Town, in accordance with the by-laws, policies, and plans approved by Council, so that our programs and services meet the ever-changing needs of the community while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
About Jeff Gushue
Before becoming Yarmouth’s Chief Administrative Officer in 2004, Jeff had thirteen years of municipal experience. He previously served as the Director of Leisure Services for the Town and Municipality of the District of Yarmouth (1996–2001), Recreation Director for the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth (1989–1996), and the Recreation Director for the Town of Annapolis Royal (1988–1989).
In addition to his municipal experience, Jeff worked as the Project Coordinator (2001–2004) for the Yarmouth Stroke Project, a research project dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by stroke and their caregivers. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree, as well as an Arts degree in Recreation and Physical Education.
We welcome your suggestions, questions and involvement in Town business. The Chief Administrative Officer's office is located on the main floor of Town Hall:
400 Main Street
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
B5A 1G2
Phone: (902) 742-8565
Fax: (902) 742-6244
Applications and Fees
Applications should provide the following information:
- The name of the property owner(s)
- Mailing address and telephone number of the applicant
- Location of the property
- Brief description of the purpose of the application outlining any related planning proposal
- Development Agreement application must also include:
- A site plan, drawn to scale, showing the proposed development, indicating the size and dimensions of any new buildings, landscaping, parking areas and the size of parking stalls, etc
- A copy of the deed description of the subject property(s)
- Renderings, building plans or architectural elevation drawings of any proposed structure
When the application is made, the applicant must submit the application to the Planning Administrative Assistant, Third Floor Planning Department, 400 Main Street, Yarmouth, or email to planningadmin@townofyarmouth.ca.
Go to Town Fees for a schedule of fees associated with planning applications.
