Tree Planting Rebate Program
The Town of Yarmouth will be offering cash rebates to residents and businesses towards the purchase price of trees planted within town. The intent of the program is to provide an incentive to Yarmouth residents to plant new trees as part of the town’s urban forest. The urban forest is vital green infrastructure which provides many benefits to us all, far beyond mere aesthetics. The Tree Committee’s urban tree planting program is encouraging residents to plant new trees in our community.
Under the rebate program, participants may apply for a rebate of 50% of the purchase price for up to ten (10) trees per property, to a maximum of $50 per tree! Labour costs to have trees planted are not eligible for the rebate. To qualify for the rebate, trees must have been purchased from a commercial retailer, be appropriate for our plant hardiness zone (Canadian Zone 5 or hardier), and a copy of the original sales receipt must be provided. The program runs between May 1 and September 30, or until program funding has run out.
Note:
- Norway maple and cultivars (Acer platanoides) will no longer be accepted under the tree planting rebate program!
- Ash species (Fraxinus) will not be eligible for the rebate due to EAB!
How to Apply
To apply for the rebate, please download and complete the application form linked below. Paper copies are also available at Yarmouth Town Hall, 400 Main Street, during regular business hours. Completed applications must then be returned to Town Hall to be processed. Once the application is received, a site visit will be arranged to view the trees in the ground at the identified property. After a successful site visit, a cheque from the Town will be processed and mailed to the applicant.
pdf Tree Planting Rebate Application(262 KB)
Yarmouth's urban forest benefits us all, and it needs YOUR help to ensure its long-term health and sustainability. Urban forests are a front-line defense against global climate change and help manage stormwater runoff and flooding!
For more information about the program, please contact the Parks Department or parks.supervisor@townofyarmouth.ca
Suggested Trees for Yarmouth
Native Tree Species
- Red Maple
- Sugar Maple
- Red Oak
- Yellow Birch
- Ironwood (Tends to be a smaller tree)
- American Elm
- Linden
Evergreens (Avoid planting near power lines)
- White Pine
- Red Pine
- Red spruce
Other Large Trees to Try
- Tulip Tree
- Little Leaf Linden
- Silver Maple
- Dawn Redwood – (one in Doug Melanson Park is doing well. Another on Vaughan Crescent)
- Ginkgo
- Horse Chestnut - Pink or white flowering
Flowering Trees
- Laburnum (Golden Chain Tree)
- Japanese Cherry
- Korean Dogwood (Satomi Dogwood – pink; Milky Way – White)
- Eastern Redbud
- Magnolias – various colours - do well in Yarmouth
- Service berry (can tend to grow as a shrub)
- Seven sons tree – can be shrubby but good fall bloom and doing well in Yarmouth
Trees to avoid
- Ash – because Emerald Ash Borer is likely to show up and destroy our ash trees
- Beech – Native and American – Beech leaf mining beetle is here already
- Bradford Pear or Callery Pear – pretty but invasive
- Tree of Heaven – Invasive – roots damage infrastructure
- Norway Maple – invasive – commonly sold here
- Autumn Olive/ Russian Olive – invasive – think it is already in Yarmouth County
Seniors' Safety Program
The Seniors' Safety Program is a free, confidential service designed to help older adults in our community feel safe, supported, and connected. The program addresses safety concerns, reduces the risk of crime and abuse, and promotes independence for seniors.
We believe seniors are a vital part of our community and deserve to live with dignity, security, and respect. While many remain active and independent, some face vulnerabilities due to health challenges, isolation, financial limitations, or age-related changes. Our program is here to provide information, resources, and one-on-one support to help seniors maintain their quality of life.
Goals of the Program
- Reduce fear of crime so seniors feel safe at home and in the community
- Provide education on topics such as elder abuse, falls prevention, fraud and scam awareness, internet safety, and home security
- Promote independence by sharing resources and information to help seniors remain in their own homes
- Create opportunities for seniors to share concerns and have their voices heard
- Advocate for seniors' needs within the broader community
- Improve overall quality of life for seniors
Our Services
The Senior Safety Coordinator offers:
- Home Visits & Wellness Checks – confidential visits or calls to discuss safety concerns, provide support, and make referrals if needed
- Crime Prevention Presentations – free group sessions on fraud prevention, online safety, elder abuse awareness, and personal security
- Support & Advocacy – connecting seniors to resources for health care, housing, and community programs
- Form & Application Assistance – help with government programs such as Pharmacare, Pensions/GIS, Heating Assistance Rebate Program, and Property Tax Rebates
- Referrals & Resource Navigation – linking seniors with services such as home support, caregiver support, transportation, and mobility aids
- Vial of LIFE Program – ensuring emergency responders have immediate access to important medical information during a crisis
Contact Us
For information, referrals, or to request a visit, contact:
Muriel Thomas
Senior Safety Coordinator
Phone: 902-742-4862
Email: muriel.thomas@townofyarmouth.ca
Seniors' Safety Program
The Seniors' Safety Program is a free, confidential service designed to help older adults in our community feel safe, supported, and connected. The program addresses safety concerns, reduces the risk of crime and abuse, and promotes independence for seniors.
We believe seniors are a vital part of our community and deserve to live with dignity, security, and respect. While many remain active and independent, some face vulnerabilities due to health challenges, isolation, financial limitations, or age-related changes. Our program is here to provide information, resources, and one-on-one support to help seniors maintain their quality of life.
Goals of the Program
- Reduce fear of crime so seniors feel safe at home and in the community
- Provide education on topics such as elder abuse, falls prevention, fraud and scam awareness, internet safety, and home security
- Promote independence by sharing resources and information to help seniors remain in their own homes
- Create opportunities for seniors to share concerns and have their voices heard
- Advocate for seniors' needs within the broader community
- Improve overall quality of life for seniors
Our Services
The Senior Safety Coordinator offers:
- Home Visits & Wellness Checks – confidential visits or calls to discuss safety concerns, provide support, and make referrals if needed
- Crime Prevention Presentations – free group sessions on fraud prevention, online safety, elder abuse awareness, and personal security
- Support & Advocacy – connecting seniors to resources for health care, housing, and community programs
- Form & Application Assistance – help with government programs such as Pharmacare, Pensions/GIS, Heating Assistance Rebate Program, and Property Tax Rebates
- Referrals & Resource Navigation – linking seniors with services such as home support, caregiver support, transportation, and mobility aids
- Vial of LIFE Program – ensuring emergency responders have immediate access to important medical information during a crisis
Contact Us
For information, referrals, or to request a visit, contact:
Muriel Thomas
Senior Safety Coordinator
Phone: 902-742-4862
Email: muriel.thomas@townofyarmouth.ca
Affordable Housing Grant Program
The Affordable Housing Grant Program is now accepting applications. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come basis and grants awarded based on eligibility and availability of funds from the Affordable Housing Reserve. For more information about how to apply, see the application process overview below.
Councillor Kelley Bishara-Lacroix
In Office: First Elected 2024
This is Kelley's first term as a councillor. Born and raised in Yarmouth, Kelley graduated from high school in 1985, then went on to Nova Scotia Teacher's College. Since graduating in 1994, Kelley has been teaching for 30 years in Yarmouth. One of four siblings, she has a passion for animals and nature, as well as people. Kelley has two children who work in Yarmouth, one is a business owner and one is a schoolteacher. She also has four grandchildren.
Current Committee Appointments
Accessibility Advisory
Committee of the Whole
Deer Management Working Group
Mariners Centre Board
Public Transit
Policy Advisory
Waterfront Advisory
Expenses