The Province of Nova Scotia confirms the establishment, responsibilities and powers of its municipalities and towns through the Municipal Government Act (MGA), enacted in 1998 and amended many times since then.

Beyond the MGA, there are many pieces of provincial legislation that direct and influence how the Town of Yarmouth operates and delivers services to our residents. Below are just a few examples of legislation that affect the Town of Yarmouth. The list is not exhaustive and official versions of the legislation should be sought through the Province of Nova Scotia.

Municipal Government Act of Nova Scotia (PDF)
Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (PDF)
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

The Rules of Order governing Town Council meetings and the meetings of its Advisory Committees are outlined in the Town of Yarmouth's   pdf By-Law #4: Council Meetings (172 KB) .

Integrity, honesty, accountability, and leadership are essential to meeting the challenges and opportunities that Yarmouth faces in the 21st century. Each Councillor for the Town of Yarmouth has signed a copy of our Code of Conduct, pledging to carry out their responsibilities as a councillor in accordance with its standards.

Code of Conduct For Elected Municipal Officials

I. Purpose

The public expects the highest standards of professional conduct from Members elected to local government. The purpose of this Code is to establish guidelines for the ethical and interpersonal conduct of Members of Council ("Members"). The Council is answerable to the community through democratic processes and this Code will assist in providing for the good government of the Town of Yarmouth.

II. Standards Of Conduct

Members shall uphold the law and at all times:

1. Seek to advance the common good of the municipality as a whole while conscientiously representing the communities they serve;
2. Perform the functions of office truly, faithfully and impartially to the best of their knowledge and ability in accordance with the following core values:
   1. Integrity - giving the municipality's interests absolute priority over private individual interests;
   2. Honesty - being truthful and open;
   3. Objectivity - making decisions based on a careful and fair analysis of the facts;
   4. Accountability - being accountable to each other and the public for decisions taken;
   5. Leadership - confronting challenges and providing direction on the issues of the day.
3. Uphold this Code as a means of promoting the standards of behaviour expected of Members and enhancing the credibility and integrity of Council in the broader community.

III. Council Responsibilities

The Council (or its designated committee) will:

1. review the municipality's Code of Conduct as required and make any amendments considered appropriate
2. review, consider or take other action concerning any violation of the Code of Conduct which is referred to Council for consideration.

Where there is any conflict between the Code of Conduct and the requirements of any statute of the provincial or federal government, provincial or federal statutes shall take precedence.

IV. Member Responsibilities

Conduct to be Observed

Members are agents of the public whose primary objective is to address the needs of the citizens. As such, they are entrusted with upholding and adhering to the by-laws of the municipality as well as all applicable provincial and federal laws. As public servants, Members must observe a high standard of morality in the conduct of their official duties and faithfully fulfill the responsibilities of their offices, regardless of their personal or financial interests.

Dedicated Services

All Members should faithfully work towards developing programs to address the needs of the citizens in the course of their duties. Members should strive to perform at a level which is expected of those who work in the public's interest.

Respect for Decision-Making Process

All Members recognize the responsibility of the Mayor to accurately communicate the decisions of the Council, even if they disagree with such decisions, such that respect for the decision-making processes of Council is fostered.

Conduct at Meetings

Members shall respect the chair, colleagues, staff and members of the public present during Council meetings or other proceedings of the municipality. Meetings shall provide an environment for a transparent and healthy debate on matters requiring decision-making.

Release of Confidential Information Prohibited

No Member shall disclose or release to any member of the public any confidential information acquired by virtue of their office, in either oral or written form except when required by law or authorized by the municipality to do so. Nor shall Members use confidential information for personal or private gain, or for the gain of relatives or any person or corporation.

Gifts and Benefits

No Member shall show favouritism or bias toward any vendor, contractor or others doing business with the municipality. Members are prohibited from accepting gifts or favours from any vendor, contractor or others doing business with the municipality personally, or through a family member or friend, which could give rise to a reasonable suspicion of influence to show favour or disadvantage to any individual or organization.

Use of Public Property

No Member shall request or permit the use of municipal-owned vehicles, equipment, materials or property for personal convenience or profit, except where such privileges are granted to the general public. Members shall ensure that the business of the municipality is conducted with efficiency and shall avoid waste, abuse and extravagance in the provision or use of municipal resources.

Obligations to Citizens

No member shall grant any special consideration, treatment, or advantage to any citizen or group of citizens beyond that which is accorded to all citizens.

Interpersonal Behaviour

Members shall treat every person, including other Members, corporate employees, individuals providing services on a contract for service, and the public with dignity, understanding and respect and ensure that their work environment is free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.

Community Representation

Members shall observe a high standard of professionalism when representing the municipality and in their dealings with members of the broader community.

V. Good Governance

Members accept that effective governance of the municipality is critical to ensuring that decisions are taken in the best interests of all stakeholders and to enable the municipality to function as a good corporate citizen.

VI. Government Relationships

Members recognize the importance of working constructively with other levels of government and organizations in Nova Scotia and beyond to achieve the goals of the municipality.

VII. Conflict Of Interest Avoidance

Members are committed to making decisions impartially and in the best interests of the municipality and recognize the importance of fully observing the requirements of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 299 with regard to the disclosure and avoidance of conflicts of interest.

VIII. Reporting Breaches

Persons who have reason to believe that this Code has been breached in any way are encouraged to bring their concerns forward. No adverse action shall be taken against any Member or municipal employee who, acting in good faith, brings forward such information.

Submission Timeline: This must be filed within six months of discovering the alleged breach.
Format: Complaints must be submitted in writing to the appointed investigator(s).

Investigators Contact Information

Name: Noella Martin, Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP
Email: nmartin@bwbllp.ca

Name: Marc Dunning, Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP
Email: mdunning@bwbllp.ca

The Complaint Process

Initial Submission: Submit your written complaint, including all relevant details, to the investigator.
Review: The investigator will decide if the complaint is valid. If it isn’t, it will be dismissed.
Investigation: If the complaint moves forward, the investigator will inform the council member involved and carry out a detailed, confidential investigation.
Report: The investigator will provide a report to Council within six months of receiving the complaint.
Council Decision: Council will review the report, decide if a breach happened, and take action if needed.

IX. Corrective Action

Any reported violation of the Code will be subject to investigation by the investigator(s) named above. Violation of this Code by a Member may constitute a cause for corrective action. If an investigation finds a Member has breached a provision of the Code, Council may impose corrective action commensurate with the nature and severity of the breach, which may include a formal warning or reprimand to the Member.

Possible Consequences of a Breach

Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences may include:

• Formal reprimand or public censure.
• Removal from committees or leadership roles.
• Financial penalties or reduced remuneration.
• The requirement to issue an apology or attend additional training.
• Restrictions on access to municipal facilities or resources.

Each case is reviewed thoroughly to ensure it is handled fairly and appropriately

X. Compliance With Code

Members acknowledge the importance of the principles contained in this Code which will be self-regulated by Council. Councillors are required to sign a "Statement of Commitment to the Code" (Attachment A) within seven (7) days of taking the Councillors' oath pursuant to section 147 of the Municipal Elections Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 300.

Background – Historical Significance

While most towns in Nova Scotia were settled as either French or an English colony, Yarmouth was settled by both at different periods in time. In the early 1600’s a French fishing settlement was established, where Yarmouth stands today. Over a century later, the town of Yarmouth was settled by a group of New England Planters. Following the Seven Years’ War Acadians who were exiled returned to the area, followed after the American Revolution by a large number of United Empire Loyalists arriving in the late 1700’s. This dynamic history is reflected in Yarmouth’s existing built form.

Yarmouth is filled with extravagant, handsome buildings from centuries ago, and is known for having the “most exuberant” examples of Victorian style houses in the Maritimes. These houses were the homes of wealthy captains and ship-owners, and the buildings left today are mementos of that age. In contrast to the Victorian houses, Yarmouth is scattered with brick and stone buildings, with arched windows and handsome detailing. When looking through archived photos you can see the diversity of buildings that lined Main Street. However, over the course of the years a majority of the buildings have been lost to fire and demolition.

Participation In The Façade Improvement Program Guideline Process

To review or download the Façade Improvement Guildlines see:  pdf Facade Improvement Guidelines (4.50 MB)

Façade Improvement Program Details

The Town of Yarmouth offers a façade improvement grant program to assist downtown property owners and tenants with the financing of street-oriented building façade improvements.

The facade improvement program is administered by the Yarmouth Facade Society, a not-for-profit volunteer board with support from the Town’s Economic Development staff.

Grants are only considered for proposals that offer:

• High-quality storefront and façade design.
• High quality signage.
• Preservation and enhancement of upper-storey facades.

Goals of the Façade Program

Encourage high quality storefronts which respect the architectural elements of the buildings they reside in; Achieve consistent, high quality signage; Conserve and restore upper storey facades, including significant architectural details; and, Implement the Town’s downtown urban design policies

A Downtown Transformation

Financial Details

• Property owners and merchants/business owners are eligible to receive grants of up to $10,000 per civic address or storefront.
• Buildings on corner lots, where façade improvements are proposed on both frontages, are still only eligible for grants of up to $10,000.
• The total value of any grant may not exceed 50 per cent of the total cost of eligible works.
• No municipal street address or storefront shall receive more than a total of $10,000 under this program.
• Grants are subject to the availability of funding.
• Grants are issued upon the completion of the proposed work.

Eligibility

• Only those properties located within the Downtown Facade Improvement Area ( pdf Facade Map Update, 2019 (3.48 MB) ) with commercial uses are eligible.
• Only those applications which satisfy the town's ( pdf downtown urban design standards (1.63 MB) ) and the town’s downtown façade guidelines will be eligible to receive grants.
• All applications must be capable of satisfying the Town's Sign Bylaw ( pdf Sign Information (5.54 MB)  part 6 of Land Use By-law) and the National Building Code.
• If the total value of all grants applied for exceeds the amount of funding available, grant will be approved on a first come first basis.

Eligible Work

• Repainting, cleaning or re-facing of façades.
• Repair or restoration of façade masonry, brickwork or wood.
• Replacement, repair or restoration of cornices, eaves, parapets and other architectural features.
• Replacement or repair of windows as part of the overall façade improvements.
• Entranceway modifications that improve the appearance and/or access to the commercial units.
• Redesign and reconstruction of the store front.
• Installation of appropriate new signage or improvements to existing signage.
• Installation or repair of canopies and awnings.
• Installation or repair of exterior lighting.
• Restoration of historic features.

Pre-application Meeting

We highly recommended you meet with us for a pre-application meeting prior to submitting any application, to ensure your application meets our urban-design policies and the façade guidelines ( pdf Facade Improvement Guidelines (4.50 MB) )

To arrange a meeting, please contact Natalie Smith, Economic Development, at 902-742-1505. All successful grant applications will be subject to the terms and conditions as they relate to the façade improvement grant program.

Application Process:

Façade Program Resources:

• pdf Facade Improvement Guidelines (4.50 MB)
• pdf Yarmouth Facade Society Application Form (203 KB)
• pdf Facade Map , 2019 (3.48 MB)

Facade Program Presentations:

• pdf Phase 1 Facade Society Nov 2015 Presentation (663 KB)
• pdf Phase 2 Facade Society Dec 2016 Presentation (1002 KB)
• pdf Facade Economic Impact Report Feb 22, 2018 (612 KB)
• pdf Facade Society Update Feb 22, 2018 (1.12 MB)
• pdf Final Facade Society Presentation to Council - November 15, 2018 (1.86 MB)
• pdf 2019 September Facade Presentation to Communities in Bloom Symposium  (3.05 MB)