Background
The Town of Pictou is in the process of developing a municipal coastal policy framework, with funding support from the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities. While much of the Town’s coastline is already developed, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and increasing storm intensity continue to pose risks to infrastructure, ecosystems, and community safety. The Town has identified the need for a science-based coastal policy that supports long-term resilience, informed land-use planning, and climate adaptation decision-making. The Town has engaged UPLAND Planning + Design Studio to support this effort.
This work builds on background information and policy direction already in place in the Inter-Municipal Planning Strategy for the Towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton and Westville, as well as the Town of Pictou’s Secondary Planning Strategy and Climate Action Plan. Projects already underway include the Jitney Trail Nature Based Solution pilot site, and the Caladh Avenue raising and reconstruction.
About the Project
Pictou’s waterfront is at the heart of our town, and the Town has been working on keeping it strong for generations to come. Coastal regulations can help protect the people, properties, infrastructure, and community assets that matter deeply to the community.
Draft policy and regulatory options will be made available to the public, and the Town looks forward to engaging with the community on these options. This engagement will give community members an opportunity to understand the coastal hazards faced by the town, to share priorities for addressing coastal hazards, and provide feedback on the potential policy and regulatory options.
While there is technical data to back the regulations, there is no pre-determined regulatory approach. We want to explore the different ways of managing coastal development and understand what residents think could work for their communities. This could include low levels of intervention in some areas and more protective measures in others.
The final recommended policy and regulatory framework could take a number of different approaches depending on community priorities and risk tolerances. For example, regulations related to sea level rise (for example, minimum vertical elevations for development) depend on risk tolerance and the resulting climate change scenario.
Get Involved
Join us at upcoming public engagement events to learn about updated coastal regulations, ask questions, and share your ideas for protecting the coast.
Pop-up booth at HarvFest on the Harbour
Pictou Waterfront (Vendor Village)
Saturday, 24 October 2026
2:00 – 6:00 pm
Public Meeting
CN Station (71 Front Street)
Thursday, 5 November 2026
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Project Timeline
Phase 1 - Complete
Project Kickoff and Review of Existing Conditions
August - September 2026
Phase 2 – In Progress
Draft Policy Development
September – October 2026
Phase 3
Public Engagement
October – November 2026
Phase 4
Recommendations to Council
December 2026
Who’s Listening
Emily Hodgson
Environmental Specialist - Town of Pictou
Email: emily.hodgson@townofpictou.ca
Phone: (902) 759-4666
Arnav Garg
Planner – UPLAND Planning + Design Studio
Email: arnav@uplandstudio.ca
Phone: (902) 423-0649 ext. 112
