News release

Decision Balances Growth and Protection of Valuable Farm Land

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

The province is protecting Kings County farm land while balancing the need for growth with its decision on a land-use application in Port Williams.

The Municipality of the County of Kings had wanted to expand development in the growth centre of Port Williams by re-zoning 50 hectares of active farm land.

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minster Ramona Jennex announced today, Oct. 5, that the upper portion of the land along Collins Road would continue to be zoned farm land, which will restrict development. The land is about 24 hectares, about half the requested amount.

"This decision shows that both residential growth and farming are possible in Kings County," said Ms. Jennex. "By balancing the need for growth in Port Williams with the need to protect as much high-quality farm land as possible for future generations, I believe that this decision provides a solution that strikes the right balance."

Ms. Jennex also announced that any development on the remaining property must include 30 metres between local residences and farm land. The decision also calls for a buffer of trees and vegetation between local residences and farm land that will help reduce over-spraying and help ensure normal farm practices continue.

The Municipality of the County of Kings submitted amendments to its municipal plan to allow expansion of the Port Williams Growth Centre, which is an area of land designated for commercial or residential development.

The Statement of Provincial Interest regarding Agricultural Land requires municipalities to preserve valuable farm land where reasonable.

When a municipality wants to change its planning documents, a provincial review is required under the Municipal Government Act.