Community Easements Act to Protect Land Access

The province is helping community groups, municipalities and the Mi'kmaq to preserve traditional uses of private lands for communities.

The proposed Community Easements Act would allow a group to use an easement to retain the land's traditional use, even if the land is sold. The land owner would receive financial compensation from the group for agreeing to the easement.

A community easement is a way to maintain community access, agricultural use, views, working forests, wetlands, woodlots, lands with cultural importance and archaeological sites.

"This act helps preserve access to private lands being used by the community, which is a commitment we made to Nova Scotians," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "Land access is very important to people across the province, especially those in rural areas."

Existing Nova Scotia legislation allows protection of land for ecological or heritage values. The Community Easements Act will protect access to land for traditional and economic uses.

Government is also proposing amendments to the Conservation Easements Act to clarify that conservation easements are to protect biodiversity and natural processes.

Amendments to that act will also make it consistent with the Community Easements Act.