Department of Natural Resources Crown Lands, Lease (Private Enterprise and Non-Profit)
Department of Natural Resources

Crown Lands: Lease (Private Enterprise, Municipal, Non-Profit, or Individual)
Who Needs This Lease?
Any private enterprise, municipal unit or non-profit organization or individual who wish to lease (Provincial) Crown Lands in Nova Scotia, under the control of the N.S. Department of Natural Resources.  This does not include leases issued for the purpose of campsite, agriculture, peatland development, wind energy generation or telecommunication towers.

Issuing Department / Agency:
N.S. Department of Natural Resources

Where can you get this Lease and / or further information?
Manager, Acquisitions and Leases
Land Administration Division
N.S. Department of Natural Resources

Tel: 902-424-4061
Fax: 902-424-3173

 Office Location:
 Founders Square
1701 Hollis Street, 5th Floor
Halifax, NS

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 698
Halifax, NS B3J 2T9
Application Forms & Process:
A letter detailing the specifics of the proposed venture should be submitted to the Manager, Acquisitions and Leases (see above). Staff will respond and provide further direction and information.

Waiting Period:
Approximately 1 to 2 years
Expiry & Renewal:
This lease is for a term of 5 to 10 years. It may be renewed for a similar term. The renewal process is initiated by the lease holder, who should contact the Manager of Acquisitions and Leases at least 3 months before the lease expires.

Price:

Initial Application and Renewal:  $747.83 plus applicable tax (HST)*
Lease Assignment: $373.78 plus applicable tax (HST)*

Annual rent:  
Private Enterprises
The greater of the appraised market value of the land times ten percent or $373.78 plus applicable tax (HST).*

Non-Profit Organizations:
 $6.22 per acre, with a minimum annual charge of $31.13 (plus applicable tax HST) *

Municipal Unit:
Greater of the appraised market value times 5% or $373.78 per year. *

*All fees are subject to change

Related Requirements:
  1. The applicant may be referred to any department, commission or agency having an affiliation with the intended use.

  2. Any company or association involved must be registered and in good standing with the N.S. Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
Additional Information:
  1. If an appraisal of the land is required, it must be done by an appraiser holding the Accredited Appraiser Canadian Institute Designation (AACI); the cost of the appraisal is the responsibility of the applicant.

  2. A legal survey by a registered Nova Scotia Land Surveyor is required; the cost of the survey is the responsibility of the applicant.

  3. Issuance of the lease is subject to the Department of Natural Resources and N.S. Executive Council [Provincial Government Cabinet] approval.

  4. The applicant should not incur any expense without first contacting the N.S. Department of Natural Resources.
Legislative Authority:
Crown Lands Act, Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989, Chapter 114, Section 16 (1)(a).

Back to the Department of Natural Resources Index in the Permits Directory