HomeMy Public PortalAbout2024-03-14_MR_Growth Plan_Initial
MEDIA RELEASE
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER – The Municipality of Chester (MOC) has begun development and
implementation of a comprehensive plan to position our communities for residential,
commercial, and industrial growth.
Part of the Plan’s focus is on long-term strategies already supported by Municipal Council, such
as economic development, tourism, and increasing capacity of infrastructure. New areas of
focus, aligned with provincial and federal government mandates, include housing and
residential supports needed for increased population density.
“This Plan builds on 15 months of research and discussion and is just the beginning of our
efforts to ensure our communities are well-positioned for the growth we anticipate. We are
working to pursue opportunities and address gaps identified by residents and our business
sector to reinforce our reputation as a community that is an attractive place to live, visit, and
invest,” shares Brian Webb, Senior Economic Development Officer for the Municipality.
The Charting a Course for Growth Plan identifies key elements Municipal Council and Staff will
develop in phases, starting with putting actionable plans in place in the areas of:
• Population and workforce projections to determine anticipated growth, housing
requirements, and consideration of occupations expected to be in demand.
• Review of housing policies, such as Land Use By-Laws and Policies, Sewer By-Law, and
Municipal Specifications.
• Housing Infrastructure Planning to evaluate the capacity of our wastewater systems
while also planning for expansion to accommodate growth. Additionally, we are
mapping landscape to identify targeted growth areas, exploring the feasibility of
introducing water supply, and creating capacity to expedite construction.
• Recreation Needs Assessment to identify gaps and enhancements in recreational
facilities and spaces in the context of population and visitor growth.
• Engagement and consultation with residents, organizations, and industry stakeholders
to inform our work and prepare our communities for expected growth.
• Workforce attraction and retention to decrease or eliminate barriers in employer needs
and labour supply.
DATE: March 18, 2024
SUBJECT: Charting a Course for Growth
STATUS: PUBLIC – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 Media Release/Charting a Course for Growth plan
• Transportation and active transportation infrastructure to ensure those assets are
growing with our communities.
In addition to initiatives currently underway, including the newly proposed Sewer Infrastructure
By-Law and Policy as well as plans to expand our wastewater treatment plants, the Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corporation recently granted the Municipality $1,986,000 in funding
under their Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). Funding will support the following nine initiatives
related to expediting housing supply:
• By-Law and Municipal Specifications review
• Higher density development strategy
• Plan for municipally-owned land
• Online permitting system
• Marketing and sales for residential development
• Housing infrastructure plan
• Building Inspector capacity
• Pre-approved building plans
• Incentives to encourage the creation of affordable housing
“This significant contribution will allow the Municipality to implement transformative projects
that will prepare us for growth," says Allen Webber, Warden for the Municipality of Chester.
"Rural communities in Nova Scotia have ample capacity for modern expansion and still maintain
their traditional character. We are grateful for the support of our federal partners and look
forward to using these funds to position ourselves as a region of choice for many years to
come.”
Please visit our engagement website for more and upcoming details on the Charting a Course
for Growth Plan and initiatives at https://www.voicesandchoices.ca/charting-a-course-for-
growth.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Allen Webber, Warden Brian Webb, Senior Economic Development Officer
Desk 902-275-4145 Cell 902-277-4239
Cell 902-275-8373 bwebb@chester.ca
awebber@chester.ca