FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 3, 2025
Municipalities Invited to Apply for Coastal Planning Support Funding
Halifax, NS — The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM) is inviting municipalities to apply for support through the new Coastal Planning Support Program, part of The Future of Nova Scotia’s Coastline A plan to protect people, homes and nature from climate change.
The program provides a base funding amount of $20,000 in consulting services to each municipality to support coastal land use planning. Municipalities that share similar coastal challenges are encouraged to work together, and additional support is available for municipalities working on joint projects. This funding ensures each municipality has access to technical expertise to develop locally tailored coastal protection plans and policies.
Consultants can assist municipalities by:
- Supporting the adoption of coastal planning strategies and bylaws
- Navigating and interpreting coastal and climate data
- Supporting public engagement and communication
- Facilitating collaboration across municipalities
- Providing decision-making support on risk management
“Municipalities are on the front lines of climate adaptation,” said Mayor Pam Mood, President of NSFM. “This program provides resources they need to plan responsibly and collaboratively for the future of Nova Scotia’s coastline, in partnership with the Province.”
“Nova Scotians value their coastline, and we all have a shared responsibility to protect it,” said Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities plays a vital role in supporting local governments as they plan for the future and protect residents and property from the impacts of climate change. By delivering this program directly to municipalities, NSFM is helping ensure coastal protection plans and by-laws are locally driven, evidence-based, and designed to build safer, more resilient communities.”
To help municipalities learn more, NSFM is hosting five information sessions across the province. These sessions will give municipal staff and leaders a hands-on introduction to the program, outlining available funding, eligibility, and support tools. The sessions are designed to develop coastal protection plans and by-laws that strengthen local resilience.
Municipalities are encouraged to apply early. The application guide and form are available online at Coastal Planning Support Program
Funding of $1 million for the Coastal Planning Support Program is provided by the Government of Nova Scotia under The Future of Nova Scotia’s Coastline: A plan to protect people, homes and nature from climate change and administered by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC).
About NSFM
The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM) is non-profit organization representing municipalities across the province. NSFM supports its members through advocacy, collaboration, education, and sustainability initiatives—working to address shared challenges, strengthen local governance, and ensure municipalities are prepared to meet the needs of their communities now and into the future.
Contact:
Charlene Fekeshazy, Communications Advisor
NOVA SCOTIA FEDERATION OF MUNICIPALITIES
Email: cfekeshazy@nsfm.ca
Phone: 902-266-2739
