Mahone Bay is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, stronger storms, and increased rainfall. These changes can lead to flooding, coastal erosion, and more contaminated stormwater flowing into the harbour.

Recently, Jordan Veinot of Coastal Action and the Edgewater team met to review progress on the Flood Protection and Shoreline Stabilization Project, better known as the Living Shoreline. This innovative project uses nature-based solutions alongside smart engineering to protect our community and our shoreline. Key features include rock sills, which run parallel to the shoreline to reduce wave energy and storm surge impacts, and tidal wetlands filled with native plants. These wetlands naturally filter stormwater, reduce flooding, and provide important habitat for fish and birds. The project also includes vegetated banks, planted with native shrubs and perennials that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

In recent work, construction crews have removed the original rock sill to expand the shoreline from 60 metres to an impressive 160 metres. The shoreline has been extended northward, with sediment laid as a base layer. Once the snow melts, a final layer of sand will be added to complete this stage, followed by Coastal Action planting the tidal wetland. A springtime volunteer planting event for the vegetated bank is also being planned by Coastal Action. While the tidal wetland will remain a protected wildlife corridor, the benefits will be enjoyed by the entire community for years to come. This expansion will strengthen protection along Mahone Bay’s harbour and further reduce the impacts of climate change.
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A recent Town survey found that homeowners adding a one or two-bedroom accessory dwelling on their property could help meet some “gentle density” housing needs in Mahone Bay.

Grants are available through the Province at: https://www.novascotia.ca/apply-funding-build-secondary... and the Town is now developing its own program to help with project costs.

Simplify your housing projects with ready-to-use design packages. The Housing Design Catalogue produced by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provides tools to increase housing options within existing neighbourhoods through gentle density.

Mahone Bay homeowners interested in this initiative? A Development Officer is available at Town Hall on Wednesday afternoons, and a Planning Officer on Thursday afternoons to discuss your ideas. Call 902-624-8327 to book an appointment.
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Do you know the five candidates running for the two vacant seats on Town Council? Here’s a quick introduction to the candidates: Kevin Boon, Michelle Gryphon, Bill Lewis, Katherine McCarron and Cathie Slaughenwhite-Nowe.

Voting Information: Electronic voting will be available from 8:00 a.m. on February 5, 2026, until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, February 14, 2026. The election will be conducted entirely online or by phone, using a unique PIN (Personal Identification Number).

Your PIN: Voting letters containing your PIN have been delivered by mail. If you did not receive yours, please contact us.

Need Assistance? Voters who require assistance may visit Town Hall: February 5 -13: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (weekdays) and Election Day (Feb 14): 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Our Assistant Returning Officer, Clare Blyth, is happy to help: [email protected] or 902-521-2487.

Election Day is this Saturday, February 14. Show some love for your community and come out and vote!
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​Thank you to everyone who joined our Focus Group at Town Hall yesterday afternoon. This group's thoughtful baseline feedback in an earlier survey set the stage, and today’s discussion helped take that input even further. It was a great afternoon of open conversation, shared insight, and real forward movement on our film production policy. We’re grateful for your time, perspectives, and commitment to helping shape a policy that works for our community.
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​Voting is taking place and we are currently at 17% turnout. This is a good sign so far, since Special Elections can achieve low numbers of votes. There is still plenty of time to choose your candidates, so make it happen and cast your vote.
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Starting February 23rd, Nova Scotians will be invited to participate in the Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey, the largest undertaking of its kind in Canada.

Participants will be directed to complete the survey online. Engage NS acknowledge not everyone has a household or access to a computer and have planned to undertake specific outreach to support those who do not live in homes. They are committed to making the survey accessible to all.

​To protect participants privacy, the survey is completely voluntary and anonymous. Any identifying information such as names or addresses will not be collected.

Visit Engage Nova Scotia's website to learn more about the Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey! https://www.engagenovascotia.ca/
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Please join us at the Michael O'Connor Memorial Bandstand on Tuesday February 3 at 1:00 p.m. for a Flag Raising celebrating the provincial theme: “Strength in Unity: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power, and Progress.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of learning from one another as we work together to build a province that is culturally, socially, and economically equitable and prosperous. This is a time to honour the strength, resilience, and wisdom of elders whose stories, leadership, and lived experiences continue to shape Nova Scotian communities.
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Do visit the Black Cultural Centre's website for Nova Scotia's Heritage Month Information Network. This site features the latest information on African Heritage Month events, programs and activities as well as an interactive calendar of wonderful events: https://www.ahm.bccnsweb.com/wp/home/
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