News

Media Release: Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court Coming to Yarmouth

Published: May 16, 2024

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Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - Yarmouth, N.S. – The Town of Yarmouth, the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, and the Municipality of the District of Argyle, today revealed plans to build an inclusive play space in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart).

Uniquely designed to meet the needs of the community, the new Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court will include barrier-free access and enhanced visibility, as well as provide room for accessible and standard sports such as basketball, sitting volleyball, pickleball and wheelchair tennis. As an extension of Jumpstart’s national Inclusive Play Program, the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court will ensure that kids of all abilities in the Yarmouth community can participate in both organized sport and casual play.

As a cost-sharing agreement with the support of all three municipalities, the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court will be built on the northwest corner of the Mariners Centre property, where Starrs Road meets Jody Shelley Drive. A construction tender will be issued this summer, and a project timeline with more details will soon follow.

"The Municipality of Argyle is proud to invest in our community's recreation infrastructure in partnership with Jumpstart,” said Argyle Warden, Danny Muise. “This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring that all youths and adults have the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities without barriers. By joining together with Jumpstart, we are empowering our residents to stay active, healthy, and engaged in our community.”

“The addition of this court system to the Mariners Centre, complementing the rinks, splash park, and upcoming aquatics facility, is an incredibly exciting announcement for our community!” said Municipality of Yarmouth Warden, John Cunningham. “Having an accessible and inclusive spot for toddlers to seniors of all abilities to participate in sport is important to our Council, and we look forward to welcoming people from the area and beyond to use the new courts!”

"Thank you to Jumpstart for believing in this community and understanding the importance of what this wonderful opportunity will provide our residents,” said Town of Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood. “As we move closer to the groundbreaking for the Mariners Centre expansion, we are beyond fortunate to be able to add this fun, inclusive and accessible space to the grounds. This court will help attract professionals and families, add to the recreation campus/hub of Mariners Centre, and, most importantly, ensure ALL citizens have access to a space that will encourage community involvement and healthy living. I can't wait to see the space filled with active, happy people!"

“We look forward to partnering with these three passionate communities to bring the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court to life,” said Andrea Acheson, Regional Manager, Atlantic, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “At Jumpstart, we know that by working together, we can help build a safe, inclusive and accessible sport and recreation environment for all kids across Canada.”

"The Canadian Tire Jumpstart Sport Court has been a passion of mine for the better part of five years," said Darcy DeSutter, Owner/Dealer of Yarmouth Canadian Tire and Chair of the Mariners Centre Board Capital Fundraising Committee. “I grew up playing sports, and having access to sports facilities and I believe wholeheartedly, they are an important element for our kids, and our community. They benefit both our physical and mental well-being while promoting inclusion. I feel proud and very lucky to be a part of this addition to the community’s infrastructure."

“We are thrilled with this announcement,” said Mariners Centre Board Chair, Linda Gallagher. “Thank you to the three municipal units, Canadian Tire, Jumpstart, and Darcy DeSutter and family for working together to make a wonderful addition to the grounds of the Mariners Centre. As we grow our spaces to become a true community hub, we recognize the importance of having free community opportunities for all. This space will truly reflect the Jumpstart approach of Stronger communities, Stronger Canada.”

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Media Contact:
Mike Carter
Communications Coordinator
Town of Yarmouth
400 Main Street, Yarmouth, N.S., B5A 1G2
Office: (902) 742-2521
Mobile: (902) 746-3167
Fax: (902) 742-6244
Email: comms@townofyarmouth.c

MEDIA RELEASE: Economic Impact Study Reveals Importance of the Port of Yarmouth

Published: May 8, 2024

 

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MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release

Economic Impact Study Reveals Importance of the Port of Yarmouth

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - Yarmouth, N.S. - The Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission recently executed an Economic Impact Study to gain a better understanding of the Port of Yarmouth’s impact and importance to our local and regional economy. The findings showed what we have long known: the port plays a key role in supporting our local economy and creating jobs for locals.

The Port of Yarmouth is one of three divested, independent ports in the Tri-County region, and has been jointly owned by the Town of Yarmouth, Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, and Municipality of the District of Argyle for the past 13 years. It is a key hub for the fishing industry in Southwest Nove Scotia, home to one of the world’s largest lobster fishing grounds.

Commission Chair, Guy Surette, says the report was an eye opener for the Board. “It seems that we have been taking the importance of this community asset for granted, not truly appreciating the value and contribution that the Port of Yarmouth makes to the area.”

Based on the findings of ASBB Consulting, authors of the Economic Impact Study, the port’s contribution can be conservatively valued at approximately $50,000,000.00 annually to the local area, supporting around 280 jobs and hosting upwards of 40 vessels that call this port “home”.

Furthermore, on average, in the last 5 years the port accounted for approximately 2.1%, or nearly $25 million of Nova Scotia’s fishing GDP. The port lands anywhere between 44 million to 85 million pounds of lobsters per year, as well as other species including herring, scallops, and groundfish.

However, improvements to the Port of Yarmouth are needed. The port infrastructure is aging, and re-investment is required to extend its service life. “The study was considered by the Board to be an important step on the road to seeking out the necessary funding partners from different levels of government with the goal of realizing its re-investment aspirations,” said Surette.

By highlighting the Port’s contributions and importance, the Industrial Commission Board hopes to gain support from funding agencies and to raise the awareness level of this important asset among the local community, who are ultimately the users of this marine facility.

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Media Contacts:

Guy Surette
Chair of the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission
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902-648-7827

Gregory Shay
Acting General Manager of the Port of Yarmouth
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902-742-7159

Marissa Parker
Communications Officer
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902-742-7159

Citizen Committee Appointments

Published: February 21, 2024

We are currently looking for citizens to serve on the following committees:

To Apply: Please download and fill out the pdf Committee Application Form (194 KB) and email your completed form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Deadline to Apply: March 13, 2024

Planning Advisory Committee:

The mandate of the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) is to submit formal recommendations to Council on any proposed amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use By-Law (LUB) as advised by the Municipal Planner, to review and provide recommendation to Council on proposed development agreements, and to review and provide recommendations to Council on planning matters in general.

The Planning Advisory Committee is made up of 3 members of Council and 3 members of the public, who form the voting members of the committee. Staff at the Municipality of Argyle, and the Municipal Planner also sit on this committee as advisors.

The Planning Advisory Committee meets as required throughout the year, as planning matters arise. The meetings typically take place at 4:30 p.m. in person at the Argyle Municipal Building, with the option to join the meeting virtually.

Please review pdf Article C35 – Planning Advisory Committee (1.39 MB) for a full description of the committee.

Audit Committee:

The mandate of the Audit Committee is to provide advice to Council on all matters relating to audit and finance. The Audit Committee reviews and recommends approval of the audited financial statements to council, reviews the detailed financial statements as prepared by external auditors, ensures compliance with the provincial government reporting requirements, and any other matters determined by Council to be the duties of an audit committee.

The Audit Committee is made up of 2 Council members (and 1 alternate), and currently one citizen appointment. The Municipality is seeking more citizen representation at this time. The citizen appointment should be someone with financial experience or background. The CAO and Director of Finance sit on the Committee as advisors.

The Audit Committee meets at least twice a year, with the possibility of additional meetings that may be necessary to review items related to the audit.

Please review pdf Article C36 – Audit Committee (1.23 MB) for a full description of the committee.

Accessibility Advisory Committee:

The mandate of the Accessibility Advisory Committee is to provide advice to Council on identifying, preventing, and eliminating barriers to people with disabilities in municipal programs, services, initiatives, and facilities. The Accessibility Advisory Committee advises council on the preparation, implementation, and effectiveness of the Accessibility Plan, reports on the measures the Municipality has taken and intends to take to identify, remove, and prevent barriers, identifies and advises on the accessibility of existing and proposed municipal services and facilities, and monitors federal and provincial directives and regulations. Please review Section 5.3. of pdf Article C46 – Accessibility Advisory Committee (2.11 MB) for full details on the committee’s mandate and responsibilities.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee consists of at least 1 Council Representative and 6 community representatives. At least one half of the members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee must be persons with disabilities or representatives from organizations representing persons with disabilities. Members of staff at the Municipality of Argyle will sit on the committee as advisors.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee meets as required and deemed necessary.

West Pubnico, Tusket, and Wedgeport Sewer Committees:

The mandate of the West Pubnico, Tusket, and Wedgeport Sewer Committees is to provide annual reports and recommendations to Council regarding operating and capital fees of each respective sewer, with assistance from staff.

The Municipality is seeking community representation for the following committees:

  • Wedgeport Sewer Committee
  • Tusket Sewer Committee
  • West Pubnico Sewer Committee

You must reside in the community the sewer is located in and be hooked up to the municipal sewer in that area.

These committees meet at least once per year, with the possibility of more, if the need arises.

Members of Council also sit on this committee as voting members and members of staff sit on the committee as advisors.

Wedgeport Windfarm Development Agreement

Published: December 7, 2023

Have any questions or concerns about the Wedgeport Windfarm Development Agreement?

Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What is this development agreement?

The Development Agreement is a legal document between parties that outline the conditions upon which Council shall approve a development. The development agreement shall seek to address the issues that the community members have raised around the proposed wind turbine project.

These issues include:

  • Shadow Flicker – best described as the potential shadow that a turbine blade may create if it turns against direct sunlight. This has caused nuisances to residents in past wind farms.
  • Noise – Noise can be created through the blade rotation and also grinding coming from the ‘engine’. Both the development agreement and the environmental assessment states that Elemental Energy must keep the noise to a level of 40 decibels. Distance from a non-seasonal home must be at least 1000 meters.
  • Property values – residents expressed concerns that property values would drop as a consequence of wind turbine erection.
  • Not just Wedgeport Wind – residents expressed concerns that the farm impacts three communities directly, not simply one. Comeau’s Hill and Little River shall be mentioned in this development.
  • Community benefits – Elemental Energy shall outline how the communities will benefit from this development, including donations to major non-profit organizations that seek to improve the communities. Equality of treatment of communities was mentioned as very important.

Elemental Energy has partnered with a local First Nation organization as part of their provincial application and received approval to enter a Power Purchase Agreement with NS Power in August 2022. 

For more information on this windfarm, visit Elemental Energy's project website at www.wedgeportwind.ca

 

What about the environmental impact?

The Province approved an environmental assessment of the development in May 2023. This type of assessment measures issues such as wildlife protection and management, noise restrictions, shadow flicker, turbine deconstruction and site reclamation at the end of the project, etc.

The link to the decision may be found here https://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/wedgeport-wind-farm-project/

 

Relevant Documents:

  • Visual Quality Report - Download
  • Project Layout and Assessment Area - Download
  • WSP Development Agreement Presentation (December 7, 2023) - Download

Timeline of Events

  • December 7, 2023 - 6:30PM - Public Participation Meeting
  • December 12, 2023 - 4:30PM -  Planning Advisory Committee
  • December 14, 2023 - 6:30 PM - Regular Council Meeting (First Reading of Development Agreement)
  • January 9, 2024 - 6:00 PM - Information Session (Wedgeport Fire Hall)
  • January 18, 2024 - 6:30 PM - Public Hearing (5 J.E. Hatfield Court, Tusket)
  • January 25, 2024 - 6:30 PM - Executive Council Meeting (Second Reading of Development Agreement)