Municipal Services

Many services for homeowners and renters are offered by the municipal government, or by a municipal-provincial partnership. These services include:

• Property assessment: Property values are determined for every property in Nova Scotia every year. The provincial assessment office sets the value, and the municipality charges property tax (a percentage) based on that value. The assessment can also be a useful reference when selling a home. To visit Nova Scotia’s Assessment Services, go to www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/asmt.
• Water testing: The provincial government certifies water testing labs throughout Nova Scotia. Private well owners are encouraged to have their water tested at a certified facility every six months. To find a water testing lab near you, visit www.gov.ns.ca/enla/water/waterlabs.asp.
• Land use: Municipal and provincial governments regulate the use of land for new building projects, farming, and more. Before purchasing, developing, or using a piece of land, it is important to contact your municipality. Permits may be required before building or renovating.
• Garbage and recycling: Garbage is collected regularly on a specific day. Place your garbage in plastic garbage bags or trashcans. Make sure that you take out all your garbage regularly for collection. Ask for information about the “green box” for biodegradable items. This box is collected every other week. You are also encouraged to place recyclable items like newspapers, glass bottles, cans and plastic bottles in blue bags for collection and recycling. This helps reduce pollution and waste.

  For more information on garbage collection, recycling and composting, visit the Resource Recovery Fund Board.

  To find the garbage collection schedule for your area, contact your local municipality. Your municipality can be found in the Community Profiles section of this website.

For more information on Municipal Services visit Community Profiles.