Nova Scotia Main Streets Initiative

Main Streets are the living stories of Nova Scotian communities; where the lives of neighbours intersect, where relationships are built, where business is conducted, and where local character is celebrated and shared with visitors.

In Winter 2020, we held engagement session with residents in Elmsdale, St. Peter’s, and Westville to find out about the challenges and opportunities for Main Streets in small Nova Scotia communities.

Based on community feedback, observations, and research on what has worked in other parts of North America, we developed a set of principles to foster vibrant community Main Streets in Nova Scotia. These principles are focused on enabling local action, with residents driving positive change.

This project was initiated by the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities Active Transportation Committee, working with Fowler Bauld & Mitchell Ltd. (FBM) Planning Studio and Bicycle Nova Scotia. Community engagement and research for the Main Streets Initiative was provided by the Ecology Action Centre, Develop Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and Dalhousie University School of Planning students. The work was also made possible by support and input from the Cape Breton Partnership, Halifax Regional Municipality, Municipality of Chester, Municipality of East Hants, Pictou County Regional Enterprise Network, Municipality of the County of Richmond, St. Peter’s Economic Development Organization, and the Town of Westville.