This section holds a variety of reports and studies that have been either conducted or commissioned for the Town of Antigonish.
On this page
Physical Activity Strategy (2021)
Municipal Planning Strategy (2020)
DEANS Event Strategy (2019)
Antigonish Regional Economic Assessment (2019)
Roger Brooks Tourism Attraction Study (2009)
Municipal Climate Action Plan (2013)
Antigonish Investment Attraction Study (2013)
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (2010)
Town of Antigonish Municipal Housing Needs Report (2023)
Pathway to Net Zero Emissions Feasibility Study (2024)
Physical Activity Strategy (2021)
During the update process, the Strategy was renamed the Active Living Strategy (‘the Strategy’), which recognizes that lifestyle changes to incorporate physical activity and healthy living can broadly be seen as active living. The Town of Antigonish is committed to improving active living and increasing movement for those who live, work, and visit our Town.
The Town envisions a community where active living is part of the culture and opportunities are readily accessible, welcoming, easy to incorporate into everyday life, while being inclusive of individuals of all ages, abilities, and income levels. To read the strategy, click here.
Municipal Planning Strategy (2020)
The general objectives of the MPS are to:
Guide Council Decision Making
The MPS aims to provide guidance for and direction on what the community needs most as expressed by residents of the Town. The MPS also accounts for trends in the Town, as well as Nova Scotia, that informs how municipalities will need to evolve to meet the needs of their populations. The MPS translates broad goals into specific policies. The MPS doesn’t commit Council to undertake any projects described within it, however, Council is restricted from undertaking actions inconsistent with the policies of the MPS.
Makes Growth Strategic
The MPS determines where community growth should occur and what type of growth is needed. Strategic growth maintains and enhances the quality of life for all residents by promoting equitable growth of neighbourhoods and a diversity of housing options while maintaining small-town character.
Simplify Development Approvals
The MPS in conjunction with the LUB will guide decisions on future land use and development. These two documents use a variety of control tools available in the Municipal Government Act to strategically permit growth in the Town.
For the Town of Antigonish's Municipal Planning Strategy, click here.
For the Town of Antigonish’s Land Use By-Law, click here.
For the Town of Antigonish’s Zoning Map, click here.
2026 amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and the Land Use By-Law can be found here.
All documents can also be found on Eastern District Planning Commission’s website.
DEANS Event Strategy (2019)
Destination Eastern Northumberland Shores (DEANS) contracted a consultant to support the development of an event strategy for the region that includes Pictou County, Antigonish County, and Guysborough. Our region has hosted some significant sporting events and has an annual calendar of festivals and events that provide great experiences for attendees and residents who participate. DEANS identified the need to develop a strategy to better position the Northumberland Shores to become an event hosting destination. To review the report, pdf click here. (5.18 MB)
Antigonish Regional Economic Assessment (2019)
The Antigonish Regional Economic Assessment explores initiatives and recommendations that will support and expand the Antigonish area. This report was published in 2019, reviews Antigonish’s economic base, anchor community assets and businesses that have sustained the local economy. The object of the report is to put the recommendations together to build one energized community supported by a vibrant and innovative business sector and provides a healthy, safe stimulating, sustainable environment for all. To review the report, pdf click here.(479 KB)
Roger Brooks Tourism Attraction Study (2009)
In July and August of 2009, a Regional Assessment of the Northumberland Shore, Nova Scotia was conducted, and the findings were presented in a two-hour workshop in late September. The assessment provides an unbiased overview of the region - how it is seen by a visitor. It includes a review of local marketing efforts, signage, attractions, critical mass, retail mix, ease of getting around, customer service, visitor amenities such as parking and public washrooms, overall appeal, and the community’s ability to attract overnight visitors. pdf Reports and Studies Roger Brooks Tourism Assessment 2009(56.68 MB)
Municipal Climate Action Plan (2013)
All municipalities in Nova Scotia are required to complete a Municipal Climate Change Action Plan (MCCAP) as an amendment to the Integrated Community Sustainability Plans adopted in 2010 by the end of 2013. This plan outlines the strategies and actions for both mitigation of and adaptation to climate change in the Town of Antigonish. To read the action plan, click here.
Antigonish Investment Attraction Study (2013)
The primary focus of this study is on the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) – new business investment and job creation in the Antigonish area by firms headquartered in foreign jurisdictions. EDP Consulting, in association with Market Research Associates (MRA), was retained by the Antigonish Regional Development Authority (ARDA) to undertake an investment attraction strategy study for the financial services and renewable energy and clean/green technologies sectors. These sectors were identified as potential investment attraction target sectors for the Antigonish area in a 2010 Investment Attraction Research Project undertaken for the ARDA. pdf Reports and Studies Antigonish Investment Attraction Study 2013(1.75 MB)
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (2010)
The ICSP is intended to complement and build upon existing community planning efforts (such as the Municipal Planning Strategy), and serve as a guide for the Town to achieve a future envisioned by the people who work and live within our community. The Town’s ICSP is built upon four pillars, which are critical to the long-term well being of our community and people. These are:
1. The natural environment,
2. The social elements of communities,
3. The local and regional economy, and
4. Culture and heritage.
Additionally, this plan identifies challenges facing the local community and proposed strategies and actions that that will be needed to be proactive in becoming a leading sustainable community. To read the plan, click here.
Town of Antigonish Municipal Housing Needs Report (2023)
The purpose of the housing needs assessment is to understand the current and anticipated housing conditions in the Town of Antigonish. This assessment was completed in 2023 as one of the recommendations from the Affordable Housing Commission Report. The intent of the report is to further our understanding of the housing needs of our community. It identifies current and future housing needs as well as existing and projected gaps in housing supply. pdf Town of Antigonish Municipal Housing Needs Report(920 KB)
Pathway to Net Zero Emissions Feasibility Study (2024)
CBCL Limited was hired by the Town to study on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy in several Town-owned buildings including offices, recreational facilities, fire stations, and water/wastewater treatment plants. The study aims to show how the Town can cut its carbon emissions by 50% by 2033 (Phase 1) and by 80% by 2043 (Phase 2). pdf Pathway to Net Zero Emissions Feasibility Study(3.61 MB)
Community District Energy System Report (2025)
With a commitment to becoming Canada’s first zero-carbon community, TOA has partnered with St. Francis Xavier University (St. FX) to develop a Community District Energy System (CDES). This initiative aims to replace St. FX’s aging, fuel oil-burning steam heating system—the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Antigonish—with an electrified, low-carbon alternative. WSP was engaged to conduct a feasibility study to identify the most cost-effective and sustainable CDES solution while supporting TOA’s decarbonization goals. pdf Community District Energy System Report(9.81 MB)