Page 4 - MPS LUB Update From Mayor Muttart

THE 2019-2020
MUNICIPAL PLANNING
STRATEGY AND

LAND USE BY-LAW

In brief, notwithstanding the recognition that we in Kings County have 10,000 acres of
agriculture land unutilized, in crop rotation or under-utilized in our region from time to time,
pressures for short-term individual development opportunities and the understandable
conflicts between the rights of the individual and the public good written large (consideration
of food security, climate emergency, future generations, etc.), the current Council of Kings
County recognized that, once arable land is lost to forms of built development, it cannot
practically be brought back into production; and to allow that type of development would be
unwise and lacking in forward thinking.

A concession was made to allow residential development in agricultural areas between
existing residential dwellings. These so-called ‘in-fill’ lots can be sold for residential purposes.
However, the Municipality ensures that buyers acknowledge the priority of the agricultural
activities of their neighbour. Sellers should be giving full disclosure to buyers. There is a
suggested list appended to the foot of this review.

A second (and last) concession was provided on the North Mountain, in that the mapped zone
boundary between A2 and A1 was moved from 250 feet in depth to 500 feet in depth. This
adjustment results in an additional 400 acres of Agricultural (A1) being moved into the A2
zone. However, the effect of this adjustment, will not result in additional new residential
rights beyond the ability to place a dwelling further away of the front property line and still
provides allowance for the property to be used for agriculture.

The elimination of the ‘pre-94’ exemption has now assured protection of thousands of acres of
prime agricultural land that had previously been at risk of irredeemable residential
development.

Residential development will now be encouraged only in designated Growth Centres (12),
seven of which are villages or one of the three Towns (Wolfville, Kentville and Berwick). In
fact, based upon demographic predictions, the Municipality has more than sufficient
residential vacant lot stock available for the next 30 years. When existing housing in these
areas ages, it should be improved or rebuilt, not abandoned in favour of a new
lot/construction in the agricultural areas. Renewal is what keeps our communities and
population vibrant, sustainable and progressive.

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