Regional Plan

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Regional Plan Review

The Municipality has been undertaking a 5-phase comprehensive review of the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy since 2020. To date, phases 1 through 4 have been completed. In 2026, we have officially commenced Phase 5: Future Growth Planning, the final stage of the review. This phase will provide an overall update to the current 2014 Regional Plan framework, planning for a population of 1 million people.

For detailed information, please visit Regional Plan review.

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Regional Plan

The Regional Municipal Planning Strategy (Regional Plan) is a strategic document built on a common vision and principles for the Municipality to achieve balanced and sustainable growth. It establishes long-range, region-wide planning policies outlining where, when and how future growth and development should take place, which influence the long-term environmental, social and economic resiliency of the municipality.

The Regional Plan has been in effect since Oct. 18, 2014 and contains all amendments up to February 2, 2026.

Vision

Our vision for the future is to enhance our quality of life by fostering the growth of healthy and vibrant communities, a strong and diverse economy and sustainable environment.

Guiding Principle

The plan seeks to address the needs and views of all sectors of the regio, recognizing the diversity of its citizens, community and geography.

Principles 

• Provides a framework which leads to predictable, fair, cost-effective and timely decision-making;

• Supports development patterns that promote a vigorous regional economy;

• Preserves and promote sustainability of cultural, historical and natural assets;

• Supports the Regional Centre as the focus for economic, cultural and residential activities;

• Manages development to make the most effective use of land, energy, infrastructure, public services and facilities, and foster healthy lifestyles;

• Ensures opportunities for the protection of open space, wilderness, natural beauty and sensitive environmental areas; and

• Develops integrated transportation systems in conjunction with the above principles.

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Regional Plan Maps

View and download 28 individual maps. 

• Map 1 - Settlement and Transportation
• Map 2 - Generalized Future Land Use
• Map 3 - Trails and Natural Networks
• Map 4 - Parks and Natural Corridors
• Map 5 - Significant Habitats and Endangered Species
• Map 6 - Future Transit and Transportation
• Map 7 - Urban Transit Service Boundary
• Map 8 - Cultural Significance
• Map 9 - Areas of Elevated Archaeological Potential
• Map 10 - Burnside Area
• Map 11 - Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lakes Conceptual Park Area
• Map 12 - Water Supply Areas
• Map 13A - Hubbards Rural Local Growth Centre
• Map 13B - Upper Tantallon and Tantallon Crossroads Rural Growth Centres
• Map 13C - Enfield Rural Growth Centre
• Map 13D - Lake Echo Rural Local Growth Centre
• Map 13E - Porters Lake Rural District Growth Centre
• Map 13F - Musquodoboit Harbour Rural District Growth Centre
• Map 13G - River-Lakes/Fall River Rural District Growth Centres
• Map 14A - Dunbrack Street and Lacewood Drive
• Map 14B - Downsview Mall
• Map 14C - Herring Cove Road at Dentith Road
• Map 14D - Mill Cove
• Map 14E - Portland Street/Baker Drive
• Map 14F - Portland Street/Eisener Boulevard
• Map 14G - Tacoma Drive
• Map 14H - Woodlawn Mall
• Map 14I - Melville Heights, Herring Cove Rd

Regional Subdivision By-law and Maps

Regional Subdivision By-Law includes text and all schedules, except for schedules B, H, I and J linked below.

Schedule B - Service Requirement Map 
Schedule H - Interim Growth Management Area (Map) 
Schedule I - Future Transportation Routes (Map) 
Schedule J - Beaver Bank and Hammonds Plains Growth Control Areas (Map)