Our Coast, Our Communities

Pictou County Coastal Policy Public Engagement

Pictou County’s coast is changing. Coastal flooding, erosion, storms and rising sea levels may affect properties, roads, public infrastructure, natural areas and access to the coast.

The Municipality of Pictou County is inviting residents, property owners, community organizations and other interested people to learn about coastal planning and share their experiences, concerns and priorities.

Your input will help the Municipality understand what should guide future decisions about coastal land use and development.

No new coastal policy has been selected. This engagement is an opportunity to consider different approaches and hear from the community before recommendations are developed.

Project at a Glance

Through this project, residents can:

• Learn about coastal change and municipal planning.
• Review possible planning approaches.
• Share experiences with flooding, erosion and other coastal changes.
• Identify important places, infrastructure and community values.
• Explain what should be considered in future coastal planning.

Complete the online survey by November 2, 2026.

Why Are We Talking About Coastal Planning?

Coastal communities are places where people live, work, operate businesses, recreate and maintain strong connections to the land and water.

Municipal decisions about development, roads, drainage, public infrastructure and land use can affect—or be affected by—coastal flooding and erosion. The appropriate response may differ depending on local elevation, shoreline type, exposure, environmental conditions and existing development.

The Municipality already has some planning requirements for development near mapped marine shorelines. This project will consider how the current approach is working and whether it should remain the same or change in the future.

 

What Do We Want to Hear From You?

We want to learn:

·       What coastal changes have you observed?

·         Where have flooding, erosion, drainage problems or storm impacts occurred?

·         Which places, services and community features are most important to you?

·         What concerns do you have about property, housing, affordability, businesses, infrastructure, public access or the environment?

·         What information would help residents make decisions about coastal properties?

·         What should the Municipality consider when evaluating future planning approaches?

·         Are there experiences or concerns that may be missing from the discussion?

You do not need technical or planning knowledge to participate. Your local experience matters.

How Can You Participate?

Complete the Online Survey

Share your experiences and views through the Online Coastal Policy Survey.

The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will remain open until November 2, 2026.

Complete a Paper Survey or Comment Card

Paper surveys are available at the municipal office and participating libraries. You can also use the Coastal Policy Comment Card to provide shorter written comments.

Attend an Engagement Session

Residents can speak directly with the project team, review educational materials, ask questions and complete the survey at an in-person engagement session.

See the Project Timeline and Engagement Schedule for confirmed dates, times and locations.

Participate by Telephone

If you do not have internet access or would like assistance completing the survey, call 902-759-4666.

If you need information in another format or require an accommodation to participate, please contact the Municipality.

Start Here

A Quick Guide to Coastal Planning in Pictou County - A short, plain-language introduction to the project, why coastal planning matters and how residents can participate.

Coastal Policy Discussion Guide - A more detailed overview of coastal change, current municipal planning, possible approaches and the questions the Municipality would like residents to consider.

Learn About Coastal Planning

Understanding Coastal Planning - Learn what municipal coastal policy can and cannot do, which decisions municipalities can influence, and why local conditions matter.

Coastal Terms and What They Mean in Pictou County - Plain-language explanations of terms such as coastal erosion, coastal flooding, sea-level rise, storm surge, shoreline and coastal buffer.

Frequently Asked Questions - Answers to common questions about the project, current planning requirements, property impacts, participation and what will happen after the engagement process.

Explore the Possible Approaches

Planning Tools Explainer - An introduction to tools such as coastal setbacks, minimum building elevations, natural buffers, flood-resilient design, site-specific assessments and better hazard information.

Coastal Planning Choices and Considerations - A quick comparison of possible approaches, what each could help accomplish and the important trade-offs or limitations residents and Council may need to consider.

These approaches are not mutually exclusive. Different tools may be appropriate in different parts of Pictou County, and several approaches could be used together.

Follow the Project

Project Timeline - See the stages of the project, from public education and engagement through assessment, policy options and final recommendations.

Coastal Policy Comment Card - Use the comment card to share your main concern, identify an important coastal place or suggest something the Municipality should consider.

Online Coastal Policy Survey - Complete the survey to provide more detailed feedback about coastal experiences, priorities and possible planning approaches.

What Happens Next?

After the engagement period closes, the project team will: 

• Review the surveys, comment cards and notes from public conversations.
• Summarize the main themes in a What We Heard Report.
• Assess coastal risks, opportunities and planning considerations.
• Develop possible policy options for the Municipality to consider.
• Prepare recommendations informed by technical information, municipal planning responsibilities and public input.

Participating in this engagement does not automatically create new rules. Any future changes to municipal planning policy would require further consideration and the applicable municipal review and approval process.

Project updates and future reports will be posted on this page.

Contact Us

For questions, assistance completing the survey, alternate formats or participation accommodations, contact:

Municipality of Pictou County
Phone: 902-759-4666
Email: environment@munpict.ca