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Message Digby Municipal Planning Strategy ReviewMay 2025Planning For Growth,Charting Our FutureWhat We Heard

IntroductionDigby Municipal Planning Strategy ReviewOn April 9 2025 the Town of Digby’s Planning Advisory Committee hosted two publicengagement meetings as part of the Town’s Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law review process - “Planning for Growth, Charting Our Future”.The public engagement effort focused on issues relating to residential development and wasstructured on a “round table” format with community members being asked a number ofquestions relating to residential development. The discussions were facilitated by a team ofexperienced municipal planning professionals. Approximately 43 community membersattended the first session, held at 1:00 – 2:30. Approximately 36 individuals participated inthe second session held at 6:30 – 8:00.Prior to general discussion the community members were provided an overview of theexisting 2012 planning documents and a review of legislation which enable municipalplanning and establish the scope for the Town’s municipal planning powers andresponsibilities.A brief review of the Vision Statement contained in the current Planning Strategy as well asthe objectives and the directions of the primary residential development policies was alsopresented.Prior to the engagement sessions the Town made a number of documents available to thepublic to assist in becoming more familiar with the Town’s planning documents as well asthe strategy review process.May 2025

Round Table DiscussionCommunity members were asked to join one of 5 tables for the discussion portion of the meeting.Each table included a facilitator and randomly assigned community members. Followingintroductions each table was asked a series of questions relating to residential development andcomments from the ensuing discussions were recorded. Each table was asked the same questions.At the conclusion of the round table discussions a brief summary of discussion points andcomments relating to one of the questions was present by a representative of each table.The following is a high level summary of “What We Heard”. The community’s various commentshave been consolidated and summarized. They are not presented here in any order of significanceor priority.________________________________________________________________________________________________________General Interest and thoughts about DigbyAs part of general introductions community members were asked - What interested them toparticipate in the meeting?Comments included:Strong connection and concern for Digby’s futureDesire to be involved and informedFrustration with lack of communicationInterested in planning direction, coastal management, and design standardsHousing challenges and opportunitiesConcerns about aesthetics, maintenance, property values, and outdated MPSFinancial concerns including tax rates and service costsCommitment to community improvementParticipants were also asked - What three words would you use to describe Digby?Comments included:Beautiful, Friendly, PeacefulHistoric, Walkable, QuietWorld-famous scallops, Marina, CoastalPotential, Aging, FunSlums, Opportunities, Good weatherDowntown scenery, Pines, SeashoreDigby Municipal Planning Strategy ReviewMay 2025

Where should residential development go?To assist in discussing where new residential development should be directed, facilitators commented that theexisting Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law contain a range of policies and development controlprovisions which regulate and direct residential development. The current policies primarily address whereresidential development goes, what type of residential development can be built and how new development isapproved. An updated plan needs to address these issues as well as identifying new/additional matters that theTown should consider.Participants were asked - Where should residential development go and Do you think there arecertain areas in Digby that are better suited for different types of homes—like single dwellings,two-unit dwellings, townhouses or apartments? Where should each type go?Comments included:High Density: Near schools, hospitals, and commercial centersLow Impact Areas: Avoid shorelines and historic home clustersIdeal Locations: Warwick/Victoria Streets, Uptown (top of hill), near Sobeys and hospital, Second Avenue toSt. GeorgeGeneral Themes:Protect views and neighborhood characterImprove walkability and infrastructureEncourage mixed-use and infill developmentPhase in changes and include community inputResidential DevelopmentIssues/OpportunitesDigby Municipal Planning Strategy ReviewMay 2025

Residential DevelopmentIssues/OpportunitesDigby Municipal Planning Strategy ReviewWhat type of residential development do we need?Given their experience and their understanding of the community’s needs participants wereask - Which type/style of new residential development do you feel is needed in Town?Comments included:Preferred Types:Single-unit, 2-unit, townhouses, apartmentsGranny suites, backyard suites, tiny homesMixed-use and co-op housingSenior housing and starter homesConversion of existing structures (churches, convents)Key Considerations:Maintain neighborhood character and consistencyInclude green space and landscapingAddress affordability and utility infrastructurePlan for storm surge, sewer capacity, and infill potentialAttract healthcare workers and middle-income earnersRestrict short-term rentals (e.g., AirBnB)May 2025

Residential DevelopmentIssues/OpportunitesDigby Municipal Planning Strategy ReviewIncreasing the density of residential development in TownThe overall density of development has a significant impact on housing availability, housingoptions and housing affordability. Increasing density is a policy direction which is supported byvarious levels of government and housing sector agencies to address challenges in the currenthousing market. Participants were asked – Should consideration be given to increasing thisbase density and If the base density in the Town’s primary residential zone were to increasewhat matters should be considered, such as building style, height, setbacks, landscaping,parking, other?Comments included:General Support for increased density where appropriateBased on lot size and service availabilityEmphasis on design, character, landscaping, fire safety, parkingLarger lots could accommodate up to four unitsAvoid over-densification and preserve viewsEncourage “as-of-right” development to streamline approvalsTransparent, inclusive process for major developmentsZoning Concerns:Oppose light industrial uses near residential areasSafeguard children in mixed-use zonesClarify and enforce setbacks, height, and infrastructure guidelinesTown should mediate conflicts and support community collaborationMay 2025

Residential DevelopmentIssues/OpportunitesDigby Municipal Planning Strategy ReviewAffordabilityHousing affordability is a public concern in Digby as it currently is in many communities. Manyfactors contribute to the Town’s stock of affordable accommodations including age, condition,supply and location. Participants were asked - What could the Town do to encourageaffordable residential development?Comments included:Collaborate with the Province for funding and policy supportIncrease density and permit secondary suitesRestrict short-term rentals like AirbnbProvide property maintenance and safety inspectionsIncentivize co-op housing and local investmentsEnsure housing is near services and transportationDevelop a community center and improve infrastructureConduct housing needs assessments and track unit demandAddress employment/housing balance and enforce landlord accountabilityMay 2025

Residential DevelopmentIssues/OpportunitesDigby Municipal Planning Strategy ReviewThe Development Approval ProcessIn addition to policies which direct where new development should go, the Municipal Planning Strategyestablishes the process on how new development is approved. The current Strategy allows one and two unitdevelopment “as-of-right”, which mean that if specified minimum standards are met relating to setback and otherrequirements a permit can be issued by the Town’s Development Officer. For Development containing more thatthree units approval through rezoning or development agreement, called “discretionary approval”, must beobtained from Town Council. The Council review and approval process includes public notification, a publichearing and the opportunity for appeal. The discretionary approval process can take several months to completebut it provides clarity on the type of development that is being proposed. Participants were asked - What type of public notice, if any, should be provided when newresidential development is proposed and What matters should be considered when reviewingdevelopment proposals. Should these matters change according to the development type?Comments included:Public awareness is critical—especially for larger developmentsSuggested Tools:Mailed notices and flyersLocal newsletters and online platformsOn-site signage and bulletin boardsInformation sessions prior to PAC meetingsKey Values:Transparency, early engagement, and inclusive consultationRespect for neighborhood character, traffic impact, amenities, and scaleClear distinctions for notice based on development size/typeMay 2025

Continuing the ConversationDigby Municipal Planning Strategy ReviewThe Planning Advisory Committee welcomes your thoughts and comments. If you wereunable to participate in the engagement sessions or would like to provide additionalcomments you are encouraged to email your thought to: chartingourfuture@digby.ca Comments are requested to be submitted by June 20, 2025.May 2025