Mahone Bay Town Council Unveils Draft Strategic Plan for 4-Year Term
Mahone Bay Town Council has released its draft Strategic Plan, a forward-looking blueprint that will guide decision-making and set priorities for the next four years. Designed as a dynamic document, the plan is scheduled for annual review to ensure it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
Key Elements of the Plan
Based on details available on the Town’s website, the Strategic Plan outlines several notable focus areas:
- Community-Centered Growth: The plan emphasizes sustainable development that supports both current residents and future growth. Priorities include enhancing public infrastructure, modernizing community facilities, and strengthening local services.
- Fiscal Responsibility: With an eye toward efficiency, the document details measures aimed at prudent budgeting and strategic investments that promise to balance progress with financial accountability.
- Enhanced Public Engagement: The plan calls for greater community involvement in municipal decision-making. It includes initiatives to improve communication channels between the Town Council and residents, ensuring that public feedback is at the forefront of local governance.
- Long-Term Vision: Beyond immediate projects, the Strategic Plan charts a course for long-term economic and environmental resilience. It highlights goals related to sustainable infrastructure improvements and plans for fostering a vibrant local economy.
How to Get Involved
Residents are encouraged to review the full draft Strategic Plan on the Town’s website at townofmahonebay.ca/plans-reports--studies. The Town Council is actively seeking community input to refine and enhance the plan. Feedback can be sent directly via email to clerk@townofmahonebay.ca. Please submit your comments by Monday, March 31, 2025.
Labour Market Information News: Online Job Postings in Nova Scotia for February 2025
The Online Job Posting report covering February 2025 is now available.
Online Job Postings in Nova Scotia – February 2025 Highlights:
The total number of job postings in Nova Scotia measured by Vicinity Jobs was 7,722 during the month of February 2025 (seasonally unadjusted). Total postings increased by 985 (+14.6%) compared to February 2024.
- The number of postings were down 15.9% (-1,455 postings) from the prior month.
- The average number of postings over the trailing 12-month period (March 2024 to February 2025) was 8,198 – 2.0% lower than the average in the same period in the previous year (March 2023 to February 2024) of 8,363.
Job postings by volume by occupation and industry were different.
- During the month of February, the number of job postings by industry was highest for “health care & social assistance” (899 postings, 22.2%) and “retailed trade” (672 postings, 16.6%), followed by “accommodation and Food Services” (385 postings, 9.5%).
- The occupation category with the most online job postings in February was “sales and services,” accounting for 36.7% of all identifiable postings, followed by “business, finance and administration”, and “trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations”.
Most non-managerial online job postings require a formal education.
- Among non-managerial postings, 77.1% of postings in February required a formal education (secondary school or higher).
- The most common skill level required of online job postings in February was “post-secondary education or apprenticeship program (2 to 3 years)” (1,138 postings, 18.1%).
Employer corporate websites were the main source of over half of February’s online job postings.
- Employer corporate websites were the main source of 53.3% of February’s online job postings (4,117 postings).
- Service Canada Job Bank (614 postings, 8.0%) was also a significant source of online postings.
The Season of Father Christmas
We are thrilled to announce 2025 dates for Mahone Bay’s beloved Fall and Christmas festivals! The Scarecrow Festival is a fun-filled celebration of creativity and community. Then, get into the holiday spirit with the Father Christmas Festival, featuring festive flavours, cozy accommodations, shopping and the all the magic of the season. Don’t miss out on these signature events that capture the heart and charm of Mahone Bay!
Scarecrow Festival
We are thrilled to announce 2025 dates for Mahone Bay’s beloved Fall and Christmas festivals! The Scarecrow Festival is a fun-filled celebration of creativity and community. Then, get into the holiday spirit with the Father Christmas Festival, featuring festive flavours, cozy accommodations, shopping and the all the magic of the season. Don’t miss out on these signature events that capture the heart and charm of Mahone Bay!
Town of Mahone Bay Unveils Virtual Tour of Edgewater Construction
The Town of Mahone Bay has launched an engaging virtual tour that offers an inside look at the upcoming Edgewater Street construction.
A Closer Look at the Project
The virtual tour showcases the latest developments along Edgewater Street, highlighting key upgrades such as:
- New sidewalks and improved drainage systems
- Modern street lighting and enhanced streetscape features
- Redesigned traffic and bike lanes that promote safer mobility
This immersive experience provides clear visuals and informative commentary that detail the project’s objectives and anticipated benefits for the community.
Stay Connected
Developed by the town’s public works team, the tour is part of a broader effort to keep the public informed and engaged throughout the construction process. Residents can now easily follow the project’s evolution and understand how these improvements will enhance safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life in Mahone Bay.
To explore the transformation firsthand, watch the virtual tour on YouTube.
The Mom Market x Mahone Bay Centre
The Mom Market: South Shore + Mahone Bay Centre 
April 13th | 
10 AM - 2 PM
45 School Street, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
What You'll Find:Local vendors offering unique products
Family-friendly shopping in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere
Come explore, connect, and shop small while supporting local businesses and creators!
Want to be a vendor? Visit our website to apply and share your products with the community!
Labour Market Information News: Labour Force Survey covering February 2025
The latest Labour Force Survey is available covering February 2025.
Labour Force Survey (February 2025) Highlights:
Employment in Nova Scotia dropped by 0.8% in February, losing 4,300 jobs, leading to a 0.7-percentage-point increase in the province’s unemployment rate.
- Part-time employment dropped by 5,700 jobs (-6.3%), partially offset by gains in full-time employment (+1,500, +0.3%).
- Nova Scotia’s unemployment rate rose by 0.7 percentage points to 6.6% in February.
- The employment rate dropped by 0.6 percentage point to 57.4% in February.
Changes in employment varied among demographic groups and regions.
- Both men's and women's employment contracted over the past month. However, men gained 2,200 full-time jobs while women lost 700.
- All three main age groups experienced job losses in the last month with youth (15 to 24 years) seeing the largest decline.
- In February 2025 (three-month average from December 2024 to February 2025) compared to January 2025 (November 2024 to January 2025), Southern and Halifax regions reported small job gains of 500 jobs & 300 jobs each. The rest three regions experienced job loss, led by North Shore (-1,300 jobs, -1.8%).
Changes in employment levels by industry were mixed.
- Over the past month, employment in the goods-producing sector declined by 1.0%, while the service-producing sector saw a 0.8% decline.
- In the last month, the top expanding industry was “construction” (+2,600 jobs, +6.0%). The top contracting industry was “agriculture” (-1,700 jobs, -35.4%).
- Compared to twelve months ago (February 2024), employment gains were largest in the “construction” (+6,600 jobs, +16.8%). This was followed by “accommodation and food services” (+3,600 jobs, +10.8%) & “health care and social assistance” (+3,100 jobs, +3.8%).
- Employment declines compared to twelve months ago were largest in the “other services (except public administration)” (-4,500 jobs, -8.4%), “wholesale and retail trade” (-3,300 jobs, -3.9%), and “manufacturing” (-3,100 jobs, -19.5%).
Mahone Bay Receives $417,000 in Federal Funding for New Housing Initiatives
The Town of Mahone Bay has been awarded $417,000 from the Federal Government’s Housing Accelerator Fund. Announced yesterday in Bridgewater by Member of Parliament Kody Blois, this infusion of capital is set to accelerate new housing construction in the town.
What the Funding Means
The new funding is designed to fast-track housing development in Mahone Bay by:
- Increasing efficiency in current processes
- Reviewing fees that impact housing projects
- Implementing grant programs to support builders
- Crafting a comprehensive housing plan for the town
A Vision for Community Growth
Mayor Suzanne Lohnes-Croft emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, stating,
“The Housing Accelerator Fund is more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive community. This funding will support much-needed housing development in Mahone Bay, ensuring that both current and new residents have a place to call home while contributing to the town’s long-term growth and sustainability.”
Looking Ahead
This significant funding marks an important step forward in Mahone Bay's efforts to boost housing availability and support community growth. For additional details on the funding and its role in shaping the town’s future, please visit the official press release here.
This investment not only supports immediate housing projects but also lays the groundwork for sustained growth and community development in Mahone Bay.
Town of Mahone Bay Seeks a Project Communications Specialist
The Town of Mahone Bay is looking for a dynamic communicator to join its team as a Project Communications Specialist. This role is geared toward professionals with fresh ideas and a passion for engaging residents and stakeholders across the community.
What the Role Involves
The successful candidate will create and implement communications programs for the Town, with a special focus on capital projects and housing actions. Applicants should have a strong understanding of government processes, as well as experience with capital and housing funding. The position requires effective communication with government officials, developers, contractors, and, most importantly, Mahone Bay residents.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Community Relations: Develop and execute community relations strategies that enhance public awareness of the Town's capital projects and Housing Accelerator Fund actions.
- Communication Programs: Create and implement comprehensive communication programs aimed at keeping residents informed about key projects and initiatives.
- Strategic Support: Provide communication, project, and logistical support for the development of corporate strategic initiatives in line with the Town’s strategic plan.
How to Apply
For a complete job description and application instructions, please visit the Town of Mahone Bay’s administration page at townofmahonebay.ca/administration.html.
