Travel in Woods Restricted

Effective August 5 at 4:00 p.m., due to extremely dry and hazardous conditions, the woods are CLOSED to activities. This includes a prohibition on hiking, camping, fishing, vehicle use, and trail system access within the woods. These restrictions apply to both private and provincial crown land. Industrial permits can be obtained for necessary work activities, though a shift to nighttime operations is strongly encouraged. Brief entry to the woods is okay — for example: short trails providing access from parking areas to locations such as beaches (etc). However, other access and activities within woodland areas are discouraged. Current conditions pose a significant fire risk, which could rapidly compromise Nova Scotia's current safety status. This closure adds an additional layer of protection to the existing burn ban (which includes fireworks). Violations are subject to a $25,000 fine, enforceable by the RCMP and Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR). While seven fines have been issued to date this year — there is now zero-tolerance.
Camping is permitted in official campgrounds. Private landowners are free to their own properties but cannot host others to use the wooded areas of their properties.
This measure is a proactive preventative effort. Nationally, over 700 fires are currently burning, with Nova Scotia having experienced over 100 small wildfires this year.
These restrictions will remain in place until a sustained period of rainfall occurs. Nova Scotia will assess its fire situation if other provinces require assistance with their wildfires.
For more information visit: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/08/05/travel-activities-woods-restricted-prevent-wildfires

Nova Scotia - Province Wide Burn Ban

Nova Scotia has proclaimed a provincewide burn ban.
Because of hot, dry conditions, there is a ban on open fires effective immediately across the entire province.
The ban was put in place today, July 30, and will remain in place until October 15 – the end of wildfire season – or until conditions improve. The fine for violating the ban is $25,000.
We’ve had a lot of hot, dry weather, very little rain and there’s no significant rain in the forecast in the near future,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. “We’ve had a lot of small, manageable fires this month and
conditions are now ripe for any small fire to grow larger. Nobody wants a repeat of the devastation we experienced in 2023. I ask all Nova Scotians to co-operate, respect the burn ban and save their campfires and other open fires for a safer time.”
The ban applies to open fires such as campfires, bonfires, brush fires, fires in chimeneas and any other fire that is not enclosed and uses wood as the fuel. Unlike gas or charcoal fires, sparks could escape from an open wood fire and cause a wildfire.
Non-woodburning devices like charcoal and gas barbeques and gas stoves are allowed to be used, following manufacturer’s instructions.

Quick Facts:

• the ban was put in place through a proclamation under the Forests Act
• the Province’s BurnSafe map, which lets people know where and when burning is permitted, will remain red while the proclamation is in effect, meaning open fires are not allowed
• the proclamation overrides any permits that have been issued for industrial burning
• the ban applies to all private property and provincial lands, including parks and protected areas; the Province does not have jurisdiction over federal land
• people are not banned from entering the woods at this time, but that is another possible tool to help reduce the risk of wildfires, if needed

Additional Resources:

• Burn ban proclamation: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/fire-proclamation_2025-07-30.pdf
• Information on fire restrictions and the BurnSafe map:https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/burnsafe/Q-As.asp
• Forests Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/forests.pd

Civic Sign Etiquette

Please keep your civic sign posted clearly, free of any obstructions.
This is your sign to check today!
Your civic sign ensures emergency services such as first responders, EHS, RCMP, delivery drivers, and visitors find you quickly when it matters most, A missing or hidden sign can delay help in an emergency.
Make sure your sign is clearly visible from the road - not blocked by trees, snow, or decorations.
Don’t have a civic sign? Don’t have a civic number assigned?
Contact the Civic Address Coordinator at  902-522-2496 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For specifications on civic addressing and civic numbers, View the: Civic Addressing Bylaw

Battery Drop Off Location - Municipal Office

Did You Know?
The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s Municipal Office is a Free Battery Drop off Location?
SAFELY STORE: Batteries to prevent explosions or damage
DO NOT: Dispose of batteries in the garbage or recycling
CHECK: your devices for swollen or damaged batteries (laptops, cellphones, power tools, etc.)
Batteries are Household Hazardous Waste. Safely drop them off for FREE at the Municipal Office, 8296 Hwy 7, Sherbrooke NS.
Visit: https://www.saint-marys.ca/waste-management/187-waste-sorting-guide/file.html for the Municipal Waste Sorting Guide

RFQ - Cross Support Replacement

The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s (the Municipality) is seeking quotes for the replacement of the cross supports in the equalization tank at the Sherbrooke Wastewater Treatment Facility located at 35 Wharf Road, Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia.
To view the RFQ click the link below: 
pdf RFQ Cross Support(773 KB)

Employment Opportunity: Before & After Program Leader

The Municipality is seeking an enthusiastic candidate to fill the role of Before & After Care Leader for St. Mary’s. This position will assist with the delivery of the Before and After Care Program at St. Mary’s Education Centre Academy according to the delivery standards. 

To view the full job description please visit click the link below:
pdf Before and After Program Leader(74 KB)