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
Personal Hygiene Products Available - ECRL
With the recent temporary unavailability of our local pharmacy, it is understood that there are certain personal hygiene items that might be needed immediately.
Please be aware that certain items for feminine and seniors’ hygiene are available at the Sherbrooke Library, 11 Main Street Sherbrooke, NS free of charge.
If you have a need, please visit the library during operating hours and get the products that you require.
Library hours are:
Tuesday: 9am-12pm & 12:30pm-2:30pm
Wednesday: 12:30-5:30pm
Thursday: 12:30-5:30pm
Friday: 12:30-5:30pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm & 12:30pm-2:30pm
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct came into effect following the October 2024 municipal elections in Nova Scotia and was officially adopted by the Municipality of the District of St. Mary's Council at their Regular Council meeting on December 9th, 2024. To access the full regulations and Code of Conduct, please refer to the Code of Conduct policy
Residents expect that elected officials in local government maintain the highest standards of professionalism. Council members are accountable to the public through democratic processes, and this Code is designed to ensure strong and effective governance within the Municipality. The newly introduced Code of Conduct for Elected Municipal Officials, as mandated by the Province, outlines the expected behavior of Council members as they carry out their responsibilities and make decisions that serve the best interests of the community in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary's.
Should any resident feel that an elected official has violated the Code of Conduct, they can reach out to the independent investigator to address the concern.
The Municipality of the District of St. Mary's Council appointed Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP to be the Code of Conduct investigator at the June 18th, 2025 at the Regular Council meeting.
Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP
Address: 1801 Hollis St #1900, Halifax, NS B3J 3N4
Phone: (902) 423-6361
Heat Warning
Temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 18 degrees Celsius are expected for the next 2 days.
A period of very warm and humid weather is expected. Conditions will be cooler near coastal areas.
Time span: today and Wednesday.
Maximum temperature today: 31 degrees Celsius (Humidex near 40).
Minimum temperature tonight: 18 degrees Celsius.
Maximum temperature Wednesday: 30 degrees Celsius (Humidex near 35).
Locations: western and central Nova Scotia except cooler along coastal areas. Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health.
Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.
Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue.
Stop your activity and drink water.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.
Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.
Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.
Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority. Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
For more information: How to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat Health risks and who is at risk of extreme heat events Information is provided on the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness website at novascotia.ca/heat-related-illness/.
Issued by Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness