Latest Updates
Latest Updates/News
The Summer 2026 edition of the Municipal Observer has arrived. Featuring stories from across Nova Scotia's municipal sector, this issue highlights innovative initiatives, emerging trends, and the local leadership helping communities adapt, grow, and thrive. Be sure to explore the latest insights, success stories, and perspectives from municipalities across the province. Explore the Latest Issue.
NSFM's 2025 Annual Report highlights a year of advocacy, collaboration, member engagement, and service delivery in support of Nova Scotia municipalities. The report showcases key achievements, strategic initiatives, and program updates from across the organization. Read Report.
Addressing Flood Risk through Municipal Operations – Practitioner’s Session
Whether through land-use planning, infrastructure investment, or emergency management, municipalities across Nova Scotia are advancing how they identify flood risk and integrate resilience into municipal operations and community planning.
Facilitated by Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, this session will explore practical approaches to addressing flood risk through municipal operations, with a focus on strengthening public awareness and community engagement around flood readiness. Participants will also gain insight into how flood maps can support municipal decision-making, and guide planning and emergency preparedness efforts.
Date: June 11, 2026
Time: 1:30pm -2:30pm
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Presenters:
Kathryn Bakos, Managing Director, Finance and Resilience, Intact Centre of Climate Adaptation, University of Waterloo & Daniel Bryce, Senior Planner, Department of Municipal Affairs, Province of Nova Scotia.
Register: Please register here.
Shaping Local Leadership: Spring/Summer Edition
of Atlantic Municipal Magazine is now available, featuring insightful analysis, community perspectives, and key updates from across Atlantic Canada’s municipal landscape. Explore the ideas, challenges, and innovations influencing local governance today.
Read the full edition
Register Now - Meetings that Matter: Governance, Strategy & Public Trust
In-Person Workshop Designed for Elected Officials
Workshop Details
Date/Time: March 30, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Atlantic Ballroom, Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, Halifax
Fee: $275 + HST
Note: Limited to 100 registrants
About the Session
Municipal meetings are where leadership is tested, and where credibility is built.
As municipalities navigate fiscal pressure and increased expectations, the way councils conduct their meetings plays a critical role in demonstrating leadership, accountability, and readiness to partner.
This full-day, interactive session will equip elected officials with practical tools to:
- Strengthen meeting structure and decision discipline
- Clarify roles and reduce common friction points
- Manage tone and difficult moments under pressure
- Use council meetings as visible demonstrations of professionalism and preparedness
Through real-world scenarios, structured exercises, and peer discussion, participants will leave with concrete strategies they can apply immediately in their next meeting.
Presenters
Kristan Hines – Senior Vice-President, Corporate & PublicAffairs, NATIONAL Public Relations
Erin Norwood MacLeod – Associate Vice-President, PublicAffairs, NATIONAL Public Relations
Click HERE for further details and to register.
Registration closes at 12:00 p.m. on March 26, 2026.
