Regional Planning—Building Prosperity Together
Rural Nova Scotia is a patchwork of vibrant communities, each with its own strengths and challenges. But when it comes to building a future where everyone thrives, going it alone just doesn’t cut it. The art and practice of working together across municipal boundaries, AKA Regional Planning, has quietly become one of the most powerful tools for unlocking shared prosperity.
Why Regional Planning Matters
Too often, rural municipalities are left to compete for limited resources, duplicating efforts and missing out on opportunities for bigger impact. But when we pool our talents, ideas, and investments, we can tackle challenges that no single community could face alone. Inter-municipal partnering and approaching planning from a regional perspective means the assets in one community benefit the whole region, which leads to benefits that ripple outwards, creating jobs, improving services, and building resilience.
Case Studies: Shared Services in Action
An example of this approach in NS includes the Regional Enterprise Networks (RENs), where several municipal units partner and commit to longer-term efforts to prepare for, and attract, new and expanding businesses. Through a shared funding model, including contributions from the province, the municipalities use the RENs to draw on expertise and experiences from across the province, finding innovative ways to create a business-friendly environment that reflects the needs of communities.
Unlocking Regional Potential
Regional planning isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about vision and inclusion. By working together, communities can coordinate land use to align with local needs, attract larger investments, and ensure that everyone, from the smallest village to the largest town, has a seat at the table. The result? More robust local economies, more inclusive infrastructure, and a stronger sense of shared purpose.
Reflection
What gets in the way of working together? Where could your community benefit from joining forces with neighbours? Share your ideas and success stories below!
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