Accessibility Tools

Welcome to St. Mary’s

Located in the heart of Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s is a rural municipality consisting of five electoral districts. Incorporated in 1879, the Municipality has a population of 2,233 and is bounded by the counties of Antigonish and Pictou, the municipalities of Halifax and Guysborough, and the Atlantic Ocean.

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 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:

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

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

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

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

Business Help Desk

Submit your business help desk inquiry.

Newsletter

Keep up to date on Municipal news and events. Contact us if you have an item to submit to the municipal newsletter.

Recreation

Get active in St. Mary’s! Our Recreation Department offers a variety of programs and events around the Municipality.

Waste Disposal

Find information on recycling, waste collection and the Municipal Transfer Station.

Taxes

Access everything you need to know about your tax bill.

Go to top