Developed in alignment with Council’s 2026-2029 Strategic Priorities Plan, the Now, Next, Later Action Plan is a strategic road map to achieve the Region of Queens Municipality’s projects and initiatives.
ABOUT COUNCIL’S PRIORITY GOALS (Click here to expand or shrink the section detailing Council’s Priority Goals and the Strategic Plan Guiding Principles.)
Council’s 2026-2020 Strategic Priorities Plan prioritizes goals in four different categories: Economic Development, Environment and Infrastructure, Community Wellness, and Governance.
STRATEGIC PLAN GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Unity
We are one united community striving to ensure that residents throughout all of Queens County feel heard, represented, and supported by their municipal council.
Responsible Growth
We are committed to effective management of population and economic growth, striving to ensure the benefits are felt throughout Queens County.
Collaboration
We work together with our neighbours and partners, both in and outside of Queens County, to ensure harmonious and effective relationships for our shared benefit.
Climate Resilience
We take proactive steps to address the threat of climate change impacts through infrastructure, emergency management, and reduction of our own greenhouse gas emissions.
Inclusion
We are welcoming and accepting of all people, and strive to improve accessibility and represent all respectful views in our work as a municipality.
Transparency
We listen to the concerns and hopes of our residents and engage honestly, providing regular and clear communications on the work of the municipality.
| Pillar | Priority Goals |
|---|---|
| Economic Development | 1.1 – Develop and implement an Economic Development Plan |
| 1.2 – Foster regional economic collaboration with other municipalities | |
| 1.3 – Encourage growth | |
| 1.4 – Build partnerships with Indigenous communities | |
| Environment and Infrastructure | 2.1 – Repair and replace our aging infrastructure |
| 2.2 – Act on coastal protection and flood mitigation | |
| 2.3 – Build new infrastructure to accommodate a growing population | |
| 2.4 – Enhance our Emergency Management Operations Plan | |
| 2.5 – Create a robust Asset Management Plan | |
| Community Wellness | 3.1 – Strengthen partnerships with community based organizations |
| 3.2 – Contribute to poverty reduction | |
| 3.3 – Improve accessibility of programs, services, and facilities | |
| 3.4 – Develop and implement a Community Wellness Strategy | |
| 3.5 – Support efforts to address gender-based violence | |
| Governance | 4.1 – Improve transparency and accountability |
| 4.2 – Create a positive and supportive organizational atmosphere | |
| 4.3 – Improve internal and external communications |
NOW (Click here to expand or shrink the table.)
The following items are initiatives or action items based on direction of Council that are currently underway and are in various stages of completion. These are items that typically are expected to reach completion in the next 0 to 6 months.
| DEPARTMENT | PROJECT TITLE | DESCRIPTION | EXPECTED COMPLETION | % COMPLETE | PRIORITY GOALS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | Updating Bylaw #3 | Research complete, first draft reviewed by Council; report with public feedback seeking further direction from Council coming on October 13. | Fall 2026 | 67% | |
| Forest Management Policy | Develop a draft policy that guides future RFP for forest management services on Region of Queens land; report and recommended policy coming to Council October 13. Completion timing contingent on Council direction following receiving draft policy. | Fall/Winter 2026 | 50% | 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 4.1 | |
| Modernize RQM Website | Update menu structure and website content to reflect improved user accessibility and access to information | Winter/Spring 2026 and ONGOING | 70% | 3.3, 4.1, 4,3 | |
| Community Economic Development | Economic Development Strategy | Workshop completed with Council re: Community Wealth Building; EcDev staff and contractor to return to Council in public session for formal receipt of proposed strategy following incorporation of feedback | Fall 2026 | 67% | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 |
| Miriam Hunt Electrical Upgrade | Staff to facilitate coordination of electrical repair/upgrade at Miriam Hunt Park; work for trenching and completion scheduled for October/November 2026. | Fall 2026 | 50% | 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.3 | |
| Enhanced Event Delivery | Develop enhanced slate of events at Queens Place Emera Centre and other sites in Queens County (subject to approval of Accommodations Levy) | ONGOING | ONGOING | 1.2, 1.3, 3.3 | |
| Pine Grove Park Accessibility Improvements | Plan established for Pine Grove Park accessibility improvements. Kickoff meeting held in September; archaeological assessment taking place Fall 2026 in partnership with Wasoqopa’b First Nation which will inform planning for work on site. Once report is received, staff will update Council | Spring 2027 | 50% | 1.2, 1.4, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3 | |
| Small Business Week 2026 | Work with local organizations and business community to promote the successes of the business community in Queens County during October Small Business Week in Nova Scotia | Fall 2026 | 33% | 1.2, 1.3 | |
| Emergency Management | Dry Hydrants/Water Access Program in Central and North Queens | Coordinating plan to facilitate the installation of new dry hydrant locations or to provide alternative water access in Queens County in close collaboration with local fire services; target is to complete call for services for installation in Fall/Winter 2026, installation work to begin in Spring 2027. | Spring/Summer 2027 | 25% | 2.1, 2.3, 3.1 |
| Community Well project | Following approval of Rural Water Initiative concept, staff will begin assessing options for new community wells and/or expanding clean water access in partnership with private organizations in support of residents during drought conditions; planning work ongoing and grant application for supporting funding has been submitted. | Summer/Fall 2027 | 15% | 1.2, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1 | |
| Phase 2 Rain Barrel program | Roll out rain barrel program Phase 2 for low-income residents | Fall 2026 | 99% | 3.2, 3.3 | |
| Joining a REMO | Council has directed to staff to pursue negotiation with Lunenburg County REMO. Work is ongoing on this file with report expected to come to Council in late 2026. | Fall 2026 | 25% | 2.4, 4.2, 4.3 | |
| Repeal of Bylaw #2 | Recommended repealing of former Town of Liverpool Burning Bylaw; coming to Council September 22 | Fall 2026 | 90% | 4.1, 4.3 | |
| Infrastructure | Municipal Services Specifications | Update the specifications of water systems, sanitary/storm sewers, and streets | Summer 2026 | 95% | 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5 |
| Solid Waste Operations Manual | Update the current solid waste operations manual | Fall 2026 | 80% | 2.5, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3 | |
| Source Water Protection Committee | Update the Terms of Reference and practices of the committee | Fall 2026 | 95% | 2.1,2.4,2.5,4.1,4.3 | |
| Traffic Calming Henry Hensey | Satisfy motion of Council 10350-60-2606-032 | Fall 2026 | 10% | ||
| Pre-authorizing contractors | Develop a process to qualify eligible contractors to work on Region of Queens infrastructure | Fall 2026 | 1% | 1.3,2.1,2.5,4.1,4.3 | |
| Materials Recovery Facility | Complete the decommissioning plan for the closed Materials Recovery Facility | Spring 2027 | 75% | 2.5,4.1,4.3 | |
| Safety Management System | Expand deployment of SiteDocs software | Fall 2026 | 70% | 4.2 | |
| Asset Management | Support AIM to develop asset management plants | Fall 2026 | 80% | 2.5 | |
| Public Communications | Develop consistent communications with members of public to receive and resolve complaint | Winter 2027 | 25% | 4.1, 4.3 | |
| Capital Investment Plan | Implement project work plans | Winter 2027 | 45% | 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 4.1 | |
| Workflows | Develop standardized process for all routine work | Winter 2027 | 30% | 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 | |
| Solid Waste Contracts | Renegotiate agreements for solid waste with municipal partners | Winter 2027 | 50% | 4.1, 4.3 | |
| Water Meters | Complete a public procurement process for replacement of all utility water meters | Fall 2026 | 45% | 1.3, 2.1,2.3,2.5 | |
| Asset Retirement Policy | Develop and adopt a policy for disposal of municipal assets no longer in use | Fall 2026 | 10% | 2.1,2.5,4.1 | |
| Finance | Asset Management Plan | Completing asset management plans with various Region of Queens departments | Fall 2026 | 25% | 2.5 |
| Review policies | Incorporating Statistics Canada metrics into Policy 9: Tax Exceptions and Policy 57: Utility Assistance Rebate to improve access for residents experiencing financial barriers | Fall 2026 | 0% | 3.2 | |
| Policy Development | Research and draft policies: • Vendor gifts • Grant reporting • Charitable donations • Reserve Management Policy | Winter 2026/2027 | 1% | 3.2, 4.1, 2.5 | |
| Tax reform | Provide Council with information to review of taxation and equitable contributions across districts | Summer 20262026 | 100% | 4.1 | |
| Enterprise Software | SAP end of life – Dec 2027 | now until December 2027 | 1% | 4.1 | |
| Land Use, Planning, Bylaw | Planning Review | Conduct an interim review of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw, focusing on coastal protection measures and climate resilient land use regulations | Fall 2026 | 20% | 1.3, 2.2, 2.3 |
| ePermitting System | Implement a digital permit tracking system for Building Inspection and Planning. | Spring 2026 | 95% | 3.3, 4.3 | |
| Fees Policy | Update fee structures for services provided by the Department of Land Use | Spring 2026 | 85% | 4.1 | |
| Recreation and Healthy Communities | Safety Management System | • Deploy SiteDocs software • Create operational forms and checklists • Create safety plans • Implement safety recommendations | Fall 2026 | 65% | 4.1, 4.2 |
| Asset Management Plan | Queens Place Emera Centre | Fall 2026 | 25% | 2.1, 2.5 | |
| Community Partnerships | Explore ways to expand existing partnerships and develop new partnerships with: • North Queens Active Living • South Shore Regional Centre for Education • Rae of Hope Music Therapy • Greenfield Recreation Association • Liverpool Curling Club • Arena Ice User Groups | Winter 2027 | 10% | 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 | |
| Community Wellness Strategy | Create a community wellness strategy that includes all municipal departments and impacts the entire County | TBD | 5% | 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 4.2 | |
| Programming | Develop season-specific programming and marketing plans | TBD | 5% | 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3 | |
| Ice Allocation Policy | Develop an ice allocation policy. An ice allocation policy is a municipal or facility document that defines how ice time is distributed, prioritized, and managed to ensure fair access for community users. This will be completed in cooperation with a neighbouring municipality to share research and best practices in development. | Winter 2026 | 15% | 1.2, 1.3, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 | |
| Recreation For All | Review the current Recreation For All Policy and update the Recreation For All Application form | Fall 2026 | 50% | 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 4.2 | |
| Facility Usage | Explore opportunities for new and expanded facility usage (ie. user groups, usage agreements, etc.). | Winter 2027 | 20% | 1.3, 3.1 | |
| The Big Splash Review | Review the first operational season of “The Big Splash” to identify successes, challenges and opportunities for improvement. | Fall 2026 | 25% | 3.3 | |
| Policy Review | Update existing policies to incorporate best practices: Ice Cancellation Policy Community use (non-profit user groups) | Fall 2026 | 50% | 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 | |
| Training Partnerships | Partner with neighbouring municipalities and organizations to offer subsidized aquatic training opportunities for Queens County residents prior to summer 2027. | Spring 2027 + Ongoing | 5% | 3.3 |
NEXT (Click here to expand or shrink the table.)
The following items are initiatives or action items based on direction of Council that are scheduled to begin soon, and are expected to become “NOW” items in the next 6 to 12 months.
| DEPARTMENT | PROJECT TITLE | DESCRIPTION | PRIORITY GOALS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | Community Town Halls | Work with Council to plan and facilitate Community Engagement Town Halls in each district in the Fall of 2026; focus on discussing Tax Reform | 3.3, 4.1, 4.3 |
Updating Bylaw #12 | Research and report to Council: • Removing restrictions on skateboarding • Enforceable regulations on e-bikes/scooters (recommendation of Police Advisory Board) | 3.3 | |
| Acceptable Use Policy | Development of Acceptable Use Policy that governs internal access to information, protection of privacy and compliance around Regin-owned video monitoring | 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 | |
| Smoke Free Queens Policy | Current Smoke Free Policy respects buildings and municipal owned vehicles, but limited enforcement measures. Staff to review policy versus new bylaw with enhanced language and protections to community spaces such as the new pool, parks. | 3.3, 4.2, 4.3 | |
| Community Wellness and Safety Strategy | Accessibility staff, with support of other RQM staff, to assist in facilitating community engagement and information gathering re: development of Community Wellness and Safety Strategy | 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 | |
| Community Economic Development | South Shore Regional Airport | Investigate options for Investigate options for establishing an Airport Authority or governing commission, determining prospective benefits to Region of Queens Municipality and airport users | 1.2, 1.3 |
| Lease negotiation and redevelopment of LBDC | Continue to work with interested parties to lease remaining vacant space at Liverpool Business Development Centre | 1.2, 1.3 | |
| Miriam Hunt Park Electrical Upgrade | Annual community outreach around RQM and Provincial grant programs; sessions in North Queens and South Queens | 1.2, 1.3, 4.1 | |
| Emergency Management | Internal “Be Ready” basic emergency management training for RQM staff | This program will support staff in understnading the basic function of an Emergency Coordination Centre during an activation and will assist in identifying intenral candidates who may be interested in further trainign specific to ECC opoerations during an activation. | 2.4 |
| Increasing Queens EMO resource capacity | Provincially funded enhancement of Queens Administration Building to serve as Emergency Coordination Centre during activations; scheduled for Fall/Winter 2026/27 | 2.4 | |
| Infrastructure | Tree Maintenance Policy | Update existing policy to reflect best practice | 2.5 |
| Operational Policy 54: Outdoor Events at Region of Queens Municipality Facilities | Update policy to reflect current organizational structure, leveraging support from all departments | 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 | |
| Operational Policy 46: Takeover of Private Roads | Update to reflect current pressures | 2.3, 2.5 | |
| INF24-28 Financial Review | Satisfy motion of Council 10350-60-2607-003 | 4.1 | |
| Finance | Payroll software | Conduct a public procurement process for software to improve reporting functionality, transparency, and Human Resource functions | 4.1 |
| Policy Development | Research and draft budget management policy | 4.1 | |
| Land Use, Planning, Bylaw | Coastal Planning Support Program | Partner with neighbouring municipalities to complete a coastal erosion risk assessment. (Coastal Planning Support Program – CPSP) | 2.2, 4.3 |
| Recreation and Healthy Communities | Accessibility Plan | Review accessibility of all infrastructure, programs and services | 2.1, 2.3, 3.3, 4.2 |
| Policy Review | Update existing policies to incorporate best practices: • Equipment loan • Smoke-free spaces | 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 | |
| User Fee Review | Review all user fees for all recreational programs and services | 3.3 | |
| Physical Activity Strategy | Update/Rewrite the Physical Activity Strategy as required under the MOU with the Province | 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4 |
LATER (Click here to expand or shrink the table.)
The following items are initiatives or action items based on direction of Council that are scheduled to begin later, and are expected to become “NEXT” items in the next 6 to 18 months.
| DEPARTMENT | PROJECT TITLE | DESCRIPTION | PRIORITY GOALS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | Fees Policy | In collabortion with Finance Department, this policy will remove all RQM fees from separate policy and bylaws and place them in a new Fees Policy, streamlining the process for future amendements to fees; this is a common practice across Nova Scotian muncipalites | 3.3, 4.1, 4.3 |
| Asset Disposal | Policy to formalize the process of offloading Region owned assets that are near end-of-life or have become surplus to requirements. | 4.1, 4.3 | |
| Community Economic Development | Two marquee 2027 sports events to be hosted/co-hosted by RQM | Details to be provided as negotiations proceed | 1.2, 1.3, 3.1 |
| Region of Queens — Investor/Resident Community Prospectus | Investment/demographic/settlement marketing materials that position Region of Queens as an ideal place to live, work, play, invest, and grow. | 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.3 | |
| Community Support: Hank Snow Society | Meet with and support Hank Snow Society in developing a plan for sustainability of the organization moving forward | 1.2, 1.3 | |
| Emergency Management | Comfort Centre Agreements | Work with established Comfort Centre providers to update agreements and provide clear direction on activation, triggers, and promotion | 2.4, 3.1 |
| Infrastructure | Sidewalk Prioritization Policy | Develop guidelines and a corresponding priority list for new sidewalk construction projects | 1.3, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4 |
| Asset Management | Define additional asset management plans required | 2.5, 4.1 |
COMPLETED (Click here to expand or shrink the table.)
| Department | Project Title | Description | Date Completed |
| Administration | Budget Engagement | – Complete budget survey/report findings – Complete budget FAQ – Ensure all information is available on Region’s website – Continually update information throughout process | March 2026 |
| Review internal safety reporting software options | IT staff to investigate best options for Safety Reporting Software moving forward in collaboration with Directors | May 2026 | |
| Private Roads Levy Bylaw | Create legislation to permit the collection of levies to support maintenance of private roads for applicant lot owner associations | July 2026 | |
| Grey Box Site Engagement and Enhanced Monitoring | • Engage with lot owner associations and grey box serviced areas (Completed during Private Roads Bylaw engagement) • Communication developed with Infrastrcutrue regarding new waste regulations, changes to collection services in 2026 under the new waste contract and empower residents to report issues directly to the contractor • Installation of cameras at problem grey box sites to pilot monitoring illegal dumping and deter misuse of the site (June 2026) | July 2026 | |
| Queens County Brand Redevelopment | Staff to lead and implement soft relaunch of Queens County brand in place of Queens Coast; email signatures, website, new printed materials updated. Other areas will be updated through attrition. | June 2026 | |
| Installation of panic buttons | Installation of panic buttons to facilitate rapid response and ensure staff and public safety at Queens Place Emera Centre, Administration Building | Jun-26 | |
| Community Economic Development | Road Trails Implementation | Enabling legislation and installation of signage to permit OHV use of select roads in Liverpool | Winter 2026 |
| Lease re: QPEC Canteen | Engage vendor in multi-year lease agreement for canteen space at Queens Place Emera Centre | Spring 2026 | |
| Queens County Visitor Information Guide | Staff to design and execute on the production of new Queens County Visitor Information Guide; arrange for distribution to local sites and partners. | April 2026 | |
| CIF Approvals | Facilitate Community Investment Fund application review, reporting to Council or approving at staff level by policy | Spring 2026 | |
| RFP for Beach Meadows Kiosk | RFP for vendor interest in Beach Meadows kiosk issued; report forthcoming to Council in May 2026 with recommended award | Spring 2026 | |
| Canada Day | Annual Canada Day event planning and execution | Summer 2026 | |
| Accommodations Levy Bylaw | Accommodations Levy Bylaw, which will generate revenue to be used to support future event development in Region of Queens | Summer 2026 | |
| Emergency Management | Emergency Management Expo | Host an event during annual Emergency Preparedness Week (May 9th), focusing on public education and showcasing local first responders | Spring 2026 |
| REMO Alignment | Report to Council on specifics of Region of Queens Municipality joining a Regional Emergency Management Organization (requirement of the Province of Nova Scotia) | Summer 2026 | |
| Rural Water Initiative Pilot Program | Develop comprehensive program for Council. with options to support residents experiencing dry wells and/or the affects of drought | Spring/Summer 2026 | |
| Rain barrel/water tote program rollout | Following approval of Rural Water Initiative concept, staff will begin developing a plan for rollout of this equipment in support of residents during drought conditions | Summer 2026 | |
| Infrastructure | Public Procurement Template | Standardize and update all procurement templates across the Municipality | Spring 2026 |
| Operational Budget | Develop implementation plan | Spring 2026 | |
| Solid Waste Monitoring Committee | Update the Terms of Reference and practices of the committee | Fall 2026 | |
| Water Treatment Chemicals | Complete a public procurement process for supply of chemicals | Summer 2026 | |
| Sub Trade Procurement | Complete a public procurement process for standing offer to provide trades work | Summer 2026 | |
| Operational Policy 100: Litter Collection | Update to reflect motion of Council | Summer 2026 | |
| Recreation and Healthy Communities | Open “The Big Splash” | Complete construction & open the new recreational infrastructure. | 3-Aug-26 |
