the Town of Truro

The Town of Truro has a significant and distinctive collection of 19th and early 20th century buildings depicting Victorian and vernacular architecture.  The town recognizes the importance of preserving its local character and culture, built heritage and sense of place among its top priorities.

Under the Heritage Property Act, Truro has established a Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC), which is one of the earliest committees of its kind in Nova Scotia.  Also established are three Heritage Conservation Districts in the historic urban regional core.  Within these districts, properties are subject to heritage conservation requirements and measures as contained in the Heritage Convservation District and By-law (5.72 MB).

To date, Truro has fifty-five Municipally Registered Heritage Properties, four Provincially Registered Heritage Properties, and one National Historic Site.  Heritage designation recognizes the value of heritage sites, protecting them from insensitive detriment.  While the process of designation is consistent, effects of designation differ.  Various forms of financial assistance are available to encourage and assist designated heritage property owners with regard to heritage conservation, preservation, and restoration.

The town has participated in Canada's Historic Places Initiative and contributed 45 of the 319 Nova Scotia registered heritage properties listed on the Federal Register.  Recently, a HeritageStrategy (6.26 MB) was developed to determine heritage conservation issues, goals and resources for the next five years.

The majority of Truro's historic buildings are located along main streets. A walking tour is a nice way to enjoy our well preserved historic townscape.

Should you wish to have more information about the heritage of Truro, you can visit our Heritage resources section, or contact:

Planning and Development Department
2nd Floor, Civic Building
695 Prince Street, P.O. Box 427
Truro, NS B2N 5C5
TEL: 902-895-1148
Email