News

The Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate Program

The Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) provides a $400 rebate to eligible residents to help with home heating costs. Eligibility is based on 2024 net household income, with a cap of $45,000 for families and $30,000 for single-person households. Applicants must pay for their own heat, whether they rent or own. The application period for the 2025-2026 season runs from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

Eligibility requirements

Income:

Families with a combined 2024 net income of

$45,000$ 45 comma 000

or less.

Single-person households with a 2024 net income of

$30,000$ 30 comma 000

or less.

      Household:
      Includes families with children, dependents, or other adults.
       Single-parent households must receive the Canada Child Benefit to be considered.

       

      Dependence on heat:

      You must pay for your own heat.

       
        Assistance recipients:
        Those receiving Income Assistance from the Department of Community Services are also eligible.
         
         
         

        How to apply

          Online: The fastest way to apply is online at The Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP)

          Check status: You can check the status of your application using the online status checker tool at novascotia.ca/heatinghelp.

           
           

          Application period

            Open: October 1, 2025.

              Close: March 31, 2026.

              Municipal Planning Strategy & Land Use Bylaw

              The Town of Berwick's Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw are in effect as of today, Thursday, October 23, 2025.

              After two years of drafting and public consultation, Municipal Council approved the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw on July 8, 2025. The documents were then submitted to the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs for ministerial review.

              The Minister has approved both documents with amendments. These documents replace the 2012 Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw.

              Access the documents

              The 2025 Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law, including the Ministerial Amendments, can be inspected at the Town Hall during regular business hours. Here are links to documents online:

              In-Cider September 2025 Edition

              The September edition of the In-Cider newsletter is now available. Read it online or download your copy to stay up to date on Town news, events, and notices.

              In-Cider Newsletter Sept 2025.pdf

              Committees of Council Vacancies

              The Town of Berwick is seeking enthusiastic citizens willing to volunteer their time to serve on a Committee of Council. When you volunteer on a Committee, you learn more about your community, have a voice on issues that matter, and make a difference in your Town. 

              September 2025:
              The following committees have vacancies and are actively recruiting new members!

              Audit Committee (1 vacancy)
              Berwick Electric Commission (1 vacancy)
              Police Services Advisory Committee (1 vacancy)

              Deadline for applications is Tuesday, September 30, 2025


              Learn More:

              Audit Committee:
              The Audit Committee carries out a detailed review of the financial statements with the auditor, as well as provides advice to Town Council on matters relating to audit and finances of the Municipality. 

              The Audit Committee meets a minimum of twice yearly. 

              Application form: Audit Committee Application Form
              Return to: Krista at  


              Berwick Electric Commission
              The Berwick Electric Commission provides governance to the Utility to ensure that the electric utility provides reliable, safe, and affordable service to its customers, remains financially viable, and adapts to emerging challenges like sustainability and technological advancements.

              The Berwick Electric Commission meets bi-monthly (daytime).

              Application form: Berwick Electric Commission Application Form 
              Return to: Krista at 


              Police Services Advisory Committee:
              The Police Services Advisory Committee provides advice to Town Council in relation to the enforcement of law, the maintenance of law and order, and the prevention of crime in the municipality. The Town of Berwick Police Services Advisory Committee is made up of council, staff and citizen representatives. Applicants must have a willingness to learn and an interest in the Police Services in Berwick.

              The Police Services Advisory Committee meets bi-monthly (evenings).

              Application form: Police Services Advisory Application Form
              Return to: Krista at  


              Applications may also be picked up and dropped off at Town Hall

              Town of Berwick
              Committee Application
              236 Commercial Street
              Berwick, NS B0P 1E0

              A Friendly Reminder About Town Hall Dumpsters

              A Friendly Reminder About Town Hall Dumpsters
              We’ve noticed an increase in items being placed in the dumpsters behind Town Hall. Just a quick reminder — these bins are for Town use only and not for public disposal.
              To help manage this, the area is monitored by security cameras. We kindly ask for your cooperation in keeping this space clear and tidy.
              If you’re unsure where to take your waste or recycling, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction! Visit https://www.vwrm.com/ for local disposal options.
              Thanks for helping us keep Berwick beautiful!
              — Town of Berwick

              Winter Maintenance Services

              ❄️ Calling All Snow Pros! ❄️
              The Town of Berwick has two open tenders for Winter Maintenance Services—one for Roads & Parking Lots, and one for Sidewalks, Pathways & Trails.
              If you’ve got the crew, the gear, and the grit to keep Berwick moving safely this winter, we want to hear from you!

              BER 2025-003A_ITT_Winter Maintenance Services 2025-06.pdf

              BER 2025-003B_ITT_Winter Maintenance Services 2025-06.pdf

              🕒 Deadline: August 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM
              📩 Submit to:

              Details available at www.berwick.ca or email Aaron Dondale, Director of Public Works.

              Let it snow—you’ve got this. ❄️🚛🌨️