Neighbourhood Commercial (C-2) Zone

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Did you know that there are several properties in Wolfville that are zoned for commercial use beyond Main Street? The map below shows properties zoned Neighbourhood Commercial (C-2) in red.



Many of these properties are not currently functioning as commercial spaces, and owners may be unaware that this is a permitted use in these areas. The Town would like to increase the commercial offerings available in Wolfville, and encouraging commercial uses in the C-2 zone allows us to do so in a manner that keeps commercial uses near existing Main Street businesses.


Is my property in the C-2 zone?

If you are unsure if your property is in a C-2 zone, please visit the interactive zoning map here. You can search for your property by PID or street address.


What Could Commercial Investment in the C-2 Zone Look Like?

Commercial investment in the C-2 zone could include minimal changes, i.e. home-based business, or could involve partial conversion of existing buildings to a mix of residential and commercial space, additions to existing residential buildings to create commercial space, or new construction. Below are some examples of what neighbourhood commercial use could look like in Wolfville.


Street corner conversion from residential to mixed residential and commercial:


A front yard addition to existing home:

Before and after of a garage conversion:


A Wolfville-based example:


Share Your Thoughts:

To gauge interest in converting or adding commercial space in the C-2 Zone, a survey and open house are available for landowners in the C-2 zone. The survey below, will be available until March 17th, 2023, and an in-person open house will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd from 6-8pm at the Town of Wolfville Council Chambers.

All C-2 landowners are encouraged to respond to the survey and attend the open house to learn about opportunities to increase commercial offerings in Town as well as to share ideas, barriers and opportunities for commercial use.


Commercial Uses Permitted in the Neighbourhood Commercial (C-2) Zone:

The C-2 zone allows for up to two main buildings per lot, and permits a range of uses which are listed in the table below. For more information, visit the Town’s full Land Use Bylaw here.

  • P = Permitted as-of-right
  • PC = Permitted with conditions
  • SP = Permitted through a site plan approval
  • DA = Permitted through a development agreement

Why are more commercial spaces important?

Commercial spaces can attract and retain entrepreneurs and small businesses which add value to our local economy. Adding commercial spaces and spaces for home-based businesses also enhances the walkability and density of our neighbourhoods by increasing the opportunities to live and work in Wolfville. Commercial uses in these spaces can increase services available within Wolfville and is an effective way to support local products, artists, craftspeople and the local economy.


What financial incentives is the Town considering?

The Town is considering implementing a phase-in assessment tool (Bill 177). This tool would allow the Town to forgive up to 50% of the increased municipal tax due after a commercial development over a period of up to 10 years. This tool allows the increase in property tax after commercial investment to occur gradually and reduce the burden on new businesses during the period where returns are lowest.

Learn more about the bill here.


If you own a property in the C-2 zone, please review the information above prior to completing the survey below. The survey will close on March 17th, 2023. This survey will be used to determine the landowners’ opinions on barriers to commercial development in the C-2 zone, and potential opportunities for the Town to address these barriers.

Please contact Lindsay or Devin if you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this process. Individual or small group meetings can be organized with businesses to receive feedback.

Devin Lake

Lindsay Slade

Did you know that there are several properties in Wolfville that are zoned for commercial use beyond Main Street? The map below shows properties zoned Neighbourhood Commercial (C-2) in red.



Many of these properties are not currently functioning as commercial spaces, and owners may be unaware that this is a permitted use in these areas. The Town would like to increase the commercial offerings available in Wolfville, and encouraging commercial uses in the C-2 zone allows us to do so in a manner that keeps commercial uses near existing Main Street businesses.


Is my property in the C-2 zone?

If you are unsure if your property is in a C-2 zone, please visit the interactive zoning map here. You can search for your property by PID or street address.


What Could Commercial Investment in the C-2 Zone Look Like?

Commercial investment in the C-2 zone could include minimal changes, i.e. home-based business, or could involve partial conversion of existing buildings to a mix of residential and commercial space, additions to existing residential buildings to create commercial space, or new construction. Below are some examples of what neighbourhood commercial use could look like in Wolfville.


Street corner conversion from residential to mixed residential and commercial:


A front yard addition to existing home:

Before and after of a garage conversion:


A Wolfville-based example:


Share Your Thoughts:

To gauge interest in converting or adding commercial space in the C-2 Zone, a survey and open house are available for landowners in the C-2 zone. The survey below, will be available until March 17th, 2023, and an in-person open house will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd from 6-8pm at the Town of Wolfville Council Chambers.

All C-2 landowners are encouraged to respond to the survey and attend the open house to learn about opportunities to increase commercial offerings in Town as well as to share ideas, barriers and opportunities for commercial use.


Commercial Uses Permitted in the Neighbourhood Commercial (C-2) Zone:

The C-2 zone allows for up to two main buildings per lot, and permits a range of uses which are listed in the table below. For more information, visit the Town’s full Land Use Bylaw here.

  • P = Permitted as-of-right
  • PC = Permitted with conditions
  • SP = Permitted through a site plan approval
  • DA = Permitted through a development agreement

Why are more commercial spaces important?

Commercial spaces can attract and retain entrepreneurs and small businesses which add value to our local economy. Adding commercial spaces and spaces for home-based businesses also enhances the walkability and density of our neighbourhoods by increasing the opportunities to live and work in Wolfville. Commercial uses in these spaces can increase services available within Wolfville and is an effective way to support local products, artists, craftspeople and the local economy.


What financial incentives is the Town considering?

The Town is considering implementing a phase-in assessment tool (Bill 177). This tool would allow the Town to forgive up to 50% of the increased municipal tax due after a commercial development over a period of up to 10 years. This tool allows the increase in property tax after commercial investment to occur gradually and reduce the burden on new businesses during the period where returns are lowest.

Learn more about the bill here.


If you own a property in the C-2 zone, please review the information above prior to completing the survey below. The survey will close on March 17th, 2023. This survey will be used to determine the landowners’ opinions on barriers to commercial development in the C-2 zone, and potential opportunities for the Town to address these barriers.

Please contact Lindsay or Devin if you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this process. Individual or small group meetings can be organized with businesses to receive feedback.

Devin Lake

Lindsay Slade

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Page last updated: 16 Feb 2023, 10:00 AM