Inspection & Licensing

In today’s competitive and economically challenging environment, it has perhaps never been more important for Nova Scotia’s tourism industry to focus on providing a quality experience for our visitors. The Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism is committed to supporting and promoting quality tourist accommodations.

As of June 1, 2009, only accommodations that demonstrate quality by meeting industry standards will be included in the Department’s provincial marketing and partnership initiatives.

Accommodation operators wishing to participate in Tourism marketing and partnership programs are required to have a valid license under the Tourist Accommodations Act and must demonstrate quality by participating in one of three currently recognized quality accommodation programs.

On this site, you will find details on requirements to be included in Tourism marketing and partnership programs. We have also established a toll-free number, 1-877-424-5173, to provide further information.

Staff of the Quality Assurance Section of the Tourism Division will be pleased to answer questions and help you ensure your property remains eligible to participate in Tourism programs.

We look forward to working in continued partnership with tourist accommodation operators to ensure the highest quality experience for our visitors.

Inspection & Licensing

Accommodation Inspection & Licencing

This section outlines information pertaining to licensing of new fixed roof and campground accommodations in Nova Scotia. We are pleased to be able to assist you in the planning and developing of your accommodation by providing this necessary information.

This information is written for potential accommodation operators. The links listed above contain everything you need to know regarding the inspection and licensing process for fixed roof and campground accommodations in Nova Scotia.

The 2013 Doers’ & Dreamers’ Guide has been printed. Therefore, the earliest your accommodation may be listed will be in the 2014 Doers’ & Dreamers’ Guide. However, your accommodation may be listed on www.novascotia.com at anytime, after your accommodation has received a licence to operate and has met the requirements from one of the three recognized quality programs mentioned above.

REMEMBER, AN INSPECTION MUST TAKE PLACE AND A LICENCE APPROVED PRIOR TO YOUR BUSINESS OPENING.

After you have read all of the information and determined you have met the requirements of the Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations and all other appropriate authorities, you may submit a completed licence application.

Ensure that construction approvals are received by you from all appropriate authorities, such as but not limited to the ones listed on the Pre-License Check List. The local Building Inspector and Deputy Fire Marshal/Municipal Fire Inspector may need to review your plans.

Approximately one month after receipt of all documents, an inspection from the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism will be conducted. Please contact Janette Wallace, Quality Assurance Officer at 902-424-1194 (wallacej@gov.ns.ca ) to arrange a convenient time for an inspection to be carried out.