News Bulletin - August 22, 2024

Coastal Protection Action Plan Resources
Advertising Another Licensee's Listing Requires Permission and Proper Identification

Coastal Protection Action Plan Resources

In February 2024, the Government launched the Coastal Protection Action Plan. It is a three-year plan with 15 actions that aims to empower informed decision making, support municipal leadership and align government resources with coastal protection.

The provincial government has asked the Commission to share the following available resources with licensees regarding the Coastal Protection Action Plan. Please note that the Commission does not administer the The Coastal Protection Action Plan, so any further questions can be directed to the Department of Environment and Climate Change at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1-888-570-4240.

Below is a list of the current resources provided under the Coastal Protection Action Plan. Please take time to review the resources to stay informed:

• Coastal Hazard Map: The Coastal Hazard Map shows a worst-case scenario of coastal flooding in the year 2100. In the coming months, it will be updated with more scenarios including both a moderate and worst-case scenario for current day, and the years 2050 and 2100. This map is publicly available.
   
• Navigators: Navigators are available to help Nova Scotians use the Coastal Hazard Map, understand the map results, and better understand coastal hazards. They can also connect Nova Scotians with more information on coastal protection and possible actions that can be taken. Navigators are available for Nova Scotians to email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call at 1-888-570-4240.
   
• Resource Guide for Property Coastal Property Owners: The Resource Guide for Property Owners is for Nova Scotians who want to learn about coastal hazards and coastal protection.
   

Coastal Adaptation Toolkit: The Coastal Adaptation Toolkit, offered by ClimAtlantic, can help coastal property owners be aware of their coastal environment, the different adaptation options available to them, and the applicability of the options under different scenarios.

Advertising Another Licensee's Listing Requires Permission and Proper Identification

Reminder to licensees that Seller (Designated) Brokerage Agreements are contracts between the seller and the brokerage, not the individual licensee.

You cannot advertise another brokerage's listing without the written permission of the seller and the listing brokerage. Once permission is obtained, you must clearly identify the listing brokerage in the advertisement. 

All methods of advertising, including brochures, websites and social media posts require permission and clear identification of the listing brokerage. 

Failure to obtain permission from the seller and listing brokerage or identify the listing brokerage is a violation of the Commission By-law and licensees can face disciplinary action. An example of non-compliant advertising would be a licensee viewing a property with their buyer client and then sharing a video on social media of them touring inside the property without consent or identifying the listing brokerage. 

These by-laws ensures that all advertising of a property is done with the knowledge and consent of the seller and listing brokerage, maintaining the integrity and accuracy of property listings, and provide clarity to the public as to who is listing the property. 

Related By-laws
By-law 702, Article 15 states: The industry member shall not advertise a property without the seller's/landlord's written authority, nor shall the advertised or offered price of a property be other than that which was agreed upon with the seller/landlord.

By-law 708(a) states: Any advertisement or incentive or the offering of any incentive or the participation in an incentive program to the public in any medium as an inducement to trade in real estate undertaken or authorized by an industry member must not be:
     (i) false;
     (ii) inaccurate;
     (iii) reasonably capable of misleading the recipient or intended recipient.

By-law 708(b) states: All industry member advertising must display the brokerage name in a prominent and easily readable manner.