The first phase of the Town’s Active Transportation (AT) Trail is complete! From the roundabout on West Street at Trunk 4 to Highland Drive, there is now a paved, multi-use pathway designed for walking, running, cycling, and scootering.

Future plans for the trail depend on council's approval of the projects. If the subsequent phases are approved, the trail will continue to expand down St. Ninian Street, across Church Street, along Columbus Field, and then follow East Main Street to Adam Street.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/. 

Our AT Trail is an important step toward making Antigonish a more walkable, active, and community-focused town. Explore it today and experience the benefits firsthand!

Community Meeting and Update

Join us for a community meeting to learn about the Town’s Active Transportation Trail.

There will be a presentation to review the plans, followed by a question and answer session.

• When: Tuesday, March 25th, 6:00 p.m.
• Where: Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School 105 Braemore Ave

The Town is also seeking community feedback on the project through the survey below. The survey will remain open until Wednesday March 26th, at midnight.

https://forms.office.com/r/epUiA0Tz7C 

  

Current & Upcoming Projects

Project A: West Street to Highland Drive

Status: Finished

The first phase of the AT Trail, now open for walking, running, cycling, and scootering.

Project B: St. Ninian Street

Status: Pending Approval

This phase replaces the sidewalk with a shared-use trail.

See image below of proposed St. Ninian Street Active Transportation upgrades (Highland Drive to Notre Dame Avenue):

See image below of proposed St. Ninian Street Active Transportation upgrades (Notre Dame Avenue to Church Street):

Project C: Columbus Field

Status: Pending Approval

This section will create a new footpath, including a pedestrian bridge, and improve accessibility.

See image below of proposed Active Transportation upgrades (Church Street to Columbus Field):

See image below of proposed Active Transportation upgrades (Columbus Field to Main Street):

Project D: Bay Street

Status: Pending Funding & Approval

This section is designed alongside the Bay Street Project for efficiency. The timeline depends on securing funding. The Bay Street Project is a separate infrastructure upgrade that involves roadwork, drainage improvements, and accessibility enhancements. Since the AT Trail route overlaps with Bay Street, it makes sense to complete both projects together to reduce disruptions and save costs.

See image below of proposed Bay Street upgrades (Haley Road to Adam Street):

See image below of proposed Bay Street upgrades (Adam Street to Marian Drive):

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Updated March 21 2025

How much is this costing the town?

The total project cost is estimated at $4.64 million, with over 73% of the original estimated project cost funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia. 

• Total estimated project cost: $4.64 million 
• Government funding: $2.99 million (73% of the original estimated project cost) 
• Town’s projected contribution: $1.31 million (after additional grants) 
• Total AT Costs to Date: $1.36 million 
• Total Covered by Funding: $1.33 million 
• Total Municipal Contribution to Date: $27.837 

Can the money be used for paving and sidewalks instead?

No, the funding is specifically for Active Transportation infrastructure. However, the next phase will include accessible pathway and sidewalk upgrades.

Why not use concrete?

Concrete isn’t suitable because it wouldn’t provide a smooth and accessible surface for all users.

Will the St. Ninian project narrow the street?

Yes, but it stays within provincial guidelines.

• Between Martha Drive and Notre Dame, the narrowing is minimal.
• Slight narrowing of 1.8 meters east of Notre Dame.
• 8 meters is the final road width (the same as West Street).

Why wasn’t West Street paved when the AT Trail was built?

Before paving, watermain work needs to be completed. This wasn’t included in the 2024-2025 capital plan, so paving will happen as part of a future project.

What is the benefit of connecting the AT Trail to the County’s AT network?

A larger, connected trail system allows more people to safely walk and bike around the region. It supports active transportation, local businesses, and sustainable travel options.

History of the Active Transportation Trail Project

The vision for a walking and cycling-friendly trail system in Antigonish has been in development for over a decade. Here’s a look at how we got here:

• 2007 – Trail Development Study began
• 2014 – Antigonish Town & County Active Transportation Plan was created
• 2016 – Active Transportation Committee was formed
• 2020 – Town & County completed the Active Transportation Functional Plan and submitted applications for Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) funding
• 2021 – The Town received project approval in June
• 2022 – The County received project approval in July

Key Benefits of the AT Trail

Our AT Trail offers a wide range of benefits for our community, making Antigonish a healthier, greener, and more connected place to live and visit.

Here’s how the trail enhances our town:

• Promoting Health & Wellness: The trail encourages walking, cycling, and other forms of active movement, helping residents stay fit and healthy. By providing safe and accessible routes, it supports a more active lifestyle for people of all ages.
• Environmental Sustainability: The trail helps cut down on traffic congestion and carbon emissions. This contributes to cleaner air and a healthier environment, supporting our town’s commitment to sustainability and creating a net-zero community.
• Boosting the Local Economy: Our trail is not just for residents—it’s also a draw for visitors. Connecting key areas of town by foot or wheels (non motorized) it will provide easy access to local shops, restaurants, and attractions, helping support local businesses.
• Building Community Connections: The trail provides a welcoming space for residents to come together, socialize, and enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you’re out for a walk or a bike ride, the trail fosters a sense of community and belonging by offering a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
• Improving Safety & Reducing Traffic: With designated paths for cyclists and pedestrians, the trail helps separate non-motorized traffic from cars, making it safer for everyone. It’s an ideal option for families, children, and commuters who want to travel safely across town without worrying about traffic.
• Accessible for All: The trail is designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone has a safe and convenient way to reach key destinations. Tactical plates are used on sidewalks at intersections to assist visually impaired users of the path. These texted surfaces provide tactical feedback underfoot, signaling the edge of a sidewalk.
• Creating Beautiful, Recreational Spaces: The trail enhances the natural beauty of our town. It’s a perfect place for outdoor recreation, whether you’re jogging, biking, or simply enjoying being outside.
• Saving on Transportation Costs: The trail provides an affordable and eco-friendly transportation option for residents, reducing the cost of commuting. The goal is to make active transportation an attractive and realistic option for our residents.

Key Facts:

• Planning for this trail began in 2013 and wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia. Over 73% of the original estimated project cost is funded with the support of these two levels of government, totaling $2,990,830.
• Town Council endorsed continuation of the Active Transportation Spine Project East Main St. to Bay St. sections and requested staff to integrate the project with the Public Works Bay St Project to bring forward as part of the Towns 2025-2026 Capital Budget Proposal. The Mayor and CAO signed off the Provincial request for approval to extend the project to the end of fiscal year 2027 as approved by the province.
• Since the original project approval, the Town received a one-time Sustainable Services Growth Fund Grant from the Province of Nova Scotia that was allocated to this project for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.
• By the end of the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the total project costs incurred since 2022 are forecasted to be $1,357,231.
• The first phase along West Street did require the street to be narrowed; however, the street meets provincial transportation guidelines. Some residents have asked why West Street wasn’t paved during the construction of this section of the AT Trail. Before we can re-pave West Street, there is planning for watermain work under the street that needs to be done, meaning it will be a larger project than just paving. This additional work will hopefully be included in the Town’s 2025-2026 capital plan and budget.
• St. Francis Xavier University has been a wonderful supporter of the AT Trail as they saw the benefit to their campus community.
• The route that was chosen is called the AT Spine. It creates the initial link to the County’s AT Corridor that runs along Trunk 4. The spine offers opportunities for future expansion into other major arterial streets and neighborhoods. At this time, the only commitment the Town has is to the construction of the rest of the AT Spine.