The Town of Antigonish is working closely with provincial and federal partners to share the resources you need to stay up to date on COVID-19.
March 2022
As of March 21, 2022, Nova Scotia has entered phase 3 of its reopening plan. During phase 3, mandates around gathering limits, social distancing and masks restrictions are lifted.
The 3-phase reopening plan outlines how restrictions will ease while protecting the healthcare system and vulnerable populations throughout the province.
For more details and information about the province's re-opening plan, click here.
January 2022
A reminder to residents that Town Hall and the Public Works Building remain closed to the public.
Residents are encouraged to pay any service bills online or utilize the secure drop-box at the front door of Town Hall. Electrical hook-ups and disconnections can be arranged by calling 902-863-2351 and press 1 to speak with a staff person.
For information regarding permits, applications or building inspections please phone 902-631-3473 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Town assures residents that there will be no disruption to essential services, which include power, water, sewer, solid waste management, plowing, slating and any other winter maintenance that may be required.
For information on Billing, visit: https://townofantigonish.ca/billing-payment.html.
October 2021
Effective Monday, October 4, the provincial Proof of Vaccination Policy comes into effect. Under these new regulations, all those 12 years and older accessing the Regional Sports Fields or Columbus Field for organized events/activities will be required to provide Proof of Vaccination, or proof of medical exemption, to Town of Antigonish Staff. This includes games, practices, programs, tournaments, and competitions.
Leisure activities and informal play at Columbus Field and the Regional Sports Fields do not fall under these protocols.
This is now mandatory until further notice under the province’s new Proof of Vaccination Policy. All other public health measures (e.g., masking, and physical distancing) continue to apply to Town facilities during sporting events or organized activities.
To review the Town's Proof of Vaccination FAQ for Recreation Facilities, pdf click here. (267 KB)
To review the Province’s Proof of Vaccination Policy and what it applies to, click here.
September 2021
Provincial Proof of Vaccination at The People's Place Library.
As outlined by the Province of Nova Scotia, all library users will be required to show proof of full COVID vaccination for entry into the People's Place Library. This does not come into effect until Monday, October 4. For those who need help printing your proof of vaccination record, library staff are able to help print and laminate a wallet-size card free of charge.
August 2021 Updates
Return to Campus: StFX University’s Fall 2021 Pandemic Plan
On August 26, StFX University announced a mandatory COVID-19 testing policy for all students, staff, and faculty returning to campus for the upcoming academic year. Testing will be required two times a week and will be made available on campus for members of the university community. Individuals that can show proper proof of having completed two vaccinations are able to obtain an exemption from the mandatory testing. The University and the Town of Antigonish also strongly encourage asymptomatic testing among all members of the community, even those who are fully vaccinated.
StFX has put the proper supports in place for those students on and off-campus who require isolation due to having none or only one dose of the vaccine. Vaccinations will be made available on campus on Friday, September 3 and returning on Monday, September 13. StFX has committed to working with Public Health regarding the availability of vaccines on campus for any student or employee who requests a vaccine.
Students, staff, and faculty will be required to wear a mask at all times on campus buildings until September 30, regardless of the provincial restrictions. The only exception to this rule are when students are in their own residence buildings and staff and faculty are in their personal office spaces. Pandemic safe orientation week activities are being led by the StFX Students’ Union. For information on all other pandemic-related procedures for students, staff, and faculty, visit StFX’s COVID-19 FAQ Page.
Residents of Antigonish Town and County are invited to attend a virtual information session with StFX President, Dr. Andy Hakin along with Mayor Laurie Boucher and Warden Owen McCarron. This is an opportunity for local residents to learn and ask questions about StFX’s plans and procedures related to the pandemic. The session will take place on Wednesday, September 1 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. For the link to the session, click here.
April 2021 Updates
Town Hall Closure to the Public
Please be advised that following today’s announcement regarding the province wide circuit breaker due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, Town Hall will be closed to the public starting Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
The Town will be able to share further updates and information on how service delivery will be maintained including electrical connections/disconnections, bill payments, permits, etc., as soon as possible. If you have any immediate concerns, please phone 902-863-2351 and press 0 to speak with a staff person during regular business hours.
To read the full memo from April 27, 2021, pdf click here (172 KB) .
Recreation Facilities Update
2020 Updates
On Friday, July 24, Premier McNeil and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Strang announced that non-medical masks will be mandatory in most indoor public spaces. The purpose for this policy is to remind all Nova Scotians that it is important to remain vigilant to minimize the impact in COVID-19 in all of our communities. Wearing a non-medical mask is a key part of how to protect each other while still being able to support our local businesses in the community.
For more information on the read the Mandatory Mask Policy media release.
Reminder: Effective Friday, July 24, 2020 non-masks are mandatory on all public transit which includes Antigonish Community Transit and taxis as well as shuttle vehicles. All passengers and drivers are required to wear masks. Children under 2 and those with valid medical reason are exempt from this policy.
Playgrounds & Gathering Limits Update
On Thursday, June 19, 2020 Premier Stephen McNeil made an announcement regarding the changes to gathering limits and the re-opening of playgrounds across the province.
People can not gather in groups of up to 10 without physical distancing. Gatherings of up to 50 will now be allowed but people must observe physical distancing of two meters or 6 feet.
Businesses that are too small to ensure physical distancing can have no more than 10 people on their premises at a time.
Playgrounds can also start their re-opening process.
For the full update, click here to read the provincial media release.
About Coronavirus
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses similar to the common cold. Symptoms can be mild to serious and may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty Breathing
Coronavirus is most commonly spread from an infected person through:
- Respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands
Tips on Prevention
To download a PDF copy of the About Coronavirus Fact Sheet, pdf click here. (589 KB)
To download a PDF copy of a Home Cleaning Fact Sheet, pdf click here. (100 KB)
Wash Your Hands
Reduce the spread of COVID-19 by washing your hands.
To download a Staying Healthy Fact Sheet with information on social distancing, staying healthy and shopping safely, pdf click here. (435 KB)
Social/Physical Distancing
To download a PDF copy of social/physical distancing best practice, pdf click here. (112 KB)
Be Prepared
There are simple, practice things you can do to prepare in case you or someone in your household becomes ill or if COVID-19 becomes common in our community. Making a plan that includes essential supplies, shopping lists and sharing contact information with family and neighbours.
To download a PDF copy of a Plan Ahead Sheet, pdf click here. (363 KB)
How To Self-Isolate
People with COVID-19 do not always recognize their early symptoms. Even though you do not have symptoms now, you need to self-isolate for 14 days if you have done any of the following:
- Travelled outside of Canada
- Travelled outside of the Province
- Had close contact within someone who has or suspected to have COVID-19
Self-isolate means that for 14 days you must:
- Stay home and monitor yourself for symptoms, even if mild
- Avoid contact with other people to help prevent transmission of the virus at the earliest stage of illness
- Do your part to prevent the spread of the disease in your home and in your community
To learn more about the importance of Self-Isolating, pdf click here. (327 KB)
How To Care For A Person With COVID-19
If you are caring you are caring for a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, follow the advice of public health officials to protect yourself and others in your home and in the community.
To download a copy of the fact sheet to learn how to protect yourself, pdf click here. (352 KB)
Vulnerable Populations
While diseases can make anyone sick, some Canadians are more at risk of getting an infection and developing severe complications due to their health, social and economic circumstances.
To learn more about vulnerable populations in our community and what you can do to prevent risk, pdf click here. (349 KB)
Your Mental Well-Being
A global event like COVID-19 can create fear and anxiety. There are ways you can manage your anxiety and get the help you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support – we are all in this together!
Take Care of Yourself
- Eat as well as possible
- Exercise at home or go for a walk around your neighbourhood
- Maintain normal routines as much as possible
- Spend time on hobbies
- Get enough sleep
- Stay connected to family and friends
- Try mindfulness activities (meditation, art, yoga, or relaxation techniques)
For a list of resources available, click here.
Mental Health and Addictions is a core component of Nova Scotia's public health response to COVID-19. It is vital to deliver outpatient and inpatient mental health and addiction services to meet patient needs.
There have been changes to the way the services are offered, but the commitment to quality care is a top priority.
Additional online tools have been launched for Nova Scotians. To register, follow the links below:
To download a full list of resources from the Nova Scotia Health Authority, pdf click here. (209 KB)
To read Chief Medical Officer Dr. Strang's letter to Nova Scotians, pdf click here. (154 KB)
Assistance Programs
The Government of Canada has opened applications for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
For questions regarding this program please contact Service Canada directly. For information on how to do so, pdf click here. (105 KB)
The Province of Nova Scotia has also released a number of programs to help individuals and business owners during this time. For information on those programs, click here.
Town Notices On COVID-19
Town Hall and the Public Works Building will be closed to the public until further notice. Essential services will not be disrupted, which includes power, water, sewer, curbside pick-up and seasonal maintenance as required.
For all of the Town’s recent updates pertaining to COVID-19 click any of the links below:
- pdf Town Hall Closure - April 27 2021 (172 KB)
- pdf Recreation Facilities Update - April 28, 2021 (79 KB)
- Deferral Notice for Residents and Businesses
- Walk to Exercise Not Socialize During COVID-19
- pdf Town Extends Closure to the Public (156 KB)
- pdf Maintaining Our Community Connections During COVID-19 (285 KB)
- pdf Town of Antigonish to Follow State of Emergency Direction (204 KB)
- pdf Statement from Mayor Boucher & Warden McCarron on COVID-19 (67 KB)
- pdf COVID-19 Response: Town Hall Closure to the Public (186 KB)
Stay Informed
It is important to stay informed through proper communications channels. For regular updates on COVID-19 please visit the following sources:
- Province of Nova Scotia - https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
- Government of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- Nova Scotia Health Authority - http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus
- 811 Nova Scotia - https://811.novascotia.ca/
- World Health Organization - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019