Friday, September 30, 2022 Update at 11:20 a.m.
Power Update:
There are approximately 5% of Town Electric Utility customers without power. We know there are still areas in the Town and fringe area that need restoration and these areas include, but are not limited to: Sylvan Valley, Highland Drive and Cedar Terrace, Governors Lane, Spruce Lane, 18 MacLellan, and a portion of Greenhill Estates. There is also a list of over 100 individual service connections to be completed.
Electric Utility crews are currently on the upper end of Viewville Street trying to restore power to that area. As areas become energized, there are sometimes additional challenges that arise, so it is difficult to publicize a schedule of restoration.
Our crews are working 16 hour days. All hands are on deck. They are replacing poles, hanging new wires, dealing with downed trees and hanging limbs. These are not easy fixes and take time. We know it is frustrating to be without power and the unknown of when it will be restored. Please have patience if you see our crews with the Electric Utility and Public Works out working. Many still don’t have power themselves and have damages to their own home and property.
We will continue to provide updates when they are available.
Friday, September 30, 2022 Update at 10:51 a.m.
Comfort Centres open today:
Arisaig Parish Hall 12pm-3pm
People's Place Library 11am-3pm
Pomquet Fire Hall 6pm-8pm
St. Josephs Community Centre 10am-3pm
Tracadie Fire Hall 3-5pm
Thank you to all of the volunteers continuing to show up everyday!
Friday, September 30, 2022 Update at 7:43 a.m.
Thursday, September 29, 2022 Update at 9:31 p.m.
Power update:
Power has been restored to over 25 customers on Church Street Extension.
Thursday, September 29, 2022 Update at 9:11 p.m.
Power update:
Due to challenges encountered at earlier restoration locations, crews were not able to make it upper Viewville Street today. Crews plan to be in the area tomorrow morning.
Thursday, September 29, 2022 Update at 8:24 p.m.
Power Update:
Today many residents saw their power restored in Whidden’s Trailer Court and the Village on Church Street, as well as on Fernwood Drive, Scarboro Drive, and Mount Cameron. Three more spans were also installed on Sylvan Valley Road.
There is no estimated restoration time for residents at Greenhill Estates and 18 MacLellan Street at this time.
Our crews are now dealing with the more complicated repairs. We are aware that when power is restored to particular areas, that not all homes are getting power. This happens when there is damage sustained to the service masts connected to the exterior of a home. Homeowners who may have experienced damage to their electrical service masts, should reach out to a qualified electrician for re-connection requirements.
See this page from Nova Scotia Power for information about your masts: https://www.nspower.ca/outages/repair-damaged-meter
These repairs will have to be done on an individual basis and will take time. Crews from Berwick and Bridgewater are assisting with these connections and we appreciate their support.
We are doing our best to keep you updated as best we can throughout the day. Our crews are busy and have made great progress over the last few days considering the repairs they are facing.Crews will continue with restorations over the weekend and we will continue to post updates when they are available.
Thursday, September 29, 2022 Update at 12:21 p.m.
Power update:
Power has been restored to Whidden's Trailer Court.
Crews continue to work on upper Viewville Street and the utility from Berwick has arrived to assist with restoration efforts. They will assist with individual home connections.
Thursday, September 29, 2022 Update at 10:45 a.m.
Comfort Centres open today:
North Shore Fire Hall: 6:30 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner
Arisaig Parish Hall: Noon to 3 p.m.
Paqtnkek Gymnasium:9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
St. Andrews Community Centre: 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner
People's Place Library: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tracadie Fire Hall: 2 to 5 p.m.
Mini Trail Community Centre: 1 to 2 p.m.
Pomquet Fire Hall: 6 to 8 p.m.
HM MacDonald Elementary School: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4-Valleys Fire Hall: 5 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner
Reminder that StFX University has made showers available to residents of the Town and County at the Amelia Saputo Centre (formally known as the Oland Centre). Check in at the pool desk.
Thursday, September 29, 2022 Update at 9:30 a.m.
Power Update:
Late last night power was restored to a large part of the Intervale. We know there are still outages in this area, including Scarboro Drive.
A portion of Sylvan Valley also saw power restored. There are still two transformers that need repairs for further restoration.
This morning, our Electric Utility will be focused on Scarboro Drive, upper Viewville Street, and Whiddens Trailer Court.
We have crews from other utilities arriving today. Their focus will be individual service connections.
With restoration of power, homeowners may have experienced damage to their electrical service that is attached to their homes. Homeowners who may have damage to their service mast, should reach out to a qualified electrician for re-connection requirements.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Update at 2:41 p.m.
The Amelia Saputo Centre for Healthy Living (formally known as the Oland Centre) at StFX is open to all Town and County residents who are in need of a hot shower. Facilities are available 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., seven days a week. Please check in at the pool desk.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Update at 1:27 p.m.
A notice from the Town of Antigonish: Please be advised that Columbus Field is currently closed to the public. We understand families are looking for a place to play, but there are safety concerns with debris.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Update at 1:01p.m.
Power Update:
We have restored power to 85% of Town Electric Utility customers. Areas of focus today include the Intervale and Sylvan Valley. We know there are approximately 300 homes in the Intervale area without power and some customers in that area should see power restored later today. On Sylvan Valley Road, crews will be cutting trees this afternoon that will allow Electric Utility crews to make repairs. We are hopeful power will be restored to some customers in this area also today. Line crews from other utilities are arriving tomorrow to assist with service connections to properties and clearing lines.
To report your outage, please call 902-863-2956.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Update at 10:32 a.m.
Comfort Centres Open on Wednesday, September 28, 2022:
Beech Hill Fire Hall: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
North Shore Fire Hall: 12 to 5 p.m.
Arisaig Parish Hall:12 to 3 p.m.
Paqtnkek Gymnasium: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lochaber Centre: 12 to 4 p.m.
St. Andrews Community Centre: 1 to 3 p.m.
People's Place Library: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Josephs Community Centre: 5 to 7 p.m.
Tracadie Fire Hall 2 to 5 p.m.
Mini Trail Community Centre: 1 to 4 p.m.
Pomquet Fire Hall: 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Update at 8 a.m.
Town Notice: Town Hall will remain closed for normal municipal operations on Wednesday, September 28 due to no internet.
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 Update at 9:08 p.m.
Today Mayor Laurie Boucher and Warden Owen McCarron visited some of the many comfort centres open in Antigonish. It was an opportunity to check in with residents and thank the many volunteers who have kept these centres going.
There are still many homes in the Town and County without power tonight. These centres, at community halls and fire departments, have provided exactly what they are meant to, comfort. From a hot cup of tea to a game of cards, these centres, all run by volunteers, have been a saving grace for many after a very hard couple of days. Thank you for the comfort you have provided our community.
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 Update at 4:58 p.m.
Power Update:
The good news: more people have power than don’t. We are approaching 80% of Town Electric customers having their power restored after a historic storm.We know there are areas still without power. Crews with the Town Electric Utility are now working with the more complex issues and safety is an issue when dealing with tangled wires, and broken power poles.Crews from other utilities have been called in to assist with repairs. We are anticipating full restoration over the next few days and will share updates when we have themWe once again thank our crews and hope they continue to be safe. It has been a long couple of days for everyone and we still have work that needs to be done.
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 Update at 4:02 p.m.
Please be advised that the Town has organized an extra organics collection this week to assist with the disposal of spoiled food.This is for green cart only. If you regularly receive waste collection on Monday, pick up will be Thursday, September 29. If your regular pick up is Tuesday, pick up will be Friday, September 30. And if your pick up is Wednesday, your extra pick up will be this Saturday, October 1.
Regular waste collection will still take place next week.
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 Update at 12:42 p.m.
Comfort Centres: Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Antigonish County Fire Department: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Arisaig Parish Community Centre: 12 to 3 p.m.
Lochaber Community Centre: 12 to 4 p.m.
Pomquet Fire Department: 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.They also have a water filling station – bring your own jugs
St. Andrews Community Centre: 12 to 4 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Community Centre: 4 to 7 p.m.
Antigonish Town & County Library: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mini-Trail Community Centre: 1 to 4 p.m.
Paqtnkek First Nation – Gymnasium: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tracadie & District Volunteer Fire Department: 2 to 5 p.m.
North Shore Fire Hall: 12 to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 Update at 11:30 a.m.
The Antigonish Town and County Emergency Management Team provides an update on the power
situation in Antigonish Town and County.
To read the full media release, pdf click here (190 KB) .
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 Update at 10:40 a.m.
The Antigonish Town & County Library will be open as a charging station and comfort centre Tuesday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 Update at 7 a.m.
Town Notice:
Please note that on Tuesday, September 26, 2022, Town Hall will be closed to the public for regular operations. The Antigonish Emergency Management Team continues to run the Emergency Operations Centre from Town Hall in response to the storm.
Monday, September 26, 2022 Update at 8:26 p.m.
Power Update:
NS Power and Town Electric Utility crews are working together on getting portions of town back online. Progress is a little slower than expected as crews are encountering some equipment issues. Some areas have been restored in the last half hour.
Crews will be working until midnight and hope to have more sections restored.
THANK YOU to our Electric Utility team for making this happen!
Monday, September 26, 2022 Update at 2:55 p.m.
Public Notice:
Please be advised that on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, aerial tree cutting will be taking place on various streets in the Town of Antigonish. Ground crews will also be on site for clean up once trees are brought down safety.
These clean up efforts will result in street closures and/or traffic control for lane closures.
Please use caution in these areas, be aware of downed and hanging trees as well as personnel on site.
Monday, September 26, 2022 Update at 1:18 p.m.
We are asking residents if they have down trees on their property to please leave them for now. We are working on a strategy to deal with the larger debris. More information will be made available in the coming days.
There are still a lot of hazards in the area. Please use caution and avoid areas with downed and hanging trees.
Monday, September 26, 2022 Update at 10:15 a.m.
Comfort Stations
Antigonish County Fire Department – Beech Hill: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Arisaig Parish Community Centre: 12 to 3 p.m.
Lochaber Community Centre: 12 to 4 p.m.
Pomquet Fire Department: 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. They also have a water filling station – bring your own jugs
St. Andrews Community Centre: 1 to 4 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Community Centre: 4 to 7 p.m.
Town Hall (side entrance from College Street): 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mini-Trail Community Centre: 1 to 4 p.m.
Paqtnkek First Nation - Gymnasium:12 to 10 p.m.
Tracadie & District Volunteer Fire Department: 2 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Update at 8 p.m.
Power Update:
Further assessments were done today to evaluate damage, determine a plan for restoration, and continue with clean-up efforts.
It is important to note that Town power is dependent on Nova Scotia Power. The damage to many power lines and substations has been significant. As further assessments and repairs are done we will have a better idea of restoration times. More information will be available tomorrow.
Power restoration will be done in a phased approach with priority areas being St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, and Post Road so residents have access to fuel and food/service. We know it has been hard and we appreciate your patience as we deal with the aftermath of such an extreme weather event.
We want to send a huge THANK YOU to our Public Works and Electric Utility crews. You have done so much in the lead up to this storm and since the storm has passed. Please know your efforts are appreciated and we know so much work still has to be done.
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Update at 4:30 p.m.
Town Notice: Please note that Town Hall will be closed to the public Monday, September 26, 2022.
The Town Council meeting scheduled for Monday, September 26, 2022 has been postponed. A new date to be determined
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Update at 2:50 p.m.
Public Notice: The Creighton Lane Parking Lot has reopened.
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Update at 2:34 p.m.
Waste Update:
Residential Waste Collection for the Town and County will continue as usual tomorrow.
The Beech Hill Transfer Station will be open tomorrow from 8am-4:30pm.
Please do not put debris out for collection, besides what can fit in your green bin.
Additional information on larger yard waste debris including downed trees and branches will be available in the coming days.
Any spoiled food should follow normal sorting procedures.
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Update at 2:10 p.m.
Fuel Availability:
From what we know at this time there is fuel available at the Petro Canada and Irving Big Stop in Aulds Cove.
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Update at 2 p.m.
Power Update:
For County residents, please check the Nova Scotia Power Outage Map for restoration times for your specific area.
For Town and Fringe areas, assessments and repairs are ongoing. Town power is dependent on Nova Scotia Power so restoration times will vary over the next 24 to 72 hours. Priority will be given to areas surrounding Post Road to get the gas stations and food/service businesses back up and running. Additionally, power to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital and surrounding area will also be a priority. Power to the Braemore and Cloverville substations will take longer as more repair work is required. Power will be restored to other areas in the Town and Fringe in a phased approach once it is safe to do so as to not overload the system.
Thank you to everyone for your patience. Crews are working as quickly as possible to get everyone’s power restored.
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Update at 12:12 p.m.
Comfort Centres for Sunday, September 25:
Beech Hill Fire Hall 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Arisaig Parish Hall 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lochaber Centre 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mini Trail Community Centre 1 to 4 p.m.
North Shore Fire Hall 12 to 5 p.m.
Pomquet Fire Hall 2 to 6 p.m.
St. Andrews Community Centre 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Community Centre is offering soup and chilli from 12 to 2 p.m. and warming centre from 4 to 7 p.m.
Town Hall Recreation Office (side door) will be opening as a charging station 1 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Update at 11:03 a.m.
A message from the Antigonish Emergency Management Team: All stop lights in the area are currently out.
Please reduce speed when approaching interesections and treat them as an all way stop. This includes intersections along Trunk 4, the old Trans Canada Highway.
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Update at 9 a.m.
The Antigonish Town and County Emergency Management Team will be meeting this morning and working throughout the day helping coordinate clean-up efforts with Public Works Departments from the Town, County, and Province, as well as the Town Electric Utility.
Staff will be making contact with the community comfort centres to identity which centres will open today. Please know these centres are run by volunteers and their capacity to open depends on back up power, manpower, and supplies. As soon as we know who will be opening and when, we will post that information here and sending it to the radio station.
At this time, an estimated time for power restoration is still unknown for Town utility customers. NS Power residents can check the Outage Map for updates: http://outagemap.nspower.ca/external/default.html
Please note that many streets and roads are still impassable and focus today will be on clean-up. Please stay off the roads and approach intersections as all way stops.
Saturday, September 24, 2022 Update at 6:34 p.m
Update: The comfort centre at the Beech Hill Fire Hall will remain open until 10 p.m. this evening and will reopen tomorrow morning at 8 a.m.
There is no estimated time for power restoration at this time. Crews from the Town’s Electric Utility will be conducting further assessments tomorrow and updates will be posted when available.
Saturday, September 24, 2022 Update at 4:34 p.m.
There are widespread communication challenges across the Province.
RCMP and Antigonish Emergency Management Team strongly urge residents to stay home to allow clean up efforts to continue.If you are driving, please approach street lights with extreme caution and use as an all way stop.We are looking at extended power outages throughout the Town and County.
Comfort Centres will be reassessing Sunday morning. Operational hours will posted as we receive them.We appreciate your patience as crews work to clean up after this historic storm.
We want to send out extreme appreciation to all crews working throughout the duration of the storm and clean up.
Saturday, September 24, 2022 Update at 2:05 p.m.
Below is a list of comfort centres open this afternoon:
St. Joseph’s Community Centre - Being used by the Red Cross as an emergency shelter but is also open to members of the community as a comfort centre
Tracadie Volunteer Fire Department - Opening at 3 p.m.
Havre Boucher Community Centre - Open from 4 to 8 p.m.
Beech Hill Fire Department - Open
Mini Trail Community Centre - Open 1 to 4 p.m.
North Shore Volunteer Fire Department - Open 1 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 24, 2022 Update at 11:15 a.m.
On Saturday, September 24, 2022 the Antigonish Town and County Emergency Management Team (EMT) organized another voluntary evacuation for the residents of Indian Gardens as a precautionary measure in response to rising water levels leading up to high-tide. This evacuation was for those whose homes were directly impacted by the November 2021 flood.
To read the full media release, pdf click here. (148 KB)
Saturday, September 24, 2022 Update at 5:50 a.m.
RCMP and Antigonish Emergency Management Officials are advising residents that unless you absolutely must be on the roads, avoid all travel at this time. There are many trees, power lines and a lot of debris on the roads throughout the Town and County. Some roads are impassable. We are allowing time for the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works to assess road conditions. By staying off the roads, you are allowing crews to assess the damage and begin clean up efforts.
Saturday, September 24, 2022 Update at 12:55 a.m.
We are urging residents to please stay home, there are downed trees on many streets including Hawthorne Street, Highaldn Street, Brookland Street, Whidden Street, and MacLellan Street as well as many others throughout the Town making them impassable.
The majority of Town is without power.
Saturday, September 24, 2022 Update at 12:40 a.m.
As we continue to experience severe winds and significant rainfall, the impacts of the storm continue with downed power lines and trees. Residents are asked to please stay home. If an emergency arises and you require immediate assistance, please phone 911.
Crews are addressing issues as quickly as possible as it is safe to do so. We have no estimated restoration times for power.
Thank you to the Electric Utility and Public Works crews who are working in such challenging conditions.
Friday, September 23, 2022 Updates
11:32 p.m.
We are receiving reports of down trees and power lines causing numerous power outages around town. This is expected to continue throughout the night. If you have to be out on the roads, please use caution approaching intersections with lights out and treat them as all way stops.
8:05 p.m.
There are a number of community based comfort centres that may open as a result of the storm. The following centres have back-up power sources and may open if conditions and volunteer capacity allow.
Antigonish County Volunteer Fire Department (Beech Hill Road)
Mini Trail Community Centre
Lochaber Community Centre
North Shore Volunteer Fire Department
Pomquet Fire Department
St. Andrews District Community Centre
Tracadie District Fire Department
Havre Boucher Community Centre
The 4-Valleys Fire Department in Maryvale does not have back up power but is currently open as a warming centre and will remain open for the duration of the storm.
Updates will be provided to Facebook and via the radio stations.
3:50 p.m.
The Antigonish Town and County Emergency Management Team has organized a voluntary evacuation centre for the residents of Indian Gardens whose homes were directly impacted by the November 2021 flood as a precautionary measure leading up to the arrival of Hurricane Fiona.
To read the full media release, pdf click here (150 KB) .
11:25 a.m.
Please be advised that as of 3 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2022, the Creighton Lane Parking Lot will be closed due to the significant rainfall in the forecast. Notices will be posted when the parking lot is opened.
11 a.m.
Please be advised that as of noon on Friday, September 23, 2022, the Antigonish Community Dog Park will be closed. Notices will be shared online when the Dog Park is re-opened. The Town apologizes for the inconvenience.
9:10 a.m.
The Town of Antigonish would like to advise residents that during the storm expected to hit our area on Friday, September 23 into Saturday, September 24 our priority will be to maintain street access and power lines to the best of our ability.
For storm related issues that require immediate attention around your home or business on Friday or Saturday, please phone 902-863-4898 for issues related to the Electric Utility, for all other concerns please phone 902-863-2956.
The Town is expecting a high volume a high volume of calls during this weather event, and we will be dealing with issues based on severity and we ask for your patience during this time.
For less severe issues or concerns please fill out a Concerned Citizen Report, which can be found on the top of the Town’s homepage at www.townofantigonish.ca.
The Town thanks residents in advance for their cooperation and reminds everyone to stay safe.
Thursday, September 22, 2022 Update
pdf Media Relase: Antigonish Town and County Prepare for Storm (152 KB)
During and after a storm, the Town's main priority is to ensure streets remain passable for clean-up efforts, repair work, and emergency vehicles. To assist with these efforts, all residents are advised to avoid parking on the street starting Friday, September 23 through to Monday, September 26, 2022.
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Update
The Town of Antigonish urges residents to properly prepare for the severe storm that is predicted to bring hurricane force winds and heavy rain to our area late Friday, September 23 into Saturday, September 24.
Based on the forecast, loss of power is expected and residents should be prepared to cope on your own for at least the first 72 hours. This involves having proper supplies such as water, food, batteries, radio and flashlights.
To prepare, residents should secure or take in outdoor furniture, flower pots and garbage bins, as well as ensure windows are closed and basements and backdoors are properly secured.
The Town thanks residents in advance for their cooperation and reminds everyone to stay safe.
To follow updates of Hurricane Fiona's path and potential landfall times, click here.
To follow regular updates from Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office:
Be Prepared
To review what should be included in your emergency kit, click here.
