The Town of Antigonish is investing more than $19 million, with support from federal, provincial, and municipal partners, in projects that aim to improve everyday life, plan for future growth, and protect the infrastructure we all depend on. From the sidewalks we walk each morning to the waterlines we rarely think about but always trust. These investments reflect the real, everyday needs of our community. These plans are part of our long-term vision to build a stronger, safer, and more connected town.
We want to build capacity for the future: in our sewer systems, water supply, roadways, sidewalks, electric utilities, and more. We’re investing now to avoid bigger costs down the road and to meet the needs of a growing town.
Let’s take a closer look at the major projects and what they mean for you.
Design Work for Full Street Upgrades
When most people think about infrastructure, they picture streets and sidewalks. But the most essential, and expensive, work happens underground. Aging water and sewer systems across town need major upgrades to prevent breaks, flooding, and service outages.
This year, we'll be finalizing designs for future infrastructure work in the following areas:
- James Street
- Hawthorne Street
- A new access street to the hospital
Active Transportation Trail
Active Transportation (AT) means trails and pathways for walking, cycling, or wheeling. This is about safety, accessibility, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
What’s Happening:
- Building the "AT Spine": a connected trail running through town, including:
- From East Main to the railway tracks
- From West Street, along St. Ninian Street to Church Street
Sewer Treatment Plant Upgrades
We’re making major improvements to the Sewer Treatment Plant, with a $5.4 million upgrade that includes:
- A modern screener to remove materials from the wastewater that should not be flushed and damage downstream equipment.
- 50% of funding already secured, with more support from the County
- A new building for equipment
- Conceptual rendering of new building:
- Once operational, the sewer treatment plant will operate more efficiently and with fewer mechanical disruptions.
Better Sidewalks Where They’re Needed Most
New sidewalks are planned for several areas to improve safety and accessibility:
- Greening Drive near schools, for children walking to class
- Pleasant Street
We’re also hiring a five-person sidewalk crew to build and maintain sidewalks more cost-effectively. This will cut the cost in half compared to outsourcing the work.
West Street
West Street is a main artery in our community and it deserves some attention.
The work starts with replacing old underground systems and ends with brand-new streets that are safer and easier to use. Once the water and sewer lines are replaced, we’ll rebuild the roads to modern standards. That means:
- Fresh pavement
- New curbs and storm drains
- 6-foot wide, fully accessible sidewalks
This project has been split into two phases.
Phase 1 - James Street to Highland Drive
We are going to finish this section of West Street that was started in 2025. We have replaced A tender has been awarded to line the main sewer pipe to address past issues with pipe leaks and breakages. This phase also includes asphalt resurfacing and curb and sidewalk work from West/James to West/Highland. The area of West St. will be paved, which has had an issue due to the Active Transportation Trail changes. All work is expected to be completed in 2025.
Phase 2 - Old Hwy 104 to James Street
A tender for this phase of the project is expected to be issued in Spring 2026 and will cover the section from the roundabout at Old Hwy 1014 to James Street. We will upgrade water lines, resurface the street, and pour new curbs and sidewalks
This investment will support smoother travel, better drainage, and safer walking routes for years to come.
Equipment, People, and Technology
To keep up with all this work, we’re also investing in:
New Public Works equipment like a plow and loader.
New Hire: a dedicated Project Communications Coordinator
We’re Building for You and for the Future
This plan represents more than construction. It’s about creating a town where we all feel safer, healthier, and more connected. For most of us, things like clean water, smooth roads, and working streetlights are just part of the background. We turn on the tap, flush the toilet, or walk down a well-lit street without giving it a second thought. But these everyday comforts only happen because we invest in the unseen systems that support them. It’s about acting now so we’re not leaving bigger problems for the next generation. Council is committed to doing this work with transparency and responsibility.
