Antigonish Town Council has approved a $19.5 million capital budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Included in this budget are key capital projects built on the commitment to continue what has been started and planning for the future. The projects include updating key infrastructure, preparing the community for growth, and delivering essential upgrades to accessibility, safety, and recreation.  

Of the total $19.5 million budget, over $7 million is coming from other funding sources, including the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Government of Canada. There is also $7.6 million coming from the Town’s water, electric, and sewer utilities. 

The major projects included in the 2026-2027 capital budget include: 

Water Security

To reduce reliance on the James River Dam—an increasingly vulnerable surface water source affected by climate change—the Town will construct new production wells in 2026–2027.These wells follow the successful drilling of two test wells in 2025, a key initiative supported through the Housing Accelerator Fund. 

Upgrading the Sewer Treatment Plant 

A major $5.4‑million upgrade to the Sewer Treatment Plant continues this year. Work includes installing a new screener to remove material that can damage equipment and reduce oxygen levels in the lagoon. A new building will house the upgraded equipment, and additional aerators will be added to improve oxygenation. These improvements will enhance the plant’s efficiency and reliability. 

Completing Key Street and Utility Projects 

Several road and utility projects will be undertaken in 2026–2027 improving safety, accessibility, and infrastructure reliability: 

• Bay Street Capital Project: Completion of the sewer line installation under the railway tracks, new asphalt on the street and active transportation trail, and new concrete curbs and sidewalks. The second phase of the Bay Street Capital Project, from Adam Street to the hospital entrance, has been postponed to a future year.
• West Street (James Street to Highland Drive): A new retaining wall at the skatepark, final paving, sidewalk installation, and curb work.
• West Street (Old Highway 104 to James Street): Replacement of water and sewer lines with new asphalt, curb, and sidewalk.
• Sidewalk Renewal:  The new sidewalk on Greening Drive will be completed, including going down the hill to James Street and a new sidewalk is planned for Pleasant Street. These sidewalks will be done to meet current accessibility standards.

Planning for Growth

Council has approved planning for a potential new street connecting the Cloverville Road to Highway 337. This project aims to improve access to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, which is key to finishing the second phase of the Bay Street Capital Project. This street may also open new development opportunities within the Town. This year’s work will focus on finalizing the design, estimating costs, identifying land requirements, and funding partners. 

Town Council has made the commitment to improving local infrastructure which includes planning for future work. This year, design work will be completed for a full renewal of Hawthorne Street, including upgrades to water and sewer lines, as well as new curbs and sidewalks. Finalizing the designs is an important step to secure funding and being prepared to start the work in future years. 

Plans will also be finalized for infrastructure upgrades needed on James Street. These plans will focus on replacing essential utility lines and restoring the street with new curb and sidewalk. 

Supporting Community Safety and Recreation

A new pumper truck for the Antigonish Fire Department is expected to arrive this year, strengthening emergency response capacity. While the purchase was approved in 2024, the cost of the purchase is in this year’s capital budget as it will arrive in the Fall. 

The capital budget also includes the purchase of more crosswalk beacons to improve pedestrian safety and digital speed signs to assist with traffic calming. 

Another phase of the Town’s Active Transportation Trail will be completed this year. This year’s work will pick up where the trail ends on West Street and continues down St. Ninian Street to Church Street. This section of trail will replace the existing sidewalk with a three-metre wide, asphalt pathway. 

Drainage improvements will be completed at the Columbus Field splashpad to reduce standing water and improve the user experience at this popular recreation space. 

Antigonish Town Council remains focused on investing in the infrastructure, services, and amenities that residents rely on every day. These projects reflect that focus.  

Quotes from Mayor Sean Cameron: 

“I believe this capital budget strikes a balance of finishing what we’ve started while still planning for future projects. We’ll finish the work on West Street and the first phase of Bay Street, the sidewalk on Greening Drive, and another phase of the Active Transportation Trail. While that work is being done, we’ll also be planning for future work; particularly finalizing designs for an alternative route to the hospital, and full utility and street upgrades to Hawthorne Street and James Street. These improvements will strengthen our community for years to come.”

“Town Council is focused on renewing and upgrading the core infrastructure that keeps our community running. Some of our underground pipes are more than a century old, and when we repair them, we also plan to upgrade the entire street — including curbs and sidewalks — so residents benefit from a safer, more accessible environment.” 

“When considering this capital budget, Council worked hard to balance the significant work that needs to be done, with the need to protect our capital reserves, and I’m pleased that we’re able to move forward on major projects without draining those funds. We know there is a lot to do, but planning carefully for how we afford this work is just as important as the work itself. I’m proud that we can deliver meaningful improvements for residents while still maintaining a strong reserve position for the future.”

“To plan for the future, we need a reliable water source. It’s one of the most important responsibilities we have as a municipality. By moving ahead with new production wells, we’re taking a major step towards protecting our community from future water shortages caused by climate change.” 

“This year’s $5.4‑million upgrade to our Sewer Treatment Plant is one of the most important investments we’re making in the Town’s future. These improvements ensure our system can reliably serve residents for decades to come, and I’m proud to see this work moving forward.”