During a special council meeting held on April 23, 2026, Antigonish Town Council approved the 2026–2027 municipal operating budget totaling $17,976,430. The approved budget maintains no change to the residential or commercial tax rates for the fiscal year.
The budget includes $375,500 from operating reserves to support several significant one‑time operating projects.
Key investments for 2026–2027 include:
- Doubling street patching funding from $250,000 to $500,000
- A strategic communications review and plan
- Additional portable washrooms at the sports fields at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional School, along with increased servicing
- Repairs to banner poles and replacement of community banners
The budget also includes an update to the sewer rate to support required capital work. This adjustment will appear on water bills and is expected to increase the average household’s annual water bill by less than $7 per month.
In positive news for residents, the waste levy (fee) will decrease by $100.48 for a single‑family dwelling.
A new environmental initiative—the Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program—will launch this year with a budget of $2,500. This program is designed to encourage water conservation. Details on how residents can participate will be shared soon.
Community support remains a priority in the 2026–2027 budget, with the Community Grants Program increasing by 5%, rising from $200,000 to $210,000.
The Town’s 2026-2027 budget also includes:
- $35,000 to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation
- $9,500 for Equity, Anti‑Hate, and Anti‑Racism initiatives
- $10,000 for accessibility projects
- $50,000 to Antigonish Community Transit
- $50,000 to the Antigonish Heritage Museum
- $11,000 to continue the mural program partnership with Antigonish Culture Alive
The Town’s RCMP contract costs and Nova Scotia Department of Justice fees total $2.1 million.
Quotes from Mayor Sean Cameron:
“We know every dollar counts for residents and businesses, so I’m really glad we’re able to hold the tax rate steady this year. It’s something Council worked hard to achieve, and I’m proud we can deliver that stability.”
“Council is really happy to see us doubling the budget for asphalt patching this year. After the rough winter we’ve had and the number of potholes around town, this extra investment is going to make a real difference for drivers and residents.”
“The rain barrel program is a small but meaningful way we can support residents as we’ve seen a trend over recent years of increased water conservation measures. With new source water wells included in our capital plan, we’re thinking ahead about how to secure reliable water for the community. In the meantime, encouraging residents to conserve water at home helps supports our current water supply.”
