The Antigonish Town Council approved a $19.5 million capital budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year on April 21, 2026, passing the spending plan in a 4-2 vote.
The budget relies on a mix of funding sources to pay for community improvements. More than $7 million comes from external partners, including the Province of Nova Scotia, the Government of Canada, and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish. Additionally, $7.6 million is being provided by the town’s own water, electric, and sewer utilities.
Infrastructure remains a primary focus for the town. This year, the council is prioritizing water security by constructing new production wells. This move aims to reduce reliance on the James River Dam, a water source that has become increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Other major projects include a $5.4 million upgrade to the sewer treatment plant, which will feature a new building, a new screener, and additional aerators to improve reliability.
Work on the town’s transportation and utility networks will also continue. Phase 1 of the Bay Street project, which involves installing a sewer line under the railway tracks along with new sidewalks and curbs, is set to be completed. Meanwhile, the town is moving forward with the next stage of the active transportation trail, which will extend from West Street down St. Ninian Street to Church Street as a three-metre wide asphalt path. Officials noted that the second phase of the Bay Street project, running from Adam Street to the hospital entrance, has been postponed to a later year.
Mayor Sean Cameron and Councillor Jack Sullivan were the two members who voted against the budget. While the town’s official communications included statements from the Mayor supporting the budget’s goal of finishing ongoing projects, he expressed specific concerns regarding the active transportation trail. He indicated he was not in favour of proceeding with that project this year, noting the town has the flexibility to extend the project’s timeline to 2034.
