The Town of Antigonish has awarded a $6.28-million contract (plus HST) to Avondale Construction to tackle long-standing odour and efficiency issues at its sewer treatment plant at 2 East Main Street.
The $6,282,365 tender covers screening and aeration upgrades at the front end of the plant. The project is jointly funded by the Province of Nova Scotia through its Municipal Capital Growth Program, the Town of Antigonish, and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish.
New screening equipment will stop non-biodegradable items like wipes, pads, and rags from reaching the lagoon, where they currently clog aerators and reduce oxygen levels. Two high-capacity blowers will also be installed to pump more air into the lagoon, helping maintain oxygen and improve treatment, especially during warmer months when odours have been at their worst.
Residents have complained about sewer smells in recent summers, and a 2024 assessment found lagoon temperatures have climbed 6 to 7 C over the past two decades, cutting oxygen transfer by 15 to 20 per cent. The plant on East Main Street is permitted to treat 1.8 million gallons per day and currently averages 1.65 million gallons, leaving little room during rainy weather or high use.
Construction is expected to take about one year, with the work targeted for completion by fall 2027. The funding breakdown includes $2.71 million from the province, $1.8 million from the town, and $903,507 from the county.
