ANTIGONISH: Town council has passed a balanced 2025-26 municipal budget totalling $16.5 million in operating revenue and delivering $22 million in capital projects, with the aim of strengthening core infrastructure and services while preparing Antigonish for the future.
Approved at a special council meeting on June 3, the budget includes a $0.17 increase to the residential tax rate and a $0.25 increase to the commercial rate, bringing the rates to $1.30 and $2.90 per $100 of assessed value, respectively.
For the average household, this represents an approximate monthly increase of $44.09 when factoring in property tax, water, sewer, waste, and fire protection levies.
Mayor Sean Cameron acknowledged the financial impact on residents but emphasized the long-term vision behind the decision.
“This year’s budget is about more than numbers. It’s about protecting the services our residents rely on and making smart investments in the future of our town,” Mayor Cameron said. “We made a difficult decision, but one grounded in responsible leadership.”
Faced with rising inflation, increased service delivery costs, and a $115,000 bump in the provincial Education Transfer, council prioritized infrastructure upgrades with the support of over $6 million in secured federal and provincial funding – and another $2.7 million in pending applications.
Key capital projects include West and James Streets, as a total of $1.41 million from the town to upgrade water and sewer lines, curbs, and stormwater infrastructure, will go alongside $2.71 million in expected provincial support.
On Bay Street, a full rebuild of the street’s underground infrastructure and surface features, including an Active Transportation trail and flood mitigation. The $5.4 million project is being supported by $3.39 million in secured funding and a potential $547,000 from federal partners.
At the Sewer Treatment Plant, an investment of $5.4 million in front-end upgrades, with half the funding secured and $900,000 pledged by the Municipality of the County of Antigonish.
An emphasis is being placed on electric utility modernization, with a $5.79 million investment in grid upgrades to improve service reliability and resilience.
Additional improvements include a new accessible sidewalk on Greening Drive, test wells to support future housing development, and upgraded town equipment such as a salt truck and front-end loader.
To lower costs, the town will create a dedicated sidewalk crew to carry out infrastructure work more efficiently than contracting out.
Recognizing the burden that increased taxes may place on some households, council has expanded the Low-Income Property Tax Exemption program. The qualifying income threshold has been raised from $28,510 to $35,000, and the exemption amount now ranges from $250 to $750, replacing the previous flat $450 rebate.
Even with the new tax rate, Antigonish remains among the towns with the lowest residential tax rates in Nova Scotia.
“While these are big investments, the reality is that deferring them would only increase the cost to taxpayers in the future,” Mayor Cameron said. “This budget allows us to move forward responsibly and sustainably, with up to $8.7 million in outside funding making it possible.”
Starting this year, residents will receive a breakdown on their tax bills showing where their dollars go. For instance, $1.8 million of the town’s budget supports provincially mandated education costs, and $40,000 contributes to the local library system.
Council also emphasized the importance of making comparisons carefully, noting that the town and county municipal units of Antigonish operate under different mandates and responsibilities.
“This budget reflects what’s possible when we work together,” Mayor Cameron said. “Through strong partnerships and careful planning, we’re turning every town dollar into broader impact.”
In a message to residents, Town Council reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining reliable services, planning ahead, and taking care of what the community already has.
Whether it’s safe streets, clean water, or resilient utilities, the town’s 2025-26 budget signals a commitment to building a stronger, more connected Antigonish – now and for generations to come.