A Message from Town Council
We know how much the people of the Town of Antigonish care about our community. Whether it's safe streets, reliable services, or spaces that bring us together, we all want the town we call home to be well taken care of.
This year’s budget reflects that shared commitment. It focuses on taking care of what we already have, planning ahead, and keeping our community running smoothly for years to come.
At a Glance: What’s in the Budget
Every year, Council reviews the full picture of the Town's needs, from basic services to long-term improvements. This year, we've approved:
- $11.9 million in operating costs (day-to-day services and support)
- $22 million in capital work (long-term infrastructure and upgrades)
These investments are based on the real needs of our community and include:
- Upgrades to West and Bay Streets. Not just paving, but also new underground water and sewer systems, curbs, sidewalks, and stormwater improvements.
- New sidewalks on Greening Drive to improve walkability and accessibility.
- Work at the Sewer Treatment Plant and test source water wells to strengthen our water system and increase capacity.
- Equipment and software upgrades to help town staff work more efficiently.
- New roles to help oversee the many infrastructure projects.
These projects are important and overdue. That's why we're moving ahead now, with strong financial support from our provincial and federal partners to make it possible.
Changes to the Tax Rate
To support these improvements, a change in the tax rate will take effect this year:
- Residential rate: increase of $0.17 to $1.30 per $100 of assessed property value
- Commercial rate: increase of $0.25 to $2.90 per $100 of assessed property value
For the average home, this means a change of about $44.09/month, which includes the combined impact of property tax, water, sewer, waste, and fire protection levies. After this change, the Town of Antigonish maintains one of the lowest residential tax rates of all towns in Nova Scotia.
| Town | Residential Tax Rate ($) | Commercial Tax Rate ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Antigonish | 1.30 | 2.90 |
| Kentville* | 1.43 | 3.30 |
| Wolfville | 1.47 | 3.57 |
| Amherst | 1.67 | 4.47 |
| Yarmouth* | 1.69 | 4.31 |
| Bridgewater | 1.85 | 4.07 |
| Truro | 1.90 | 4.55 |
*Kentville and Yarmouth commercial rates are from 2024–25.
Learn More
Want to dive deeper? Visit these pages:
- Why Do Taxes Need to Increase?
- What This Means for You
- What We're Building: Projects for 2025-2026
- Low-Income Property Tax Support
- How We Support Local
- Your Tax Dollars at Work
Your Questions Answered
Why are taxes changing?
The change helps us take care of important infrastructure and services. This allows us to do more of the work residents want, without delaying necessary improvements. Delays in needed infrastructure investments will only increase costs in the future.
What is being improved?
We're focusing on streets, sidewalks, water, sewer, and stormwater. Things that matter for daily life and safety. It also includes support for equipment, technology, and staff capacity.
What outside funding are we using?
We've secured over $6.0 million in provincial and federal support to reduce the share paid by residents. We also have about $2.7 million in funding applications pending federal or provincial approval.
Are there options for people on a fixed income?
Yes. The Town has increased the income limit for tax exemptions from $29,500 to $35,000, and added a sliding scale of relief ($250-$750), up from a flat rate of $450.
Can I see where my taxes go?
Yes. Starting this year, tax bills will show a breakdown. For example, provincial mandated expenses include $1.8 million to provincial education costs, and $40,000 supports the public library system.
Why do we compare ourselves to other towns?
We look at similar towns to understand trends, spot opportunities, and make informed decisions. But it’s important to remember that the Town and County of Antigonish are independent governments with different responsibilities, service levels, and revenue sources. Comparing tax rates between them doesn’t show the full picture, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. Each serves its residents differently, based on local needs and priorities. For example, town municipal units are primarily responsible for all streets, whereas the province maintains most roadways in county municipal units.
What Is the "Mandatory Education Area Rate"?
Is this a new tax?
No, this is not a new tax. What you’re seeing is a clearer breakdown on your tax bill. The Mandatory Education Area Rate is part of the total tax rate you’ve always paid in the Town of Antigonish.
So, what is it exactly?
This charge represents the Provincial Mandatory Education Tax, a provincially legislated requirement. All municipalities are required to collect this on behalf of the Strait Regional Centre for Education (Strait RCE).
Why is it on my bill now?
While the Town previously bundled this amount into the general tax rate, we’ve chosen to itemize it this year to be more transparent. Other municipalities already do this, and we believe it's important for residents to fully understand where their tax dollars go.
Let's keep Antigonish strong, connected, and ready for the future, together.
If you have any questions or concerns, we're here to listen. Please fill out the form below:
