Project Overview

The Town of Antigonish is working to improve their municipal corridor between Haley Road and Marian Drive. Generally, these improvements include a full sanitary main and watermain replacement within a new utility corridor, street recapitalization, and an upgraded active transportation network.

The existing municipal services in the corridor require significant upgrades as some sections are over 100 years old. Not only is the existing system aging and in need of repair, but it also requires an increase in capacity to better serve the surrounding community and to allow for future development.

As part of the work for this project, there is an opportunity to recapitalize the existing street infrastructure including upgrades to the road geometry, improved pedestrian and active transportation facilities, and to consolidate utility infrastructure into designated utility corridors. Additionally, the project will improve the existing layout of the rail crossing, including geometric upgrades and integrated pedestrian facilities at the crossing.

Project Goal

This project is taking advantage of the planned full street recapitalization as an opportunity to upgrade the road geometry, and create safer active transportation facilities and connections.

This project intends to connect to the existing Marian Drive multi-use pathway (installed last year).

This Project Includes...

Upgraded Utilities:

• Installation of approximately 520m of new 300mm sanitary main
• Installation of approximately 550m of new 200mm watermain
• Installation of approximately 170m of new storm sewer
• Reconnection of existing services
• Relocation of utility poles

Full Street Recapitalization:

• Upgrades to existing road geometry
• 1200m of new curb
• 810m2 of new sidewalk
• 1450m2 of new active transportation facility

At Grade Rail Crossing Improvements:

• Improved geometry
• Designated pedestrian crossing infrastructure

Accessibility

Tactile Warning Surface Indicators (TWSI)

These are a system of textured ground surface indicators to assist people who are visually impaired effectively navigate the environment and indicate where they are entering a vehicle conflict area.

None of the existing pedestrian ramps along Bay Street within the study area include TWSIs.

Utility Poles

Several of the utility poles along the Bay Street corridor are located within the sidewalk, which is not convenient for pedestrians and particularly persons with disabilities.

Utility poles should be located off the roadway and sidewalk, and are proposed to be relocated to the grass boulevard between the roadway and the multi-use pathway for this project.

Bay Street - Project Corridor (1)

Bay Street - Project Corridor (2)

Key Improvements:

• Replacement of over 100-year-old water pipes.
• Reconstruction of a failed sewer main near Tim Hortons. 
• Realigned street layout for better traffic flow and safer sightlines. 
• New accessible sidewalks and a multi-use Active Transporation trail connecting East Main, Adam Street, and the Hospital. 
• Road raising near the river to reduce flood risk. 
• Relocation of utility poles outside of walkways. 
• Improved connections from the north and east to Downtown and the Landing trail. 

Key Features

Funding Partners

The Town has secured a total of $3.476 million in approved funding from Federal and Provincial partners, with additional funding applications pending. Partners and programs include: 

Funding Source	Amount	Purpose
ICIP – East Main to Adam	$466,199	AT trail, curbs, railway crossing
ICIP – Bay Street	$1,808,400	Water, sewer, and storm infrastructure
GRID Infrastructure Funding	$1,116,700	Road realignment, raising, poles

Pending Approval: 

AT Fund

$547,000

AT trail on Bay Street

Timeline

Step 1: Underground Infrastructure 

• Replace aging water mains, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems. 
• Move pipes out of the roadway into a dedicated utility corridor on the bank of the hill. 

Step 2: Roadway Re-alignment, Elevation, and Paving  

• Rebuild Bay Street with a better layout and slightly raise the roadway near the river for flood mitigation. 

Step 3: Utility Pole Relocation 

• Move poles out of the sidewalk to improve accessibility and safety.  

Step 4: Sidewalk and Trail Construction 

• Build new, accessible sidewalks. 
• Construct the active transportation trail connecting Adam Street, the hospital, and East Main. 

Step 5: Final Landscaping 

Finish the surface work, curbs, and greenspace beautification.  

Map of Project Area

Concept Renderings

FAQ – Traffic Restrictions and Control Measures 

Will Bay Street be closed during construction? 

Yes, sections of Bay Street will be temporarily closed in phases. Access to the hospital will be maintained at all times. Given Bay Street’s key role as a connector from Highway 337, traffic management plans are a critical part of the project. 

How will traffic be redirected? 

Traffic control measures will be in place to guide motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians around work zones. Emergency services and transit providers will been consulted to ensure uninterrupted service. Emergency vehicle flow will be prioritized through the worksite. 

How will businesses and residents be notified? 

Advance notices will be shared on the Town’s website, social media, and XFM radio announcements. Businesses will also be contacted directly to minimize operational impacts. 

Will work take place at night? 

At this time, the Town does not intend to pursue night work. This decision is based on: 

• Proximity to the hospital and concern for patient wellbeing. 
• Avoiding disruption to nearby residents. 
• Higher costs associated with night shifts. 

How will the public stay informed? 

Public updates will be provided before each phase begins. The Town is committed to clear and proactive communication throughout the entire project.