What We're Building: Projects for 2025-2026

The Town of Antigonish is investing more than $22 million, with support from federal and provincial partners, in projects that aim to improve everyday life, plan for future growth, and protect the infrastructure we all depend on. From the sidewalks we walk each morning to the waterlines we rarely think about but always trust. These investments reflect the real, everyday needs of our community. These plans are part of our long-term vision to build a stronger, safer, and more connected town.

To achieve the level of service that residents expect, we needed to raise taxes. This increase isn’t just about maintaining what we have; it’s about building capacity for the future: in our sewer systems, water supply, roadways, sidewalks, electric utilities, and more. We’re investing now to avoid bigger costs down the road and to meet the needs of a growing town.

A prime example of why this work is urgent is the Bay Street project, one of the most critical and most deteriorated parts of our infrastructure:

Water: The pipes under Bay Street are over 100 years old, and we’ve had serious breaks.
Sewer: A main sewer line failed near Tim Hortons, which was a clear sign we can’t afford to wait.
Sidewalks, pavement, and curbs are in poor condition and no longer meet accessibility standards.
Street alignment is outdated. By moving pipes out of the middle of the road and reconfiguring the layout, we reduce future disruptions and make the street more attractive and functional.
Flooding is a growing risk; we plan to raise the road slightly by the river to help keep this key route open during severe weather events.
East Main will also be part of the network, linking the Landing and Downtown and providing funding for curbs, trails, and railway crossings.
Active Transportation (AT): East Main and Bay Streets are also a key connection for walking, biking, and wheeling. It forms part of the AT Spine (Project D), which connects to the hospital and Fernwood.

Let’s take a closer look at the major projects and what they mean for you.

1. Bay Street Rebuild

Bay Street is one of the most critical projects in this year's budget, and one of the most overdue for an upgrade.

This street is getting a total overhaul, combining infrastructure upgrades, flood protection, and a new multi-use trail for walking, biking, and wheeling. Here’s what’s happening:

Over 100-year-old water pipes will be replaced
A failed sewer main near Tim Hortons is being rebuilt
New accessible sidewalks and multi-use trails will connect to the hospital, Fernwood, and East Main
The street layout will be realigned to improve safety and reduce future disruptions
The road will be raised slightly by the river to reduce flood risk
East Main will serve as a connector to Downtown and the Landing, unlocking funding for trails, curbs, and a safer railway crossing

Funding secured so far: $2.925 million

Active Transportation Trail Project Overview:

Proposed Bay Street Upgrades:

Bay Street Overview (looking South):

2. Water and Sewer Upgrades

When most people think about infrastructure, they picture streets and sidewalks. But the most essential, and expensive, work happens underground. Aging water and sewer systems across town need major upgrades to prevent breaks, flooding, and service outages.

These improvements are a key part of both the West Street & James Street and Bay Street projects. By investing now, we’re ensuring reliable service for homes, businesses, and future development, while avoiding higher costs and emergency repairs down the line. It means fewer unexpected disruptions, smoother commutes, and peace of mind knowing the essentials are being taken care of behind the scenes.

3. Flood Protection and Street Redesign

Flooding has been a growing concern, especially near East Main and Bay Street by the river. One of our major goals is to raise the street slightly to reduce flood risk. We're also moving utility lines and pipes out of the street and into safer, more accessible areas, so repairs don’t shut down entire roads in the future, and pedestrian and non-motorized traffic can flow without obstruction.

4. Active Transportation Trail

Active Transportation (AT) means trails and pathways for walking, cycling, or wheeling. This is about safety, accessibility, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

What’s Happening:

Building the "AT Spine": a connected trail running through town, including:
- From East Main to Adam Street and the Hospital
- Safer railway crossings and pedestrian lighting at the East Main crossing.
These trails will connect neighbourhoods to downtown, the hospital, and the Landing.
- Approved AT ICIP Funding: $466,199 (East Main)
- Potential ATF Funding: $547,000 (Bay St to Hospital)

5. Sewer Treatment Plant Upgrade

We’re making major improvements to the Sewer Treatment Plant, with a $5.4 million upgrade that includes:

A modern screener to remove materials from the wastewater that should not be flushed and damage downstream equipment.
- 50% of funding already secured, with more support from the County
A new building for equipment
- Conceptual rendering of new building:
Once operational, the sewer treatment plant will operate more efficiently and with fewer mechanical disruptions.

6. Better Sidewalks Where They’re Needed Most

New sidewalks are planned for several areas to improve safety and accessibility:

Greening Drive near schools, for children walking to class
Additional funding has been allocated for additional sidewalk replacements with specific sites to be determined.

We’re also hiring a five-person sidewalk crew to build and maintain sidewalks more cost-effectively. This will cut the cost in half compared to outsourcing the work.

7. West Street and James Street Sewer Line

These two important streets are getting attention, with sewer line upgrades on James Street and full water, sewer, street, and sidewalk upgrades on West Street. This project is pending provincial funding approval.

The work starts with replacing old underground systems and ends with brand-new streets that are safer and easier to use. Once the water and sewer lines are replaced, we’ll rebuild the roads to modern standards. That means:

Fresh pavement
New curbs and storm drains
6-foot wide, fully accessible sidewalks

Funding already secured: $458,275

Potential other Funding: $2,250,000

This investment will support smoother travel, better drainage, and safer walking routes for years to come.

8. Equipment, People, and Technology

To keep up with all this work, we’re also investing in:

New Public Works equipment like a snow loader and salt truck New hire: a dedicated Project Manager Upgraded systems for timekeeping, human resources, and procurement

We’re Building for You and for the Future

This plan represents more than construction. It’s about creating a town where we all feel safer, healthier, and more connected. For most of us, things like clean water, smooth roads, and working streetlights are just part of the background. We turn on the tap, flush the toilet, or walk down a well-lit street without giving it a second thought. But these everyday comforts only happen because we invest in the unseen systems that support them. It’s about acting now so we’re not leaving bigger problems for the next generation. Council is committed to doing this work with transparency and responsibility.

Learn More

Want to dive deeper? Visit these pages:

Let's keep Antigonish strong, connected, and ready for the future, together.

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