Media Release: Council Approves the 2026-27 Municipal Budget

May 26, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF ANTIGONISH APPROVES THE 2026-2027 MUNICIPAL BUDGET The Council of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish approved its 2026–2027 Municipal Budget at a Special Council Meeting held on May 26, 2026. The approved budget totals $22,661,811 and maintains current residential and commercial tax rates, with a modest increase to the sewer rate.

Sewer rates, which have remained unchanged since the 2018–2019 fiscal year, will increase slightly to help cover rising operating and maintenance costs. For the average household, this represents an increase from $316.29 to $325 per year, or approximately $9 annually.

A significant portion of the budget reflects mandatory contributions, including education, which accounts for 23.6% of total expenditures, and protective services at 20.8%. Like municipalities across the province, Antigonish County continues to face increasing costs. However, ongoing assessment growth and careful financial planning have enabled the County to invest in community priorities while maintaining service levels and stable tax rates. “This year’s budget reflects Council’s commitment to balancing affordability with continued investment in our communities,” said Warden Nicholas MacInnis. “By maintaining our tax rates despite rising costs, we are helping ease the burden on residents while still moving forward with important projects that improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life across the County.”

Highlights of this year’s budget include: • The residential tax rate will remain at $0.85 per $100 of assessment. This is among the lowest rates in Nova Scotia. • The commercial tax rate will remain at $1.43 per $100 of assessment. The Municipality continues to be one of the lowest commercial tax jurisdictions in Nova Scotia. • Interest rate is 6% per annum.

Key initiatives include:

• Increasing the Low-Income Property Tax Exemption from $300 to $325 for households with a combined income of $40,000. • Adding a new By-law Enforcement Officer to support community standards. • Approximately $483,000 in Community Partnership Grants and special contributions will support a variety of community groups, centres and projects. • Upgrading the municipal website to improve accessibility and user experience. • Strategic planning session to help guide Council’s future priorities and decision-making. • Rain barrel program – A new environmental initiative for County residents that supports water conservation. The program has a budget of $5,000, with more information to be shared soon. • Investment in SCADA technology will improve how the County monitors and manages its water and sewer systems, allowing staff to track performance and control equipment in real time, both on-site and remotely.

The following infrastructure projects have also been approved:

• Construction of accessible washroom facilities and storage at the Scotiabank Mini-Pitch. • New sidewalks on Appleseed Drive and Trinity Lane to Beech Hill and Sears Ross Road to improve safety for students travelling to school and provide easier access to the new Public Health Clinic (This is likely to be a 2-year project). • Purchase of a new garbage truck to maintain reliable waste collection services. • The next phase of the Active Transportation Corridor, including a cycle track and multi-use path from James Street to the Addington Forks roundabout. • A feasibility study and environmental assessment for a new sewer treatment plant. • Accessibility upgrades to the Municipal Office.

Tax bills will be in the mail next week and are due on June 30, 2026.

Media Contact:

Megan MacInnis

902-863-1117

Megan.macinnis@antigonishcounty.ca