BEECH HILL – Council for the Municipality of the County of Antigonish has approved its budget, including an estimated $22,661,811 in spending, for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The financial road map, adopted during a special meeting on May 26, maintains residential and commercial tax rates, with what municipal officials called a “modest increase” to the sewer rate.
The residential tax rate is $0.85 per $100 of assessment, while the commercial tax rate is $1.43; both remain among the lowest in the province.
The document also includes an increase to the low-income property tax exemption from $300 to $325 for households with a combined income of $40,000 or less.
Sewer rates, which had not changed since 2019, will increase from $316.29 to $325 “to help cover rising operating and maintenance costs.”
“This year’s budget reflects council’s commitment to balancing affordability with continued investment in our communities,” Warden Nicholas MacInnis said in a press release. “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.”
Although the municipality, like its counterparts across the province, is facing increasing costs, MacInnis explained that ongoing assessment growth and careful financial planning have enabled the county to invest in community priorities while maintaining service levels and stable tax rates.
Municipal officials noted a “significant portion” of the projected expenditures are “mandatory contributions,” including education, which accounts for 23.6 per cent of the budget, while protective services consumes 20.8 per cent.
In a follow-up conversation with The Journal, Warden MacInnis indicated there had been plenty of discussion about the budget since April, including several additional meetings, describing it as a “big effort on behalf of council and staff.”
He said, “We were able to do a really good job balancing requests with strategic priorities,” while “maintaining current tax rates.”
When asked about the financial condition of the municipality, Warden MacInnis described it as “quite healthy,” noting there is “quite a lot” in reserves ($16,487,813). The county also has approximately $6 million in its general operating account, which covers the day-to-day operations of the municipality.
Key initiatives
The 2026-27 budget includes approximately $483,000 in community partnership grants, along with investments in technology aimed at improving how the county monitors and manages its water and sewer systems, including tracking equipment performance – both on-site and remotely. There is also funding earmarked for upgrading to the municipality’s website, with the aim of improving accessibility and user experience. Funding has also been budgeted for the hiring of a bylaw enforcement officer.
The county will also launch a rain barrel rebate program, budgeting $5,000. Municipal officials indicated more information on the initiative will be announced soon. CAO Shirlyn Donovan informed council during the special meeting that residents were “really interested” in the offering, explaining that staff have been fielding requests from residents, including several gardening groups, since the neighbouring Town of Antigonish adopted a pilot program that provides a $50 rebate to those who have purchased barrels to collect rain water.
“It is one small way,” Donovan added of helping residents with conservation.
When it comes to infrastructure projects, funding has been earmarked for accessible washroom facilities and storage at the Scotiabank Mini-Pitch, while new sidewalks on Appleseed Dr. 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 Antigonish Community Health Clinic,” with construction of the latter likely spanning a two-year period.
Monies have been set aside for a new garbage truck, the next phase of the active transportation corridor, including a cycle track and multi-use path from James St. to the Addington Forks roundabout; a feasibility study and environmental assessment for a new sewer treatment plant; and accessibility upgrades to the Municipal Administration Building on Beech Hill Rd.
One of the approved budget expenditures is a $150,000 commitment to an ongoing multi-million-dollar infrastructure renewal project at StFX, which includes the replacement of the track and turf field at StFX Stadium. This year, the first $50,000 of a three-year commitment for that amount will be doled out.
During discussion of the budget adoption, Coun. Richelle MacLaughlin (District 3) offered – considering a recreation needs assessment commissioned by the county and Town of Antigonish indicates one of the key issues is having better access to infrastructure – the municipality must deliver the message that StFX has a responsibility “to help support the community as well.” Describing the need for “better community partnerships,” Donovan noted – during discussions of the potential funding partnership – county officials outlined that position.
Reflecting on the planned expenditures, Warden MacInnis described the key focus on critical infrastructure as part of ensuring the long-term stability of the county. And, because of an increase in requests, council had to provide reduced funding compared to other years.
“Not specifically, he offered, when asked if financial constraints meant leaving any expenditures on the table. Noting there are situations where requests that “fall outside” the regular responsibilities for municipalities. Pointing the need to be “financially prudent,” Warden MacInnis indicated the need “not to stray out of our lane,” referring to taking on costs that do not fall under the county’s jurisdiction.
In the mail
The deadline to pay tax bills, which have been mailed out, is Tuesday, June 30, with the interest rate for overdue payments at six per cent per annum.
Warden MacInnis noted, with the idea of residents wanting to receive them as soon as possible, county staff started printing tax bills immediately after council approved the budget on May 26.
