News

Council Approves 2026/27 Operating Budget – No Increase in Tax Rates

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Category: Media Releases

Published: Tuesday, 28 April 2026 08:41

Colchester County Council has approved its 2026/27 operating budget with no increase to residential or commercial tax rates. This marks the eighth time in nine years that the Municipality has held tax rates steady, with only a modest half-cent increase occurring in 2019.

Residential property owners will continue to pay $0.885 and commercial property owners $2.28 per $100 of assessed value, as determined by Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC), the independent, not-for-profit agency responsible for all property assessments in Nova Scotia.

This year’s balanced operating budget totals just over $47 million, up from $45 million last year. Steady growth in new construction and property values has continued to increase residential and commercial tax revenues, enabling the Municipality to expand services without raising tax rates.

The 2026/27 budget sustains core programs and services, prioritizes critical infrastructure, and promotes economic development and community well-being. It also continues funding for the County’s comprehensive grant programs for local not-for-profit and volunteer organizations.

“Our dedicated community groups continue to persevere through challenging economic times,” said Mayor Christine Blair. “We value their contributions and are glad to support their work, which provides such vital services and facilities throughout the county.”

This year, 45% of the Municipality’s tax revenue—$21 million—will be transferred to the Province to support services such as education, libraries, policing, and assessment. Education costs alone increased by $714,198 (6.8%), following last year’s $828,000 rise. Policing costs grew by 3.43%. Given Colchester County’s large geographic area and recent history, community safety remains a top priority. Accordingly, the budget provides for three additional officers, building on the three added in 2025.

The remaining 55% of the Municipality’s operating budget is used to fund essential local services such as solid waste management, recreation services, wastewater treatment, community and environmental planning, economic development, and emergency management services. With community growth and demand for services continuing to rise, an increased investment of $500,000 in staffing and facilities was necessary to keep pace this year.

Other notable items include $100,000 added for public transit and $500,000 for construction of a fire protection system that will serve the Debert Business Park and support future development such as the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. Council also set aside $315,500 this year to be added to the annual $200,000 reserve fund designated for capital cost repairs at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre. This is in addition to the annual $750,000 allocation for RECC operations.

“Despite increasing financial pressures, including continued rising mandatory contributions to the Province, we have again delivered a responsible, forward-looking budget. One that reflects thoughtful planning, accommodates growth, and demonstrates our commitment to the residents we serve. I’m proud of our Council and staff for the extensive work, rigorous review, and strong financial stewardship that shaped this budget—especially with no increase to the tax rate.” – Mayor Christine Blair.

Tender Notice - Tatamagouche Sewer Replacement (2026)

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Category: Tenders & Proposals

Published: Tuesday, 21 April 2026 16:23

pdf Tender Notice - Tatamagouche Sewer Replacement (2026)(109 KB)  - Closing Monday, May 11, 2026 at 3pm

Robie Street Pumping Station Replacement Project

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Category: News

Published: Saturday, 04 April 2026 15:54

Construction on the Robie Street Sewer Pumping Station Replacement project will be commencing this weekend. The existing sewer pumping station is located within the sidewalk at 71 Robie Street (directly in front of Berry’s Motel) and will be relocated across the street to the greenspace in front of the Fundy Trail Centre Mall. Our contractor has erected fencing this week to enclose their work area.

Traffic control on Robie Street will be implemented Sunday night and will include concrete jersey barriers in the northern-most lane. It is expected that the north lane of Robie Street will be closed 24-hours per day for approximately a week, while excavation and directional drilling take place. Intermittent disruptions to the flow of traffic is anticipated on Robie Street over the next month while this work is completed.

Deer Population Research Starting April 2nd

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Category: Notices

Published: Thursday, 02 April 2026 11:40

Starting April 2, 2026 and continuing throughout the month the Municipality will be conducting deer population research in the communities of BIBLE HILL, VALLEY, BROOKSIDE, SALMON RIVER, LOWER TRURO, TRURO HEIGHTS and HILDEN.

Please note, to complete this work our wildlife consultant may be required to pass through private property. We appreciate the community's cooperation as we conduct this important research. If you have any questions please contact the Municipal office.

Volunteer Opportunities - Committee Vacancies

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Category: Notices

Published: Thursday, 02 April 2026 06:04

The Municipality of Colchester is seeking volunteers to fill vacancies on the following Committees for balance of the 2024-2028 term of Council (ending October 2028):

• Citizens Monitoring Committees (for Wind Turbines): citizen representatives for the Windy Ridge/Kutnuk Projects, as well as for the Higgins Mountain Project;

• Debert Water Utility Advisory Committee: citizens must be serviced by the Water Utility;

• Audit Committee; and,

• Colchester Planning Advisory Committee: seeking representation from citizens in rural areas of Colchester County.

Individuals interested should complete an application form including any relevant background information, and send to the Municipality of Colchester, c/o the Nominating Committee, 1 Church Street, Truro, B2N3Z5 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Deadline for applications/expressions of interest is April 15, 2026, or until all vacancies are filled.

  pdf Citizen Application for Municipality of Colchester Committees(81 KB)

Dated April 1, 2026

Dan Troke
Chief Administrative Officer

New Public Water Station Now Open!

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Category: Notices

Published: Tuesday, 31 March 2026 12:00

The Municipality is pleased to announce the opening of a new public water station located at 84 Tidal Bore Road in Lower Truro. This new facility provides treated water from the Town of Truro’s water supply network and is free for public use.

Colchester residents have consistently expressed the importance of reliable access to safe, clean drinking water, particularly during periods of drought. This new water station enhances the community’s resilience during dry conditions while ensuring a dependable and safe source of drinking water for residents.