Community News
Protecting Victoria Park’s Hemlocks from Invasive Threat
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Protecting Victoria Park’s Hemlocks from Invasive Threat
Truro, NS – April 9, 2025 – To safeguard Victoria Park’s hemlock tree population from the risk of the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), the Town of Truro is adopting an early intervention strategy that includes increased monitoring and surveys. Additionally, a chemical treatment program will be implemented to protect at-risk trees, with plans to introduce biological controls as part of a long-term management approach in the future.
While HWA has not yet been detected in Victoria Park, experts believe it is only a matter of time before the infestation reaches the area. HWA is a small, aphid-like insect that feeds on hemlock sap, causing the decline and eventual death of affected trees. First identified in Nova Scotia in 2017, HWA has since spread to at least seven counties in the southwestern part of the province.
“Our hemlocks are an essential part of Victoria Park’s natural landscape and ecological health,” said Scott Holman, Victoria Park & Urban Forestry Supervisor of the Town of Truro. “By taking proactive measures now, we aim to preserve these trees for future generations and mitigate the impact of this invasive pest.”
Eastern hemlocks are a vital part of Nova Scotia’s old-growth forests, providing shade, stabilizing soil, and supporting diverse ecosystems. In Victoria Park, below Lepper Brook Dam, approximately 12,000 hemlock trees form ten distinct stands, playing a crucial role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance and character.
To help mitigate the risk of HWA entering Victoria Park, residents can take several actions. First, it's best to avoid infested areas, especially between April and July, when the pest is most active. It's also crucial not to move firewood, branches, or outdoor equipment between forests, as this can inadvertently spread the infestation. When visiting different forests, wear clean clothing and wash it after being in areas known to be infested with HWA. Additionally, we ask residents to avoid parking near or under hemlock trees, as the pest may be more prevalent in these areas. People should also place bird feeders away from hemlocks to reduce the likelihood of spreading the infestation.
Community members and visitors can help by learning to identify HWA and reporting any suspected sightings to the Town of Truro’s Park, Recreation and Culture Department at 902-893-6078 or
Extensive information on HWA and the Town of Truro’s protection plan is available on the Town of Truro’s website at www.https://truro.ca/hemlock-wooley-adelgid-hwa.html
For more information, please contact:
Scott Holman Victoria Park & Urban Forestry Supervisor Town of Truro
Public Information Session
The Town of Truro will host a Public Information Session on May 6th, 2025, to share details of the treatment plan and provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions about HWA and the steps being taken to protect Victoria Park.
More details on the session (location and time) will be shared on the Town of Truro social media pages.
2025/2026 Budget Approved by Council
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Town of Truro Council Approves 2025-2026 Operating and Capital Budgets
Truro, NS – On April 7, 2025, the Town of Truro Council, under the leadership of Mayor Hinton, approved the 2025-2026 Town’s General Operating and General Capital Budgets as well as the Water Utility Operating and Capital Budgets. The new budgets reflect the Town's continued commitment to investing in infrastructure, maintaining high service standards, and ensuring sustainable growth for residents and businesses alike.
Key Highlights from the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year
During the presentation to Council, Director of Corporate Services, Tara Russell, provided a recap of the Town's notable achievements in the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Using the road preservation tax, the Town rehabilitated key streets, such as Melrose Terrace, Royalty Street, Edgewood Drive, and others, extending the lifespan of these roadways before costly reconstructions were needed.
Other significant road projects included the new roundabout at McClures Mills Road and Willow Street to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety at this high-traffic intersection, an upgrade to Philip Street that featured new water and sewer mains, as well as the addition of sidewalks and curbing on the east side of Willow Street, with plans to extend the improvements into 2025.
A critical repair project at Lepper Brook Dam was also completed, securing the area’s water supply and preventing potential future failure.
The Town’s revitalization project for the former Truro Amateur Athletic Club Grounds continued through 2024. Work will continue into 2025, with construction to be completed this Summer and a grand reopening and renaming ceremony to the “No. 2 Construction Battalion Athletic Facility” planned for August 1, 2025.
These initiatives, among others, demonstrate the Town’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and supporting community development. For more details, the full “Year in Review” is available on the Town’s website.
2025-2026 Budget Overview
This year, Truro’s total approved General Operating Budget is $39.8 million, reflecting a 5.5% increase over the previous year. Despite rising costs, Council has worked diligently to ensure the budget maintains service levels and supports strategic priorities while also minimizing the impact on taxpayers.
Key components of the General Operating Budget include:
No increase in Residential or Commercial Tax Rates: With a rise in property assessments, the Town is able to avoid raising tax rates while maintaining balanced finances.
Sewer Charge Increase: To help cover the rising costs of sewer infrastructure maintenance, the Town approved a $0.05 increase to the sewer charge, resulting in an annual increase of approximately $24 for the average family.
Deed Transfer Tax Increase: The Town also approved an increase in the deed transfer tax from 1.0% to 1.5%.
Capital Investments
The Town is continuing its ambitious capital projects with a Capital Budget of $12.99 million.
Significant investments include:
Cobequid Drive Upgrade: A $2.7 million street upgrade project. This includes recapitalizing 575 meters of road, replacement of the sanitary sewer line, and installing a new storm sewer line to mitigate flooding in the neighbourhood.
Willow Street Infrastructure: Additional sidewalk and street curbing improvements are budgeted to be completed on the west side of Willow Street at $810,000.
Road Preservation Tax: A $617,000 allocation will continue to improve the condition of existing streets. Portions of Willow Street, Prince Street and George Street will be completed in 2025.
These projects, among others, will enhance the quality of life for residents and ensure that Truro remains a great place to live and work.
Water Utility Budget
The 2025-2026 Water Utility Operating Budget totals $4.99 million, reflecting a 5.5% increase from the prior year. While water rates will remain unchanged for the 10th consecutive year, the Town will be conducting a rate study to address long-term operational and capital funding needs. The Water Utility Capital Budget is set at $396,000, focusing on critical equipment upgrades.
Looking Ahead
As Truro continues to grow and evolve, the 2025-2026 budgets reflect a balanced approach, prioritizing essential infrastructure, public services, and community development. These investments, backed by significant support from provincial and federal partners, will ensure that Truro remains a vibrant, sustainable, and attractive community for residents, businesses, and visitors.
For more information about the 2025-2026 budgets, contact the Corporate Services Department.
Notice of Proposed Community Plan Amendments – Prince, Juniper & Clyke Streets
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The Town of Truro is considering amendments to its Community Plan (Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law) that will affect properties on Prince Street (Civic Nos. 187–344), Juniper Street (Civic Nos. 60, 70, and 55), and Clyke Street.
The proposed changes include establishing a West Prince Neighbourhood Advisory Committee and rezoning/redesignating certain lands from Regional Service to Urban Corridor.
Two Public Information Meetings will be held at Town Council Chambers, 3rd Floor of Town Hall (695 Prince Street) on Wednesday, April 16, from 2:00–3:00 PM and 6:00–7:00 PM.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the planning process.
Learn more: pdf West Prince Ammendments - Staff Report(1.18 MB)
