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Published: 08 April 2025

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.

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Published: 07 April 2025

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:  West Prince Ammendments - Staff Report

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Published: 31 March 2025