ANTIGONISH, N.S. — ANTIGONISH - The Town of Antigonish is projecting an increased surplus at the midway point of the current fiscal year.
During council’s most recent monthly meeting, which took place Nov. 18, staff provided an update on budget projections.
Town officials originally projected a $34,000 surplus, but that has increased to an estimated $231,000.
“With the amount of capital expenditures that we’ve had this year, and the work that we’ve done, to come in under budget is something that the staff work very hard (at) and take pride in,” Mayor Laurie Boucher told reporters after the session.
“They are not cutting any corners- just doing a lot of hard work with their pencils.”
She added council is “very happy with how everyone in each of the departments and [department] heads took care of their budgets very well."
“They did a lot of work and are still coming in under budget.”
Boucher noted the municipality is only halfway through its fiscal year, cautioning a week of snowy weather – with its associated costs – could put a dent in that projected surplus.
“As of right now though, at mid-season, it’s looking pretty good for a surplus in the spring,” she said.
Open for business
The new skate park in Antigonish is scheduled to start welcoming visitors this week.
Although circumstances, such as inclement weather, have stalled the construction process, Boucher said users have been patient.
“We haven’t gotten any complaints (about the delay),” she noted.
Boucher said people have already been using the park, but they were asked to leave because construction was not complete.
“They were very understanding,” she added.
Boucher hopes the weather will co-operate in the coming weeks, so people can get some use out of the facility before the snow starts to fly.
Construction on the approximately $700,000 initiative began in July.
Boucher said the plan is to have a soft opening before the end of November, with a grand opening coming in the spring.
Infrastructure upgrades
Council has approved water and sewer upgrades along Fairview Street, which will also provide fire protection for the neighbouring Antigonish Arena and the new Antigonish Farmers’ Market building.
The work, which is expected to get underway in the spring as soon as weather permits, will carry a $75,000 price tag: $50,000 for the water and $25,000 for the sewer components.
“It is being taken out of our depreciation fund, which is the money that taxpayers are paying, specifically, to take care of projects, such as that,” Boucher said.
Three fire hydrants will be added, while the water and sewer lines will be expanded to eight inches.
“It was scheduled to be done many years ago but, because the construction of the new [farmer’s market] building is taking place right now, now is the time to do it,” she added.
Boucher noted the infrastructure work is not expected to affect the scheduled opening of the new farmers’ market building.
New deputy mayor
Coun. Mary Farrell is the new deputy mayor for the town, taking over for Coun. Donnie MacInnis, who has completed his one-year term.
“I am truly honoured,” Farrell said after council unanimously approved her nomination.
She added the role provides her with “one more way in which to serve the town.”
Describing the deputy mayor's position as “a very important role,” Boucher noted she has been “very fortunate” to have had great ones during her term.
“Mary is someone I go to to discuss things; she is very fair and open-minded,” Boucher said. “She always has the concerns of community in mind when she is making decisions."
