Kyle Meisner, facilities supervisor for the Town of Antigonish, made a presentation to town council during Monday’s regular meeting to request a funding resolution to apply for funding for infrastructure work on Bay Street. Meisner explained they are looking to upgrade municipal infrastructure including piping systems, waste water and storm water, roadways, sidewalks, electric poles, and other items to support new housing, growth, and improved service deliveries in the area.
He said they are applying through the Growing Residential Infrastructure Development stream, which is a provincial fund, and potentially they will apply through the federal Community Housing Infrastructure Fund. Meisner said the overall cost of the project is estimated at around $4.7 million at this time.
He said the cost to the town is estimated to be around $1.4 million.
There are a number of complications that come with the work, one being that it is the street near St. Martha’s Hospital. Meisner explained they also have to work with a number of partners, including the railway, because there are above and below ground crossings. They will also have to work with the town’s electric utility and Bell Aliant, and potentially Eastlink.
Meisner explained the construction is intended to start in the summer of 2025, with a potential wrap up date by the end of the calendar year. Council approved the request to seek the funding.