Alerts

Fundraising Campaign Launched for New Glasgow Public Library Revitalization

Details: Category: Alerts; Published: Tuesday, 21 April 2026 10:33

Fundraising Campaign Launched for New Glasgow Public Library Revitalization

April 21, 2026, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia - The Town of New Glasgow, in partnership with the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library, is launching a fundraising campaign to support the revitalization of the New Glasgow Public Library and Community Spaces.

The project will transform the existing library facility into a vibrant Destination Centre, bringing together community partners and providing welcoming, accessible spaces for residents of all ages. Planned upgrades include modern meeting rooms, creative and maker spaces, areas for youth and seniors, and programming and collaboration spaces for community groups and nonprofit organizations.

The fundraising campaign has a goal of $4.7 million, which will help create modern, flexible spaces while supporting major building upgrades that improve accessibility and reduce energy use.

“Our public library has always been a place where people come together to learn, connect, and grow,” said Mayor Nancy Dicks. “This revitalization project will ensure the library continues to serve our community for generations to come.”

The campaign is being led by Co-Chairs Wade Sullivan and Emily Sullivan.

“The library has always been a special place in our community, and this project will help create a space where people of all ages can gather, learn, and connect,” said Emily Sullivan.

“We’re proud to help lead this campaign and invite others to join us in supporting a space that will benefit our community for many years to come,” said Wade Sullivan.

A digital booklet outlining the project and ways to support the campaign is available on the Town of New Glasgow website at Library Revitalization Project - Town of New Glasgow

From left to right: Michael, Wade Sullivan (Campaign Co-Chair), Brooke, Ivy, Emily Sullivan (Campaign Co-Chair), and Declan.

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Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782

Town of New Glasgow Partners with North Nova Education Centre to Launch Fire Cadet Program

Details: Category: Alerts; Published: Wednesday, 15 April 2026 14:51

For Immediate Release
Town of New Glasgow Partners with North Nova Education Centre to Launch Fire Cadet Program

April 15, 2026, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia - The Town of New Glasgow is pleased to announce a new partnership with North Nova Education Centre to offer the New Glasgow Fire Cadet Program, beginning in September 2026.

The program will be open to students in Grades 10 through 12 and delivered as an after-school initiative through the Town of New Glasgow Fire Department. Participants will have the opportunity to earn a Fire Fighter 11 high school credit while gaining valuable, hands-on experience in the field of firefighting.

Through the program, students will develop foundational skills and knowledge in areas such as personal protective equipment, ropes and knots, first aid and CPR, forcible entry, and other essential firefighting techniques.

“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for both the Town and local students,” said Mayor Nancy Dicks. “We are delighted to be working with North Nova Education Centre to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. This program offers an excellent opportunity for young people to explore a potential career in firefighting and gain exposure to a highly respected and vital profession.”

“North Nova Education Centre is proud to partner with the Town of New Glasgow to deliver the Fire Cadet Program to our students,” said Principal Shane Pitts. “This opportunity allows students to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and explore a pathway in public service. Over time, programs like this help strengthen our community by inspiring the next generation of volunteer & professional firefighters and community leaders”

The program will be instructed by local Town of New Glasgow paid on-call firefighter and North Nova Education Centre teacher, Zach Langlois, who brings practical experience and expertise to the classroom.

The Town of New Glasgow is proud to support initiatives that foster youth development, career exploration, and community engagement.

Additional information will be provided through North Nova Education Centre in the coming weeks.

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Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782

Water Utility Rate Adjustments

Details: Category: Alerts; Published: Tuesday, 31 March 2026 12:31

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2026

Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board Approves New Glasgow Water Utility Rate Adjustments

March 31, 2026, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia - The Town of New Glasgow Council approved a Water Rate Increase Application on November 17, 2025 to the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board (NSRAB), which has approved amendments on March 27, 2026 to the Town’s Water Utility Schedule of Rates for Water and Water Services and its Schedule of Rules and Regulations, with new rates taking effect April 1, 2026.

The New Glasgow Water Utility operations are funded by the revenues generated by the Water Utility customers; it is a user pay run facility. The Water Utility is currently running a deficit and this impacts the ability to continue to invest in the standards required for quality drinking water. The Town is currently planning for a significant multiple phase source water dam upgrade of $9.5 million dollars between 2026-2029 required to comply with the Canadian Dam Safety guidelines.

The last water rate increase took place in 2017 based on the application made and approved in 2015. Since 2017, the New Glasgow Water Utility has experienced financial increases in the chemicals and materials required for water treatment, the utility costs for the treatment facility, increases in the utility costs for pumping stations, as well as wage increases. The Utility continued during the last rate period to upgrade major existing infrastructure including the replacement of the Mountain Road reservoir cover and liner in 2019, Munro Avenue tank interior painted in 2021 and roof replaced in 2023, along with watermain upgrades in the southend.

The proposed increases for New Glasgow customers in 2026 are 14.5%, 2027 are 13.8% and 2028 are 13.5%. The majority of residential customers in New Glasgow use a 5/8" water meter. The proposed increase for 2026 on a 5/8” meter translates for an average home user of an average base rate increase of $9.52 per quarter or $40 per year and consumption charge increase of $0.19/m³ with modest phased increases over the three-year implementation period. Even with the proposed water rate increase, New Glasgow will be providing water rates comparable to other municipalities within Pictou County.

There are significant changes to the bulk water and wholesale rates being charged to New Glasgow Water Utility customers that reflect their increases in consumption since the 2017 rate hearing. The wholesale rates include an increase in 2026 to the Municipality of the County of Pictou of 57.4% and 49% to the Town of Westville. Bulk Water customers acquiring water from the bulk water station will have increases in the consumption rate of $1.46/m³ currently to $8.10/m³ along with an annual licensing fee.

New Glasgow continues to be a leader in water quality and is meeting both provincial and national water standards. The New Glasgow Water Utility has a strong distribution system which is maintained at a high level to ensure quality water and cost effectiveness for the users as evidenced in the recent study released by the Ecology Action Centre.

The Board issued its decision on March 27, 2026, approving the Town’s application and authorizing phased rate adjustments on April 1, 2026; April 1, 2027; and April 1, 2028, respectively.

Following the rate approval Mayor Nancy Dicks emphasized the importance of maintaining high water quality standards for residents and businesses in the community. “Providing safe, reliable drinking water is one of our most important responsibilities. New Glasgow continues to lead in water quality by meeting provincial and national standards while maintaining a strong and dependable distribution system that supports our community today and into the future.”

The complete Schedule of Rates, Rules and Regulations, and supporting documentation can be found on the Town of New Glasgow website at: Water Billings - Town of New Glasgow

Residents and businesses are encouraged to review the full schedule to better understand how these changes may impact their water service billing. Additional updates and information will continue to be shared by the Town of New Glasgow in the upcoming quarterly water bills.

Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782

Committees of Council - Citizen Opportunities

Details: Category: Alerts; Published: Tuesday, 24 March 2026 08:36

The Town of New Glasgow is inviting citizens to apply to serve on the following committees that assist Council with achieving its goals and objectives for the community:

AUDIT COMMITTEE
The main function of this committee is to assist the Council in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, outlined in the Municipal Government Act (MGA), related to the quality and integrity of financial reporting along with ensuring the appropriate systems and controls for the proper recording of transaction and protection of assets are in place.

Two-year Term Available

1 Citizen Representative at Large from New Glasgow

(The citizen must possess knowledge and understanding of financial and investment matters with a preferred CPA designation.)

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The main focus areas of this Committee include: Recreation & Active Living Services, Heritage, Community Events, Beautification Projects, Glasgow Square, Tourism, and Arts & Culture.

Three-year Term Available

1 Citizen Representative from Ward 3 (Westside)

If you are interested in volunteering for one of the committee positions but would like additional information, please contact the undersigned. As part of your application for a committee, please submit the name of the committee of interest and a brief account of your background / qualifications as it relates to the respective committee and why you are interested in participating in the work of this Committee. A criminal record and volunteer sector check are required.

Town of New Glasgow Committee Applications

c/o Deputy Clerk Alison Tait
P.O. Box 7
111 Provost Street
New Glasgow, NS
B2H 5E1

Access the PDF copy here: Committees of Council - Citizen Opportunites for 2026 Advertisement .pdf

Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey

Details: Category: Alerts; Published: Monday, 23 February 2026 10:24

Starting February 23, Nova Scotians will be invited to participate in the Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey — the largest undertaking of its kind in Canada.

Participants who receive an invitation will be directed to complete the survey online. The survey takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete. While we recognize this is a significant time commitment, the information gathered will help build a deeper understanding of wellbeing across our province.

We also acknowledge that not everyone has a household address or access to a computer. Specific outreach will take place to ensure those who do not live in homes are included, and efforts will be made to meet people where they are. The goal is to make the survey as accessible and inclusive as possible.

To protect participants’ privacy, the survey is completely voluntary and anonymous. No identifying information, such as names or addresses, is collected.

To learn more about the Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey, including frequently asked questions, please visit:
https://www.engagenovascotia.ca/faqs

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