Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood (Contributed Photo)
The Town of Yarmouth has given the green light on its $4.6 million capital spending plan over the next 12 months.
A little over half of the money will go to major water and sewer project at the intersection of Main and Vancouver street.
Part of the work will also include paving and upgrades to the traffic lights. It’s a continuation of major work to upgrade infrastructure in the downtown core over the past few years.
“The infrastructure work completed this past budget year surpasses what’s been previously done and we are rightly proud of the accomplishments of the past year.” Said Mayor Pam Mood. “The ability to get so much done is based on financial management and budgets, so the biggest thanks goes out to our staff who put the budget together and kept us on track. Thanks also goes to every director for stretching dollars, seeking grants, and getting the actual work done.”
In addition, the town is committing money for the ongoing Mariners Centre upgrades, totaling $650,000 and a sidewalk project on Harrington Avenue.
2023-24 Capital Budget Highlights
Mariners Centre Expansion
On October 21st of 2022, more than $29 million in joint funding was announced for an expansion at Mariners Centre. The expansion centres around a new, contemporary aquatics centre, a new fitness centre, new multi-purpose space, and more. The federal government is investing more than $15.9 million in this project, the province is contributing $4 million, and the Town of Yarmouth, the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, and the Municipality of the District of Argyle are providing a total of $10 million. Last year’s budget allowed for $250,000 toward Mariners on Main and the expansion project. This year will see a continuation of the town’s contribution of just over 3 million, to be budgeted in full over the next few years.
Investment for 2023-24: $650,000
You can learn more about the planned expansion at Mariners Centre by visiting: https://marinerscentre.com/expansion
Main Street and Vancouver Street Intersection: Water & Wastewater Upgrades
In recent years, the town has made it a priority to replace aging water and wastewater infrastructure. In 2020, a major project saw the replacement of water and sewer lines on a section of Main Street, and the entirety of Glebe Street. In 2021, Parade Street was excavated between First Street and Pleasant Street to replace water lines, and install separate waste and storm sewer lines. The next major project of this nature will happen this summer, as water and sewer lines will be replaced at the intersection of Main Street and Vancouver Street. Work will also include a road rebuild, an upgrade to audible pedestrian controllers, and a traffic lights upgrade. Investment for 2023-24: $2,399,000
You can learn more about this project by visiting https://getinvolvedyarmouth.ca/major-infrastructure-upgrades-main-vancouver-street
Investments in Fire Service
To once again further improve the department’s high level of service and grow its volunteer base, funds will be allocated for the purchase of new equipment. New SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) will be purchased for staff and volunteers. More money will also be provided to continue improvements to training structures located at the fire hall on Pleasant Street. These investments help the department to obtain its goal of becoming a regional training centre. The department will also replace a generator and make repairs to the rear parking lot. Total investments for 2023-24: $360,000
Active Trails and Sidewalks
Last year saw a total of $1.4 million invested, with $400,000 coming from the town and the remainder from grants awarded the previous summer. This investment allowed for completion of a very important piece of trail/sidewalk between Forest Street and Argyle Street on Haley Road. An extension will soon be added on Parade Street, from Haley Road to Jody Shelley Drive as part of last year’s budget. This year’s capital budget will set aside funds for work on a sidewalk for Herrington Avenue, which will begin in the near future. Total investments for 2023-24: $300,000
Street Paving
This year’s investment in paving comes in at $350,00. Projects to be completed will be announced later in the summer.
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