As we head into 2025, the new mayor of Antigonish is proud to reflect on a year of significant milestones.

Sean Cameron stepped into the role during October’s municipal election and tells us it has been a busy transition, with several topics that were top of mind, including desludging the sewage plant.

“We handled that the day after we all got sworn in and that work [is happening] as we speak. Hopefully they will be removing the sludge from the plant, which will enable the plant to function better in the future and hopefully alleviate any smells.”

A putrid odour from the plant had blanketed the town over the summer and fall months prompting council to take quick action and make good on one of Camerons election promises.

Cameron says removing the muck should be completed shortly.

In addition to that, the town will be installing a screening system that will be attached to the front of the plant to catch unwanted items that can clog things up.

It is a joint investment of $5.4 million between the province, town and county.

Plans for open communication

Cameron tells us another goal he has heading into the New Year is to be more transparent with the community.

This includes being open with progress on things like the new solar garden – a $9.7 million federal investment to modernize and strengthen the electrical grid, with a focus on renewable energy.

“Things are progressing. We’re doing testing on that now. Hopefully that’ll be operational. Unfortunately, in the winter your days are shorter, so I don’t know how much more power that will bring.”

Sidewalks and roads

Curb work and paving was recently completed on Hawthorne Street, but Cameron says, other infrastructure projects are not off the table.

“We’re certainly looking forward to seeing what new streets and continuation of paving projects [can be done] for next year. We’re jumping right into the budget and hopefully in January, February…council will meet, and we’ll have a list from when we were campaigning to determine what are the next projects that citizens are looking for us to improve on.”

Water

A new water source is also a big priority, with the area at risk of drying up.

Cameron says the town system is not adequate considering demands from the fringe area, with county residents using about 21 per cent more than the town, as more developments go up.

“So, we have to get another water source, or else we’ll be in drought. And I don’t just mean consumable water. I’m talking about water for fire protection. Without water, you can’t put out a fire. So, it’s imperative that we, both councils, look to get a new source of water to ensure that buildings and people are not at risk.”

He adds that the town engineer and warden are currently looking at other possibilities.

Other achievements

There were several other achievements for Antigonish in 2024.

They include the launch of a new fitness program, “Older Adults Moving & Mingling”, new playground equipment and trail at Arbor Drive Park as well as a new welcome sign at Chisholm Park.

As for things to accomplish in the 2025, Cameron says he wants to continue to focus on cooperation between the town and county.

“Initial meetings we’ve had councillors are all on the same page. We all have common goals.”