News

Council Approves 2025/26 Operating Budget – No Increase in Tax Rates

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Category: Media Releases

Published: Friday, 25 April 2025 09:11

Colchester County Council has officially approved its 2025/26 operating budget with no increase to residential or commercial tax rates. This marks the seventh time in eight years that the Municipality has held tax rates steady, with only a modest half-cent increase occurring in 2019.

Residential property owners will continue to pay $0.885 and commercial property owners $2.28 per $100 of assessed value, as determined by Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC), the independent, not-for-profit agency responsible for all property assessments in Nova Scotia.

This year’s balanced operating budget totals just over $45 million, up from $42 million last year. The increase is supported by strong local growth, including new builds, resulting in a 7.63% rise in residential tax revenue and a 2.27% rise in commercial revenue, allowing the Municipality to expand services without raising rates.

The 2025/26 budget maintains support for core programs and services, while investing in critical infrastructure, economic development, and community wellbeing. Funding continues for the County’s comprehensive grant programs supporting local not-for-profit and volunteer organizations.

“Council reviews requests from many dedicated community groups each year,” said Mayor Christine Blair. “These organizations—often volunteer-run—are the backbone of our communities, providing vital services and facilities. We’re proud to continue our support for their incredible work.”

Despite increasing financial pressures, including rising mandatory contributions to the Province, Council has delivered a responsible, forward-looking budget. This year, over 43% of the Municipality’s tax revenue—$19.3 million—will be transferred to the Province to fund services such as education, libraries, policing, and assessment. Education costs alone rose by $828,000, following last year’s $973,000 increase, while policing costs increased by $434,000, building on a $670,000 rise in 2024.

That leaves $25.7 million to fund essential local services such as wastewater treatment, environmental planning, recreation, and solid waste management.

“This budget is a reflection of smart planning, strong growth, and a deep commitment to our residents. Holding the line on tax rates—while still expanding services and supporting vital community initiatives—is no small achievement. I’m proud of the work Council and staff have done to ensure we’re not only meeting today’s needs but preparing for a stronger, more resilient future.” – Mayor Christine Blair.

Project 2502-1449 Tatamagouche Sewer Replacement 2025

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Category: Tenders & Proposals

Published: Thursday, 17 April 2025 13:45

pdf Project 2502 1449 - Tatamagouche Trunk Sewer 2025 - Phase 1 (108 KB)  - Closing Friday May 2 2025 @ 3:00pm

Notice of Intent - Second Reading Chapter 28 Land Lease Development By-law, Chapter 36 Commercial Dog Care Kennel Facility By-law, and Chapter 56 Wind Turbine Development By-law

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Category: Notices

Published: Tuesday, 08 April 2025 16:55

Take Notice that the Council of the Municipality of the County of Colchester will consider Second Reading of proposed amendments to Chapter 28 Land Lease Development By-law, Chapter 36 Commercial Dog Care Kennel Facility By-law, and Chapter 56 Wind Turbine Development By-law, at the regularly scheduled Council meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025. This meeting will be held both virtually via Zoom Webinars and in-person at 1 Church Street, Truro, NS.

The proposed amendments to these By-laws are required due to the recently approved Colchester Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law, and if approved, will ensure continued enforcement mechanisms for any existing permits or licenses granted under these By-laws.

The text of the proposed amendments to the By-laws may be inspected or a copy obtained at the Community Development Office, 1 Church Street, Truro, and is also available on the County's website at www.colchester.ca. Anyone interested in addressing these amendments either by written submission or in-person at the Council meeting, please contact 902-897-3170 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Dated April 8, 2025
Dan Troke
Chief Administrative Officer

pdf Chapter 28 Land Lease Draft Amendments (April 2025) (3.09 MB)
pdf Chapter 36 Commercial Dog Care Kennel Facility Draft Amendments (April 2025) (812 KB)
pdf Chapter 56 Wind Turbine Development By law Draft Amendments (April 2025) (923 KB)

RFP - Fundy Discovery Site Bridge Construction

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Category: Tenders & Proposals

Published: Tuesday, 08 April 2025 09:56

  document RFP - Engineering Design-Build Services - Fundy Discovery Site Bridge Construction (92 KB)  - Closing Monday, May 5 2025 @ 3:00pm

pdf Addendum # 1 (406 KB)  - Issued on Thursday April 17 2025

Virtual Meetings Notice - Council & Council Committee (April-June 2025)

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Category: Notices

Published: Thursday, 03 April 2025 18:25

Take Notice that the following Council and Council Committee/Presentation meetings will be held both in-person and virtually:

Council Committee Presentations (held on an as needed basis)
• May 6, 2025
• June 3, 2025

Regular Council Committee
• April 10, 2025
• May 15, 2025
• June 12, 2025

Special Council Committee (Budget Meetings)
• April 8, 2025 (Maintenance Budget) @ 5pm
• April 15, 2025 (Additions & Deletions) @ 5pm
• April 22, 2025 (2nd Additions & Deletions) @ 5pm **IF REQUIRED

Council
• April 24, 2025
• May 27, 2025
• June 25, 2025

All meetings begin at 6pm unless otherwise noted. Anyone wishing to attend these meetings virtually, please contact the Administration Office at 902-897-3184 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 3:30 pm on the date of the scheduled meeting.

Dated April 3, 2025
Dan Troke
Chief Administrative Officer

One and Half Ton (2) - 2025/26 WWC

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Category: Tenders & Proposals

Published: Friday, 28 March 2025 11:20

pdf One and Half Ton (2) - 2025 26 WWC (320 KB)  - Closing Tuesday, April 22 2025 @ 3:00pm