Yarmouth town council approves $5.4-million capital budget for 2025-26

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The Town of Yarmouth has approved its 2025-2026 capital budget that comes in at just over $5.4 million and brings significant investments to a variety of projects.

The budget was approved unanimously by council at its April monthly meeting.

Topping the list for this year’s budget are key projects carried over from the previous year, the town says. These include more investment in trucks at the Yarmouth Fire Department, design work needed for a future refit of the wastewater treatment plant, and more upgrades at the Yarmouth International Ferry Terminal.

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“A significant investment will also be made to replace the roof at Mariners on Main, complete an underground infrastructure project on Water Street, and replace snow removal equipment,” reads a media release. “The town is also providing support toward future renovations at the Yarmouth Curling Club.

Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood said the capital budget has a “focus on those items that are necessary in terms of both maintenance and growth and, as always, on what will serve the community best in terms of quality of life and growth.”

“Keeping in mind the worldwide economic climate, particularly tariffs and more from our neighbour, staff have been extra vigilant in keeping a close finger on the pulse of those things that will affect us most,” said Mood. “This allows us to do what we do with a measure of confidence, even in times like this.”

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2025-26 CAPITAL BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

• Wastewater Treatment Plant: This investment will be completed in two phases. Phase I will see electrical and structural construction upgrades completed. Phase II comprises engineering design work to prepare for the facility’s upgrades to secondary treatment technology. Total investment in the project is just over $1.9 million, with the Province and the Town of Yarmouth each contributing $991,325. Council has awarded a tender for the project to CBCL Limited.

• Water Street Underground Project: This is a unique opportunity where a proposed housing development has triggered the need for an infrastructure upgrade. The developer and the town are cost sharing the upgrades. The work will happen on Water Street, between Gardner Street and Richards Lane. Total Investment for the work comes in at $715,000.

• Mariners on Main: The former YMCA building purchased by the town in 2020 has served the town – and greater community – as a bridge solution to keep a community pool open until the new expansion is completed at Mariners Centre. The building will continue to house Mariners on Main until the expansion is completed in 2026. Options are being exploring to re-purpose the building so that it can continue to serve as a key anchor for Yarmouth’s downtown once the expansion is completed. The roof is over 40 years old and must be replaced. Total investment is $630,000.

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• Ferry Terminal Upgrades: More work will be completed at the International Ferry Terminal in Yarmouth. The CAT ferry is a crucial tourism link that services the region and province. Last year’s budget included $247, 050 for work on the dock pontoons. There is more work to be done this year. Total Investment for 2025-26 is $220,000.

• Investments in Fire Service: As part of a four-year investment, $1,170,000 will go toward replacing three trucks at the Yarmouth Fire Department. The project comes with a total cost of $4,503,781.

• Investments in Snow Removal Equipment: A total of $220,000 has been budgeted toward replacement of a plow truck and sidewalk plow.

• Street Paving: This year’s investment in paving comes in at $450,000 including $250,000 carried over from last year.

• Yarmouth Curling Club: Last year, the Yarmouth Curling Club presented council with plans for future renovations of its facility. Council has committed to a three-year plan to provide $100,000 annually to assist in upgrades of this important community asset.

To view the detailed capital budget, visit the finance department section of the town’s website.

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