Alerts
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 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 main focus of this Committee is to provide input on matters related to business promotion and business development within New Glasgow.
| Three-year Term Available | 1 Business Representative from the Westside Plaza |
| 1 Business Representative from the Stellarton/Westville Road | |
| Business Corridor |
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) |
The main function of this Commission is to provide civilian governance on behalf of the Council in relation to the enforcement of law, the maintenance of law and order and the prevention of crime within the Towns of New Glasgow.
| Three-year Term Available | 1 Citizen Representative from Ward 2 (Northend). |
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
Tribute Video: Legacy of Henderson Paris & the Run Against Racism
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published: Wednesday, 04 February 2026 18:47
This tribute video reflects on the powerful legacy of Henderson Paris and the lasting impact of the Run Against Racism, a movement that helped shape a stronger, more inclusive community in New Glasgow and across Pictou County. Founded in 1990, the run was created in response to a racial incident experienced by one of Henderson’s sons and quickly became a unifying force for change, bringing together communities, schools, and thousands of participants in a shared commitment to respect, equality, and inclusion. Over two decades, and through the continued spirit of events that followed, Henderson’s leadership inspired meaningful dialogue, empowered youth, and strengthened connections across cultures and communities. His message, rooted in the belief that together we can make a difference, continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of standing against racism and working collectively toward a more just, respectful, and equitable future for all.
The Town of New Glasgow is proud to present this tribute video, produced by RavenMedia.
NOTICE TO MOTORISTS - OVERNIGHT PARKING BAN
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 14:12
Provost St & Archimedes St.
The Town of New Glasgow wishes to advise the public that snow removal from the sidewalk median area will be happening in Downtown New Glasgow on Provost St. (Jury St. – North Provost St.) and Archimedes St. (North Provost St. – Marsh St.) starting Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 12am (midnight) – 8am Thursday, January 29, 2026. Traffic control will be in place for the duration of the work with road blockages in place.
Motorists should be aware there will be no parking on any of these streets for the duration of the snow removal operation, and they should make alternate arrangements if needed.
Please drive safely through this area and be aware of pedestrians, motorists, workers, and work vehicles.
The Town of New Glasgow apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and wishes to thank motorists for their cooperation.
Audrey Buchanan, P. Eng.
Assistant Director of Engineering and Public Works