Yarmouth Town Council approves $4.6-million capital budget

Yarmouth Town Council has approved its 2023-24 capital budget.

A motion to approve the $4.6-million budget was passed unanimously by council on March 16.

Two key items in the budget include a significant investment in the planned expansion at Mariners Centre, and a major infrastructure project planned for this summer at the intersection of Main Street and Vancouver Street.

Other highlights include sidewalk construction on Herrington Avenue, and further investments in crucial equipment and training facilities at the Yarmouth Fire Department.

“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,” she added. “This year’s capital budget is focused on moving forward with projects already on the works to provide a better community for all.”

MARINERS CENTRE EXPANSION

In October 2022, more than $29 million in joint federal, provincial and municipal funding was announced for an expansion of the Mariners Centre. The expansion centres around a new, contemporary aquatics centre, a new fitness centre, new multipurpose 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

MAIN STREET AND VANCOUVER STREET INTERSECTION

In recent years, the town has made it a priority to replace aging water and wastewater infrastructure. Work has taken place on Main Street, Glebe Street, and part of Parade Street to replace water lines, and install separate waste and storm sewer lines.

The next major project 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.

INVESTMENTS IN FIRE SERVICE

To further improve the Yarmouth Fire 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. 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 $350,000. Projects to be completed will be announced later in the summer.