Coastal Protection and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Town of Pictou is receiving significant provincial investments aimed at enhancing coastal protection, upgrading stormwater management, and improving key municipal infrastructure.
Caladh Avenue Project
Caladh Avenue and the surrounding area will undergo extensive reconstruction to elevate the road network and strengthen coastal defenses. This work covers a stretch of the waterfront from behind the former Consulate Inn on the Jitney Trail to Coleraine Street. Key upgrades include raising the street level by two feet between Commercial Street and Market Street, installing new sidewalks, asphalt resurfacing, and adding a multi-use pathway that includes a bike lane on the south side of the street. Once complete, the updated roadway will connect seamlessly to existing roads and trails.
These improvements are critical for safeguarding both private and public properties along a vulnerable waterfront floodplain, especially as the region faces increasingly severe weather events that threaten infrastructure and strain water management systems.
The Caladh Avenue Development Concept drawings were presented at the Committee of Council Meeting on October 7, 2024. Public may provide input on these conceptional drawings until October 21, 2024, Please contact the Town Hall directly at 902-485-4372, in person at 40 Water Street or by emailing: iain.macisaac@townofpictou.ca
To view the concept drawings of Caladh Avenue, pdfview and download here (7.10 MB) .
Colaraine Street Project
In addition to road and coastal upgrades, the Town will install approximately 250 metres of new stormwater piping around Coleraine Street to better manage stormwater collection and mitigate the risk of flooding. The Province and the Town of Pictou are each investing nearly $4 million into these essential projects. The initiatives are part of the Municipal Capital Growth Program, a historic $102-million provincial investment dedicated to municipal infrastructure improvements across Nova Scotia.
Market Wharf and Breakwater Construction Project
The Town of Pictou is embarking on an exciting redevelopment project this fall with the construction of a new breakwater and a complete rebuild of Market Wharf. With a total investment of $12.5 million from various sources including the Town of Pictou, this ambitious project aims to transform the marina into a first-class facility. The redevelopment is expected to take 18 to 24 months, with projected completion slated for 2026.
The project focuses on enhancing the marina’s capacity and services, making it a top destination for boaters in the region. The Hector Quay Visitors Marina will reopen with expanded berths and state-of-the-art amenities, including fueling stations, water and electrical upgrades, and sewage disposal services. No other public marina between Sydney and Charlottetown will offer this level of service, positioning Pictou as a premier maritime hub.
In addition to improved boater services, the redevelopment will create a vibrant public space at the marina, further integrating it into the community and drawing both locals and visitors to the Town. During construction, visiting boaters can still access Pictou Harbour. Labeled moorings in front of Market Wharf and off 27 Creighton Street will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The harbour also provides several safe anchorages, with tenders able to dock at the beach beside Market Wharf or at the small wharf near the Caladh Marquee.
The redevelopment of Market Wharf and the Hector Quay Visitors Marina will enhance Pictou’s position as a key destination for maritime enthusiasts, with services unmatched anywhere in the region. As the project progresses, the Town looks forward to welcoming visitors to this revitalized coastal gem.
Conceptional Drawing of Marina Expansion and Market Wharf Rebuild (Below)
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP)
The ICSP document provides a situation analysis on the Town, outlines council priorities and discusses programs which will allow delivery of goals over the next five fiscal years (2023/24 – 2028/29). The plan further provides a framework which is to be used as a guide by Town Council in their establishment of multi-year capital budgets, referred to as Capital Investment Plans (CIPs), and annual operating budgets.
pdf
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan 2023(1.35 MB)
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ICSP 2023 Presentation(364 KB)
2024 Street Assessment
The Town owns and maintains 37.8 km of paved streets and 2 km of gravel streets. There are three classifications of streets: local, collector, and arterial. This report examines the condition of streets and recommendations for the Town's capital plan on streets. View pdf 2024 Street Assessment Report(556 KB) .
Jitney Trail & Gut Bridge
The Town of Pictou is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of the rebuilt Jitney Trail Bridge, a vital link on the 3.8 km scenic trail. Known for its stunning harbour views and rich history as a former railway route, the Jitney Trail has been a community cornerstone since 1997. After a fire destroyed the wooden bridge in July 2022, the new 130-foot, free-span metal bridge was completed and reopened on August 9, 2024, thanks to funding from the Province of Nova Scotia, ACOA, the Municipality of Pictou County, and the Town of Pictou. Built by Partners Construction, the bridge features a durable metal structure and enhanced shoreline protection, ensuring resilience against future damage. This reopening not only restores a crucial connection but also revitalizes the community’s connection to the Jitney Trail.
Closure of St. Andrews Street Entrance from Coleraine Street
The Town is adding a small section of sidewalk and curbing at the end of St. Andrews Street as part of the already approved capital work scheduled for Coleraine Street this year. The estimated additional cost to the Town is less than $1,000. Following community feedback, particularly from residents and regular users of St. Andrews Street regarding the potential closure of this entrance, the Town will commence the work this fall. The closure aims to reduce and improve traffic flow and safety in an area where directional signs, such as "Do Not Enter" and "No Left Turn," are often overlooked or misunderstood. The primary goal is to enhance safety at the three-way intersection and reduce traffic on St. Andrews Street for residents. When implemented, the entire length of St. Andrews Street will become two-way, and all current Town services, including snow removal, will continue as usual.
Ricky Sutherland Memorial Ballfield Moving to New Location
The Ricky Sutherland Memorial Ballfield, also known as the CN Ballfield, is relocating to a site next to the recreational spaces at McCulloch Education Centre. This move enables the development of a modern, upgraded sports field with improved features for play. Groundwork has already begun, with updates on timing to come in the following months. This enhanced field will provide greater access for youth and players of all ages to engage in baseball and other forms of play.
Pictou Waterfront Master Plan
The Town of Pictou and Develop NS, along with consultants UPLAND Planning +Design worked together through extensive community consulation to create a master plan for the Pictou Waterfront.
Cultural Hub Project (Pictou Library and deCoste Performing Arts Centre)
Creating a new vibrant community hub that gathers together people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities around creativity, culture, education, and community well-being.
Town of Pictou Accessibility Plan
Pictou’s Accessibility Advisory Committee to Council has developed a plan in consultation with people with disabilities and their families, organizations representing people with disabilities and community members. Learn More.
Water Source Updates
Over the fall 2023 the Town commissioned a new well online. Well 18 is by far the largest well to date. This allows the Town to operate its water utility with four wells in total that produce more consistent water quality. Prior to this, the Town historically operated 14 wells, with these improvements the water utility operates with more efficiencies than it had in the past.
Cedar and Union Street Realignment
In October 2023 the Town contracted CF Construction to realign the lower junction of Union and Cedar Streets where they join Beeches Road. The primary goal of this project was to improve pedestrian safety. This capital project was made possible through the Infrastructure Canada Active Transportation Fund. There will be flashing crosswalk lights installed early in the New Year. Complimentary to this project the sidewalk between East End Grocery and Welsford Street has been replaced with a new concrete sidewalk providing improved safety and access.
