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 Coastal Protection Project
Caladh Avenue is currently undergoing significant reconstruction to enhance the road network and strengthen coastal resilience. This project spans the waterfront from the Jitney Trail to Coleraine Street and includes several major upgrades. Key improvements involve elevating the roadway between Commercial Street and Market Street, installing new sidewalks, resurfacing with fresh asphalt, and introducing a boardwalk and multi-use pathway, with a designated bike lane on the south side of the street. Once paving is completed, Caladh Avenue will operate as a one-way westbound route. These enhancements are essential for protecting both public and private properties along this vulnerable coastal floodplain. Due to weather delays the project will be completed in the spring of 2026. New sidewalks and lighting on the north side of the street are nearing completion. The Town will continue to provide updates on the project through its website.
The Caladh Avenue Development Concept drawings were presented at the Committee of Council Meeting on October 7, 2024. Public input was gathered at that time. Questions maybe directed to Pictou 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) .
Market Wharf Breakwater and Marina Construction Project
The Town of Pictou began construction in November 2024 on a transformative $12.5 million redevelopment project aimed at rebuilding Market Wharf and constructing a new breakwater, key steps in elevating the Hector Quay Visitors Marina into a first-class waterfront destination. When complete, the marina will feature expanded berthing capacity and a range of modern amenities, including a fueling station, upgraded water and electrical systems, and on-site sewage disposal services. Construction is progressing on schedule, with approximately 33% of the project now complete. The installation of the rock socket pile foundation of the wharf was the most time-intensive phase and is now completed. Over the winter months, work will shift to installing the pile caps and decking for the breakwater, a stage that will begin to visibly reshape the waterfront and bring the marina’s new design to life. Project updates will continue to be shared on the Town’s website as key milestones are reached.
IConceptional Drawing of Marina Expansion and Market Wharf Rebuild (Below)
Capital Projects
Streets, Sidewalk, Paving and Servicing Update
The Town of Pictou maintains 37.8 km of paved streets and 2 km of gravel streets, classified as local, collector, or arterial. The 2024 Street Assessment Report outlines conditions and guides capital planning. For 2025–26, resurfacing and new service line work, including curbing, was installed on Grange Street, Prince Street, Constitution Street, Victoria Street, Fairview Court, Maple Street and Campbell Court. The Town has also launched a capital sidewalk project to improve pedestrian safety and active transportation. New sidewalks were constructed on Oak Street. These upgrades will provide safer, more accessible walking routes for the community. The contractor for this work is S.W. Weeks. Caladh Avenue work remains ongoing.
View pdf 2024 Street Assessment Report(556 KB) .
Jitney Trail Retaining Wall
The retaining wall along the Jitney Trail has deteriorated significantly and requires immediate reinstatement to ensure public safety and preserve the integrity of the trail infrastructure. In tandem with this work, the Town is reviewing design options to address long-standing traffic challenges at the V-shaped intersection of West River Road, Church Street, and Water Street. This intersection has historically raised concerns due to unclear traffic flow and hazardous turning movements. It is a frequent source of confusion for visitors and presents ongoing safety considerations for both drivers and pedestrians as highlighted in the 2021 waterfront master plan. Council is currently evaluating the most effective solutions, recognizing that both the retaining wall restoration and intersection redesign fall within the same geographic area. Coordinating these two capital projects will ensure a more efficient construction process and a comprehensive improvement to this key gateway into the business core of our community. Further updates will be provided as design options are refined.
AT Connector Trail
This fall, the Town completed the new active transportation connector trail, creating a continuous and safe route linking local schools, recreational facilities, and the existing Fitness Trail system. Community members can now enjoy a seamless trail walk from Pictou Academy to McCulloch Education Centre and beyond. Additional features including wayfinding signage and trail enhancements will be installed in the spring. The entry to this trail is at the top of Palmerston Street near the Stella Maris Cementry. This new connector significantly improves pedestrian safety for students while encouraging active, accessible transportation for all residents. This project was made possible through support from the Province of Nova Scotia under a program that funds active transportation projects.
Splash Pad Update
The splash pad tender has closed and the project was awarded to . Work begun over the fall with the installation of underground works, the pad and housing for equipment. The Town of Pictou would like to congratulate the Briody Park Splash Pad Committee on their hard work and successful efforts to bring this project to life.
Broidy Park Community Centre Construction Update
Construction of the new Broidy Park Community Centre progressed well throughout the fall; however, work has since paused due to issues with the primary contractor. To keep the project moving forward, the Town is now working directly with the sub-contractors to complete the remaining construction. The new Community Centre will serve as an important gathering space for residents and visitors. Key features include a multi-purpose room for programs and meetings, a future kitchen space, and accessible washrooms to support outdoor amenities, including the new splash pad.
Pictou Waterfront Master Plan
The Town of Pictou and Build NS (former Develop NS) along with consultants UPLAND Planning +Design worked together through extensive community consulation to create a master plan for the Pictou Waterfront. For further details and updates visit: Pictour Waterfront Master Plan webpage.
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.Currently Picotu Town Council and Administration are updating the ICSP which will outline priorities for the next five years.
pdf
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan 2023(1.10 MB)
ICSP 2023 Presentation
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.
