Public Notices & News

News Release - Investing in Storm Protection Infrastructure in Pictou

News release
For immediate release
Investing in storm protection infrastructure in Pictou

Pictou, Nova Scotia, January 17, 2025 — The Pictou Market Wharf will be less vulnerable to storm surge events and sea level rise after a combined investment of $6 million from the federal, provincial and municipal governments. This was announced by the Honourable Sean Fraser, MLA Marco MacLeod, and Mayor Jim Ryan.

The Town of Pictou has experienced sea level rise and storm surges that are expected to intensify, with the Market Wharf bearing the brunt of the impact. Infrastructure at the Market Wharf, which includes buildings, wooden structures, sewer, water and storm mains, roads and paths, as well as businesses and personal property, is at risk.

Funding will be used to build a fixed breakwater to replace the floating breakwater, to build a more resilient wharf extension, and to raise the level of these structures along the waterfront in Pictou. Once complete, the project is expected to reduce the risk associated with future sea level rise and storm surges while also reducing the number of people who are left without access to essential services during storm surge events.

Quotes
“The Pictou Market Wharf is a key part of the town’s waterfront area. As Nova Scotia continues to experience more extreme weather events, we have seen that area is vulnerable to storm surge and sea level rise. This new fixed breakwater and improved wharf will help keep residents and properties safe.”
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“The Market Wharf is a hub for our boating community and for our community at large, offering so much more than just a place for boats to refuel. This investment will ensure the future of the Market Wharf in the face of the changes we’re seeing on our coastlines, so that it can continue to serve as the heart and pride of our waterfront, both for our citizens and our visitors.” 
Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West, on behalf of John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs

“The replacement and expansion of Market Wharf and construction of a new permanent breakwater represents an important link in our extensive Waterfront Masterplan.
Completion of this project will enhance opportunities for both community and regional growth by providing expanded marine services and opportunities for boating enthusiasts. We look forward to continuation of the promotion of Pictou as the premier marine destination on the Northumberland Strait. This new re-imagined Market Wharf will also return to its previous position as a place for residents and visitors to gather. The Town of Pictou is very appreciative of the partnerships we have forged to be able to bring this important project to fruition. Thank you to our Federal and Provincial partners for recognizing this potential within our community.”
His Worship Jim Ryan, Mayor of Pictou

Quick Facts
• The federal government is investing $2.4 million in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), while the Nova Scotia government is investing $2 million and the Town of Pictou is contributing $1.6 million.
• Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.
• Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3.8 billion to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
• To date, over $2.8 billion has been announced for more than 100 infrastructure projects that help communities better prepare for, and withstand, the potential impacts of natural disasters, prevent infrastructure failures, and help keep Canadians safe.
• On November 24th, 2022, the federal government released Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. It commits $1.6 billion in new federal funding to help address both immediate and future climate risks to Canadian communities.
• As part of the Adaptation Action Plan, released alongside the National Adaptation Strategy, the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund received an additional $489.1 million in funding.
• As part of the National Adaptation Strategy and Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, the federal government has launched the Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure (CTHI) initiative.
• The Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure will support the development of integrated climate-related tools, resources and services for communities through:
o Climate Help Desk to provide direct support to address infrastructure and climate-related inquiries;
o Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts to provide access to expert advice to strengthen climate-related considerations of public infrastructure and housing projects; and
o Climate Tools and Resources that are widely available and accessible through the ClimateInsight.ca Platform.
• The funding announced today builds on the federal government's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.

Associated Links
Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/.../index-eng.html
Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy
https://www.canada.ca/.../national-adaptation-strategy.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/.../clim.../climate-plan-overview.html
Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/.../index-eng.html
Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/.../index-eng.html

Regular Council Meeting Agenda - January 20, 2025

Notice of Town of Pictou
Regular Council Meeting
CN Station – Council Chambers, 71 Front Street
Monday, January 20, 2025
6:30 pm

The public can access the public portion of all meetings via the Town of Pictou Facebook Page beginning at 6:30pm or attend in person.

Agenda
1.  Call to Order
2.  Land Acknowledgement                       
3.  Changes/Approval of Agenda
4.  Proclamations & Acknowledgements
5.  Presentations
6.  Approval of Minutes
     a.  Public Hearing – December 16, 2024
     b.  Regular Council – December 16, 2024|
     c.  Special Council – December 23, 2024
     d.  Committee of Council – January 3, 2025
7.  Recommendations
     a.  Skate Park Debt
     b.  Citizen Appointments to Committees of Council
     c.  Employee Recognition Policy
8.  Discussion
     a.  Off-Highway Vehicles
     b.  Upcoming Meetings
9.  Municipal Corporation Reports:
     i)  Pictou County Shared Services Authority
    ii)  Pictou County Wellness Centre
   iii)  Riverview Home
   iv)  Mayors and Warden
10. Correspondence
11. Public Comments/ Questions 
12. Adjournment

______________
Kyle Slaunwhite
Chief Administrative Officer

Town Grant Program 2025-26 - Submissions Deadline March 31

Grant Program for Community Organizations and Individuals
The Town of Pictou is currently accepting applications from organizations and individuals requesting financial assistance through the Municipal Grant Program for fiscal year 2025-26. Applications must be forwarded to the Community Development Officer no later than March 31, 2025. Any applications received after this deadline will only be considered if funding is still available.
Applications will be considered in accordance with the Grant Program Policy for the Town of Pictou. Grant categories include:
1. Youth travel
2. Community Programming
3. National/Provincial/or Local Event
4. Community Economic Development Initiative
The Grant Program Policy and Application Forms can be picked up at the Pictou Town Office, 40 Water St. or downloaded from the town website at Town Grant Program. Only grant requests completed on application forms will be considered.
All first-time applicants are encouraged to contact the Community Development Officer at 485-4372 x. 255 or email michelle.young@townofpictou.ca to discuss their proposal and receive assistance in completing the application form. Guidance will also be provided in identifying ineligible projects/expenses or referral to other grants programs. Organizations and individuals who have previously received funding from the Town of Pictou will also be required to fill out an application form to be considered for financial assistance.

Employment Opportunity - Hector Arena Rink Manager

The Hector Arena is looking for a new Rink Manager.

Rink Manager, Hector Arena
Full time

Salary - to be negotiated

Duties Include:

• Startup and shutdown of rink which includes but not limited to the laying and removal of ice, plant startup and shutdown, general maintenance and cleaning.
• Scheduling of icetime and facility rentals with local associations and leagues, and private rentals.
• Engagement with the public and private sector for grants and engagement with the local community for sponsorship of the Arena
• Daily maintenance of the facility and ice surface
• Hiring and scheduling of employees
• Light bookkeeping and reporting to accountant
• Reporting to the Hector Arena Commission and attending Commission meetings
• Engaging with volunteers
• Checking the rink during low season with minimal maintenance.

Potential Candidate should have experience and attributes relevant to this position including but not limited to:

• Experience with hockey associations and leagues
• Building relationships with the community and organizations
• General knowledge of ice plant operations and mechanisms and familiarity of our facility.
• 2nd Class Refrigerator Plant Certificate or the willingness to obtain.

Deadline for applications is January 24, 2025. Please send resumes to the Hector Arena Commission Chairwoman,

Darla MacKeil at Darla.mackeil@munpict.ca. Only successful applicants will be contacted.