Public Notices & News

Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board - Approved new rates for Town of Pictou

Details
Published: Friday, 28 June 2024 14:43

NSUABR – Water Rate Decision

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) has approved new water rates that will be effective July 1, 2024:

For a 5/8” meter, residential customer, the average current quarterly water bill is $144.97, and it will increase to $163.54 (12.8% increase) in 2024/25; $177.07 (8.3% increase) in 2025/26; and $178.19 (0.6% increase) in 2026/27. The base charge is decreasing and the consumption charge is increasing. A full list of the rates is here.

How we got here:

The water utility had a $110k deficit during the year ending Mar 2023. Inflation had been higher than anticipated since the last rate study in 2021. As well, the construction costs to replace old water mains has increased significantly in the past year or two. The average age of the water mains is 70 to 80 years old, the utility is investing each year to replace sections of water mains that are failing and leaking.

The utility hired GA Isenor Consulting Ltd to conduct a water rate study that would determine what water rates would be needed to cover costs over the next 3 years. The rate study was presented to Council on Dec 4, 2023 and Council agreed to apply to the NSUARB for a rate increase.

The was a public hearing held in the Council chambers by the NSUARB on Apr 3rd. The hearing was advertised on the Town’s website, social media, and in the Pictou Advocate beginning January 2023 through to the public hearing this past spring. The NSUARB then reviewed all the evidence and determined that the rate increase was reasonable. Their decision was made on Jun 26th. The rates will be effective July 1st and customers will see the new rate on their bill issued in October.

 The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) has approved new water rates that will be effective July 1, 2024:

RATES: (a) Base Charges Quarterly Unmetered
$244.28 (assuming 272 cubic meters per year).
Size of Meter 5/8" $79.54
3/4" $118.09
1" $195.19
1.5" $387.93
2" $619.22
3" $1,235.99
4" $1,929.86
6" $3,857.27
(b) Consumption Rate $ 2.42 per Cubic Meter

Pictou County Transit - New Service for Pictou beginning June 17

Details
Published: Friday, 14 June 2024 15:28

Pictou County Transit will be begin servicing the Town of Pictou on June 17th. There will be three designated bus stops within the Town of Pictou at the following locations:

1. Veterans Drive, beside Dollarama
2. Corner of Market Street and Water Street
3. Corner of Union and Denoon Street

Service runs 7:00am - 6:00pm, 4 trips per day. The cost is $3 single fare. $7.50 full day pass. Monthly passes $70/adults, $60/seniors and students, $40/youth (5–13). Children under 5 ride FREE. 

For the full schedule visit  pdf Pictou County Transit - Feeder Loop(132 KB)

For more details on Pictou County Transit visit their website at https://pctransit.ca/

 

Announcement: Clean Foundation teams up with Town of Pictou

Details
Published: Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:47
Clean Foundation is excited to welcome the Town of Pictou as one of the 19 communities being supported through the Community Climate Capacity (CCC) program. The CCC program is funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and was created to build capacity and empower Nova Scotian communities to become more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Clean will provide staffing support in the form of a climate lead, and a team of specialists with expertise in planning, mitigation, adaptation and funding who will help guide the Town of Pictou with identifying and working towards their local climate and sustainability goals over the next three years. Through this program, the Town of Pictou will use climate projections in waterfront planning; create green jobs; work with neighbouring municipalities on climate action projects.
Find the program's press release here: Press Release: More Provincial Support for Community Climate Priorities

Pictou Water Rate Study - Updated Draft

Details
Published: Tuesday, 23 January 2024 11:05

A presentation was made to Council on the Water Rate Study prepared by Gerry Isenor Consulting Ltd and Blaine Ruddy Consulting Ltd.

Points made during the presentation were:

• NS Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) require a balanced budget (no profit)
•The Town charges a Hydrant Rental fee to the property owner, who (Town) then pays the Water Utility for Fire Protection
• The study projected expenses for the Water Utility over the next 3 years using 3% inflation, with the exception of Nova Scotia Power where rates are known
• Assumed $600,000 annual capital investment and current debt figures
• New rates will run between $165-$178 per quarter, which are slightly above provincial average
• All other municipalities in the province are undergoing water rate studies

  pdf View the Pictou Water Rate Study here(442 KB) .

Notice of Public Hearing Water Utility

Published: Wednesday, 03 January 2024 16:10

The Town of Pictou, on behalf of its WATER UTILITY has applied for approval of amendments to its Schedule of Rates and Charges for Water and Water Services and amendments to its Schedule of Rules and Regulations.  The Hearing will take place on Wednesday, April 10 10:30 am in Council Chambers 71 Front St Pictou.  Board Hearings are open to the public and you may participate as follows:

You may speak at the hearing.  You must notify the Board by Wednesday, April 3.
You may make written comments by sending a letter to the Clerk of the Board at PO Box 1692, Unit "M", Halifax NS B3J 3S3 or by email at board@novascotia.ca or by fax at (902) 424-3919 by April 3.