More than $1M will be invested in community assets that benefit town residents, as well as the entire region.
Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 - Yarmouth, N.S. – The 2024-25 capital budget was on the agenda at last Thursday’s council meeting. The nearly $3.6M budget, which includes investments in several projects that will benefit both town residents and the greater community, was approved unanimously by council. Items listed in the budget for the upcoming year include investments in Mariners Centre expansion/projects, the Track and Field facility project in Argyle, and more upgrades at the Yarmouth International Ferry Terminal. Other projects on this year’s list include the purchase of two new transit buses, new trucks for the Yarmouth Fire Department, and continued investments in multi-use trails.
"We are thrilled to have another capital budget passed,” said Mayor Pam mood. “Given the worldwide economic climate that definitely affects us here in Yarmouth, a tremendous amount of thought is put into every line of the budget with the lens focused on what will serve the community best. We look forward to seeing what's encompassed in this budget come to fruition, making the community better for all."
2024-25 Capital Budget Highlights
Mariners Centre Expansion/Recreation Assets
Since major funding was announced in October of 2022, planning and design work has moved full-steam ahead on the expansion project at Mariners Centre. The expansion centres around a new, contemporary aquatics centre, fitness centre, indoor walking track, and multi-purpose spaces. This year will see a continuation of the town’s contribution toward the project, as well as continued support for Mariners on Main as it acts as a bridge facility until the expansion is completed (scheduled for fall of 2026). Other recreation projects will be funded that will benefit the region as a whole. Investments will be made in the track and field facility in Argyle, another new project at Mariners Centre, and the Lake Milo Boat House. Combined Mariners Centre Expansion/Recreation Investments for 2024-25: $765,000
You can learn more about the planned expansion at Mariners Centre by visiting: https://marinerscentre.com/expansion
Investments in Fire Service
The Yarmouth Fire Department will again be allotted funds for the purchase of new equipment. $790,000 will go towards the purchase of two new trucks costing $2.2M in total, funded over three years.
Transit Service Upgrades
Transit service will be upgraded with the addition of two new buses. Total Investment: $500,000
Active Living/Multi-Use Trails
Significant work has been completed in recent years to develop multi-use trails. This year’s capital budget will set aside funds to allow the newly developed Haley Road trail to be extended from Haley, to Jody Shelley Drive, on Starrs Road. A trail will also be added on Starrs Roads between Pleasant Street and Clements Avenue. Total investments for 2024-25: $590,000
Ferry Terminal Upgrades
New pontoons will be purchased as a continued investment in the International Ferry Terminal, and the CAT Ferry - a crucial tourism link that services our region and the entire province. Total Investment: $300,000
Street Paving
This year’s investment in paving comes in at $300,000
Projects Continued from 2023/24
A number of projects from prior budgets are yet to be completed, and will receive attention in 2024-25. Of note is the Vancouver Street/Main Street Underground Project previously budgeted at $2,331,945 in 2023-24. Last summer, the construction start date was moved and work will get underway this spring.
More details will be announced next month. You can learn more about this project by visiting https://getinvolvedyarmouth.ca/major-infrastructure-upgrades-main-vancouver-street
Also, renovations and upgrades were previously budgeted at town hall. Work still to be completed includes a renovation of the lower level, cooling tower replacement, rewiring and communications systems.
To view the detailed budget, click on the document link below.