News & Announcements
Richmond County Council has approved its 2026-2027 municipal budget
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
For Immediate Release
June 8, 2026
Richmond County Approves 2026–2027 Budget with No Tax Rate Increase and Continued Investment in Community Priorities
Richmond County, NS – Richmond County Council has approved its 2026–2027 municipal budget, maintaining both residential and commercial tax rates for the fourth consecutive year while continuing to invest in infrastructure, community development, environmental services, and public safety.
The balanced budget of $19,020,485 reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to affordability for residents while ensuring essential services and strategic investments continue to support the long-term wellbeing of communities throughout Richmond County.
“Council recognizes that affordability remains a concern for many households,” said Warden Lois Landry. “This budget balances that reality with the need to maintain services, support community organizations, invest in critical infrastructure, and plan for the future of Richmond County.”
Key Highlights of the 2026–2027 Budget
✅ No Tax Rate Increase
Richmond County continues to maintain among the lowest municipal tax rates in Nova Scotia. Residential taxes remain at $0.85 per $100 of assessment, while commercial taxes remain at $2.15 per $100 of assessment. This marks the fourth consecutive year without a tax rate increase.
✅ Expanded Support for Low-Income Households
Council has once again expanded the Low-Income Property Tax Exemption Program, ensuring more residents can access financial assistance and helping address ongoing affordability challenges.
✅Strategic Community Investments
The budget continues Richmond County’s support for initiatives that strengthen communities and improve quality of life, including:
- Continued funding for community grant programs, Canada Day celebrations, trails development, and waterfront enhancement projects.
- Continued support for public transit, healthcare organizations, food security initiatives, seniors’ programs, tourism development, youth services, and AT HOME, the Strait Area’s new not-for-profit housing association.
✅ Investments in Infrastructure
Council continues to invest in infrastructure through:
- The $5 million Richmond Arena retrofit project.
- Cost-sharing support for local road paving projects.
- Water system improvements and sewer system renewal projects.
- Expansion of construction and demolition debris management facilities.
✅ Fire Protection Services
The budget includes $20,000 for the installation of dry hydrants in Richmond County, enhancing fire protection capabilities in rural communities and supporting local volunteer fire departments.
✅ Mandatory Provincial Contributions
More than $6 million has been allocated toward provincially mandated costs, including education, policing, and property assessment services. These expenditures represent a significant portion of the municipal budget and are required annual contributions.
“This budget reflects Council’s commitment to responsible financial management while continuing to invest in the services and infrastructure that matter most to residents,” said Warden Landry. “By maintaining tax rates and focusing our investments strategically, we are helping ensure Richmond County remains a strong, vibrant, and affordable place to live.”
To view the full 2026–2027 budget, please visit www.richmondcounty.ca.
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Media Contact:
Warden Lois Landry
902-631-0332
* Photo credit: Melanie Poirier
Budget Documents
pdf 2026-2027 Budget Highlights(3.16 MB)
pdf 2026-2027 Funding Contributions(85 KB)
Heavy Garbage Collection Update
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- Category: News & Announcements
Heavy Garbage Collection Update
Municipal staff have completed heavy garbage collection in Zones 1 and 2 (Isle Madame and areas West of the St. Peter's Canal).
Collection in Zone 3 is now underway and is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.
As this year's collection is being carried out by Municipal staff, progress may be slower than in previous years. We appreciate residents' patience and understanding as crews work through the route safely and efficiently.
If your items have not yet been collected and you are located in Zone 3, please leave them curbside until collection has been completed in your area.
Thank you for your cooperation.
For information on collection zones, please visit Heavy Garbage Collection
Tender # MOCR202608 - One Ton Truck - Request for Quotations
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- Category: Announcements (Public Works)
Tender # MOCR202608
One Ton Truck
Request for Quotations
The Municipality of the County of Richmond is issuing this Request for Quotations (RFQ) for supply of a One Ton Truck, regular cab, 4x4, complete with a Fisher 8.5ft XV2 V-Blade plow and Western Tornado rear material spreader.
The detailed Request for Quotations is available on the Provincial tenders website at www.novascotia.ca/tenders or may be requested electronically by contacting the undersigned. Not necessarily the lowest or any bid will be accepted.
Proposals may be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Tender MOCR202608 – One Ton Truck” to the undersigned no later than 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Municipality of the County of Richmond
P.O. Box 120
2357, Highway 206
Arichat, Nova Scotia
B0E 1A0
Attention: Tristan Martel, P.Eng.
For further information please call 226-3989.
Compost Available June 1, 2026
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- Category: Announcements (Public Works)
Compost Available June 1, 2026
Effective June 1, 2026, compost will be available at the Richmond Solid Waste Management Facility. Availability is limited to residents of Richmond County (identification with address may be requested) and will be limited to a maximum of 1 cubic yard per customer until June 22, 2026 after which compost may be purchased in greater quantities (subject to availability).
The compost has been tested to CCME guidelines and is considered Category A, unrestricted use, and can be used in any application. Lab results are available upon request.
Fees:
Residential / Commercial Customers $40 / Tonne (Minimum $5 charge)
Loading Fee $10 Flat Fee
Tandem Truck Load $275 inc. loading fee (approximately 8 tonnes – truck supplied by purchaser)
Customers must remit payment at the Richmond Solid Waste Management Facility at time of pick-up (cash, debit and cheque accepted). Please note that shovels and containers are not available at the Waste Management Facility. Those wishing to be loaded with site equipment may see slight delays depending on other site activities.
Quantities may be limited. Please verify availability with the Richmond Solid Waste Management Facility at 902-226-2396.