News & Announcements

Details: Category: Announcements (Public Works); Published: 07 July 2023

What is treated wood?

Treated wood is wood that is chemically treated during manufacturing so that it will resist decay. During a factory treatment process, creosote, pentachlorophenol, or other chemical preservatives are injected into the wood. Treated wood does not include wood treated at home, like stained or painted wood.

Where is treated wood used in construction/demolition?

Treated wood is commonly used outside for things like telephone poles, railway ties, wharves, fences, decks, and retaining walls.

Is treated wood safe to use?

Treated wood is safe to use in outside construction applications. It is designed to keep the preservatives in the wood while it is in use. New treated wood contains tags that identify the preservative, the amount of preservative retained in the wood, manufacturer, suitability for in ground or above ground applications, and consumer safety information on safe use. Consumer safety information would also be available through the retailer. Treated wood should be disposed according to the requirements of your jurisdiction.

Why is treated wood banned from disposal at Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris disposal sites?

Treated wood is banned from disposal at C&D sites by the Province of Nova Scotia to help prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water, because:

Disposal cells can have large volumes of treated wood. A typical deck on a home requires about 1 tonne of treated wood, while a disposal facility can receive 100s of tonnes of treated wood each year.
Over time, as treated wood decays, the chemicals that are used to preserve the wood can be released.
Municipal solid waste landfills cells are built to prevent leakage and to detect contaminated water leakage. Contaminated water is collected and is treated before discharge into the environment. C&D debris disposal cells are not built to this same standard.

Does the disposal ban apply to new treated wood only?

No. The disposal ban applies to both new and old treated wood waste from construction or demolition activities.

When does the disposal ban become effective?

Treated wood is banned from disposal at C&D debris disposal cells by the Province of Nova Scotia as specified in the Solid Waste Resource Management Regulations. The ban is effective July 5, 2023. For the 1st year, C&D debris facility operators will be providing education to residents and commercial haulers on why treated wood has been banned. Enforcement of the disposal ban will commence on July 5th, 2024.

How do you identify treated wood?

New treated wood is tagged to identify the type of preservative that was used to treat the wood.
Creosote timber is usually brown, tan, or black, with tarry-coated beams and lumber. It may leak tar when warmed. Creosote timber will often have an oily smell when new or if the wood is cut.
Pressure-treated wood is typically green or brown in colour and has small slits where the preservative was injected into the wood during the manufacturing process.
It should be assumed that wood from the demolition of wharves, fences, decks and retaining walls, along with old telephone poles and railway ties is treated wood.

How do I dispose of treated wood?

It is recommended that you keep treated wood separate during a construction, renovation, or demolition project. This makes it easier to manage and may reduce your disposal costs.
If treated wood is in good condition, think about reusing it.
If you have to dispose of treated wood, it’s a good idea to check with the disposal facility before you bring it to them. C&D debris disposal sites can still accept treated wood for shipment to landfill. However, they may require you to separate out treated wood from other wood and C&D debris.
Burning of treated wood is not permitted.
Contact your municipality for further information on treated wood disposal options. (902) 226-2396

What if I have additional questions about treated wood?

If you have additional questions regarding treated wood, please contact .

treated wood

Details: Category: News & Announcements; Published: 04 July 2023

Property Tax Rebate for Seniors Program

This program provides a 50% rebate of residential municipal property taxes paid for 2022, up to $800. To be eligible for the Property Tax Rebate for Seniors you must be at least 65 and receive, or be eligible to receive, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or be between 60-64 and receive, or be eligible to receive, the Allowance in 2023. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowance are monthly federal supplements available to low-income Old Age Security pensioners.

To Apply

Your 2022 municipal residential property taxes must be paid in full. The taxes must be in your name or include your name.
Complete the application in full. An incomplete application may delay your rebate. All applications must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2023.
2022 municipal property tax bill and receipts which show taxes paid in full will be sent to the province by your municipality once the province receives your application.
Mail to: Property Tax Rebate for Seniors, Box 283, CRO, Halifax, NS, B3J 2N7
Fax to: 902-428-2164 (Please make sure to send both sides of the application.)

The Property Tax Rebate for Seniors forms have been mailed out on June 30th by the province. This year we will be providing a copy of bill and receipts to the province electronically.

**Seniors will be required to complete their application form and mail it to the province but will no longer require the Municipal Tax Sheet they used to request from the municipality.

We encourage seniors if they have any questions to phone the office at 902-226-2400.

Details: Category: Announcements (Public Works); Published: 03 July 2023

Testing the Arichat Sanitary Sewer System

The Municipality will be conducting smoke testing of the Arichat sanitary sewer system the week of July 10-14. The smoke testing will involve opening manholes in the streets and public utility easements and injecting artificially produced smoke into a blocked-off pipeline segment to see where the smoke emerges.

All residents are advised that if traces of this smoke or its odour enter your house or building it is an indication that gases and odours from the sewer may also enter at other times. Sewer gases can be a health risk to the occupants and the conditions allowing sewer gases to enter should be addressed.

Should smoke enter your home or business, you may contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area. The crew member will be able to help and check with you as to where the smoke has entered your building. Location, identification, and correction of the source of smoke that enters your building is urgently advised. Your cooperation will be appreciated.

Should you have any questions on this matter, please contact Chris Boudreau, P.Eng at 902-226-3988.

Details: Category: News & Announcements; Published: 30 June 2023

Dr Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre Dr. Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre is currently accepting applications for the term position of Seniors' Safety Social Inclusion Coordinator.

The Coordinator will be a part of the care team at the Centre, reporting to the Centre's Managing Director and the Seniors' Safety Advisory Committee.

The goal of the Seniors’ Safety and Social Inclusion program is to provide seniors with information and tools that will help increase their safety and inclusion, support their independence, and enhance their overall level of health and well-being.

Job posting closing date: on or before Tuesday 4th of July 2023, 11:59 PM.

For more information download Seniors Safety & Social Inclusion Coordinator (Richmond County).

Treated Wood Disposal Ban - Effective July 5, 2023