News & Announcements
Richmond County Approves 2025–2026 Budget with No Increase to Tax Rates and Continued Investment in Community Wellbeing
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- Category: Press Releases
For Immediate Release
June 19, 2025
Richmond County Approves 2025–2026 Budget with No Increase to Tax Rates and Continued Investment in Community Wellbeing
Richmond County, NS – Richmond County Council has approved its 2025–2026 municipal budget, holding the line on both residential and commercial tax rates. The balanced $17.47 million operating budget reflects Council’s commitment to financial responsibility while continuing to reinvest in community priorities such as healthcare, housing, waste management, and affordability.
“Council and staff worked hard to avoid a tax increase this year because we understand the real impact rising costs are having on our residents,” said Warden Lois Landry. “Instead, we chose to focus on protecting essential services, investing in long-term sustainability, and supporting the wellbeing of our residents—especially those most vulnerable.”
Key Highlights of the 2025–2026 Budget
✅ No Tax Rate Increases
Richmond County maintains a residential rate of $0.85 and a commercial rate of $2.15 per $100 of assessment, with no increases for the coming fiscal year.
✅ Expanded Low-Income Property Tax Exemption
Council has increased supports through the Low-Income Property Tax Exemption Program, recognizing affordability challenges faced by many residents.
✅ Strong Commitment to Community Support
The County continues to offer meaningful contributions through tax exemptions for community halls, non-profit organizations, and churches, as well as an expanded community grants program open throughout the year. These investments reflect Richmond’s commitment to enabling grassroots leadership and volunteerism across our communities.
✅ Healthcare and Housing Investments
Significant funds are allocated for physician recruitment, the Strait Richmond Hospital Foundation, CBU’s new medical school, seniors’ safety initiatives, and support for housing-related infrastructure. Council continues to prioritize the long-term health and wellness of its residents.
✅ Waste Management Upgrades and Transition
Ongoing improvements at the Waste Transfer Station support regulatory compliance and better service delivery. This year also marks the transition to in-house curbside collection, a proactive move in anticipation of changes related to circular materials and extended producer responsibility.
“This budget represents our continued focus on people and place,” said Warden Landry. “We are investing wisely today so that Richmond County remains a healthy, welcoming, and affordable place to live for years to come.”
To view the full 2025–2026 budget, please visit www.richmondcounty.ca
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Media Contact:
Warden Lois Landry
902-631-0332
pdf Municipality of the County of Richmond Press Release 2025 2026 Budget(266 KB)
Summer Program Registration Opens June 27th
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- Category: Announcements (Recreation)
Summer programming registration opens June 27th, 2025.
For programming information and details, visit Summer 2025 Richmond Reflections Newsletter
Richmond Recreation has launched an online registration and payment system for recreation programming (including drop-in classes). Recreation staff are available to assist all participants with the registration process if required. We encourage participants to reach out for support and assistance with this process.
Registering & Payment Options
- Register online at Recreation Programming
- Register by phoning (902) 226-0663
- Pay online via credit card or hybrid card
- Pay by cash/cheque/debit at the municipal administration office
- Pay via credit card over the phone
Quick And Easy Access To Online Registration And Payment
Dave Gunning Zero Hunger Fund
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- Category: News & Announcements
At the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 10, Richmond County Municipal Council welcomed the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia (RCFNS) to share information on the Dave Gunning Zero Hunger Fund, a grant program created to support schools in addressing student food insecurity.
This program helps schools in Nova Scotia establish School Free Stores, places where students and their families can access free food and personal items when needed. In many rural areas, accessing support services can be challenging, so schools have stepped up to help fill the gap. Through the Dave Gunning Zero Hunger Fund, schools can apply for grant funding to support these Free Stores and to run meal and snack programs that make sure students have the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Applications are open now! Learn more and apply here:
https://rcfofns.com/dave-gunning-zero-hunger
Watch the recorded Council presentation here:
Request for Expressions of Interest: Before and After School Program Providers
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- Category: News & Announcements
The Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE) is seeking a local organization or childcare provider to operate afterschool programs at two schools in Richmond County:
- Felix Marchand Education Centre (FMEC)
- East Richmond Education Centre (EREC)
The Nova Scotia Before and After School Program (NS BAP) is a licensed program that supports working families by providing a safe and caring environment for children from Pre-Primary to Grade 6. The program helps children build social skills, routines, and independence by offering care before and after school, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (on school days only).
Parents/guardians are required to pay a fee for their children to attend NS BAP. Depending on the household income, families may be eligible for a childcare subsidy to reduce costs.
For more information on Child Care Subsidy, please visit the Nova Scotia Child Care Subsidy Program at the following link:
https://childcarenovascotia.ca/families
For more information about the program, please visit:
Please direct inquiries or expressions of interest to:
Heather Brennan
Before and After Program Manager
Strait Regional Centre for Education
Phone: 902-625-2191
Email: