News release

Pictou County Communities Grow Stronger with Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Environment and Climate Change
Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund
climate change
NOTE: A list of the community buildings undergoing energy retrofits follows this release.

Twenty-one community buildings in Pictou County will undergo energy upgrades that will reduce their energy bills and make their facilities resilient to climate change with provincial funding.

Premier Tim Houston announced the funding today, April 25, at the Plymouth Community Centre, as well as funding for the Town of Antigonish. The Plymouth Community and Recreation Association will co-ordinate the work among the Pictou County organizations.

“These organizations are a vital part of our community, providing programs and services that people throughout Pictou County depend on,” said Premier Houston. “Our government is pleased to provide funding to help them become more sustainable, climate resilient and save money on their energy bills – savings that they can invest back into helping more people in Pictou County.”

The work, funded with $600,000 through the government’s Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, will include insulation, air sealing, LED lighting, hot water conservation, solar panels and heat pumps. It is part of the recreation association’s Pictou County Net-Zero Community Buildings Project.

The Town of Antigonish is receiving $76,000 to develop a community engagement strategy and implementation plan to support making more buildings net zero in the area.

Quotes:

“This volunteer-led unique project aims to cut energy costs and fight climate change with a simple, local solution. By grouping 21 buildings into one initiative, we’re showing that there’s strength in numbers – and making planning and expertise accessible for everyone. It’s inspiring to see the passion of these volunteer groups, who know energy costs are the biggest challenge for community spaces. This work makes those buildings more accessible, comfortable and sustainable. We’re future-proofing our rural communities.”
— Andy Thompson, Community Developer – Community Infrastructure Lead, Aging Well Nova Scotia

“We are proud to take this important step toward a greener future for our community. With support from the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, the development of our net-zero engagement strategy and implementation plan will help us connect with residents, build partnerships and accelerate local climate action. This initiative reflects our town’s deep commitment to sustainability and our vision to become a net-zero community where innovation, collaboration, and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.”
— Sean Cameron, Mayor, Town of Antigonish

“The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities is proud to support the Town of Antigonish and the Plymouth Community and Recreation Association through the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund. These net-zero projects reflect the fund’s mission to empower communities to lead on climate action while building local resilience. By keeping energy rates affordable, significantly reducing carbon emissions and ensuring community spaces remain vibrant and viable for future generations, these initiatives set a powerful example of what collective climate action can achieve. I applaud everyone involved for their leadership and forward-thinking approach.”
— Juanita Spencer, CEO, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities

Quick Facts:

  • net-zero retrofits that make buildings energy efficient include upgrades to insulation, windows, and HVAC systems; over time, net-zero retrofits can lead to significant cost savings on energy bills
  • the government created the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund in 2021 as part of the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, its legislated commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, respond to climate change, transform how Nova Scotians produce and use energy, make homes and buildings energy efficient, and more
  • the program provides grants to municipalities, non-profit and community organizations, post-secondary institutions and Mi’kmaw communities to help them respond to and prepare for climate change impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • since launching in 2022, about $10 million in funding has been invested

Additional Resources:

More information on the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund is available at: https://nschallengefund.ca/

News releases about the fund and related projects: https://news.novascotia.ca/search/all?field_topics=228

Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/environmental%20goals%20and%20climate%20change%20reduction.pdf

Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/ns-climate-change-plan.pdf

Weathering What’s Ahead: Climate Change Risk and Nova Scotia’s Well-being: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/climate-impacts

Community buildings that will be upgraded:

  • Abercrombie Community Centre
  • Blue Mountain Fire Department
  • Bridgeville Community Club
  • Churchville Hall
  • East River Valley Recreation Hall
  • Elmfield Community Hall
  • Garden of Eden Community Centre
  • Ivor MacDonald Memorial Arena
  • Lismore and District Community Centre
  • Little Harbour Community Centre
  • MacDonald Rebekah Lodge No. 108
  • Merigomish Community Hall
  • Pictou Community New Horizons 50+ Club
  • Pictou County Women’s Resource & Sexual Assault Centre
  • Pictou Star of the Sea Society
  • Plymouth Community Centre
  • Springville Church and Community Hall
  • Sutherland River and District Community Centre
  • Toney River Community Hall
  • Union Centre Community Hall
  • West Branch Hall

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