This article has been updated to include a press release from Cumberland South MLA Tory Rushton.
In the frustrating long process of putting together funds for municipal infrastructure projects, the Town of Oxford gains funding to get the ball rolling; but the digging, pipe-laying, and paving? That’s still a ways off.
The Province of Nova Scotia has announced $636-thousand dollars to support Oxford’s pending infrastructure projects. But all of that money will not mean you’ll see crews hard at work this year. That money represents a portion — about 50% — of the cost of just the engineering design work, estimated to cost about $1.2-million. The other half will be split, in portions not yet known, between the town and the developer of the expansion to the south.
While essential to getting the job done, we’re still faced with more time dodging potholes, patching up the aged infrastructure under our feet, and fixing water breaks as they happen (and they will, as the town’s Asset Management Map presented at a council meeting in December, with a high likelihood of failure for much of the oldest part of our water system). The recently-announced contracting-out of pothole patching to M&H Management of Indian Mountain, NB, should see the worst of the potholes fixed before the end of April.
Oxford CAO Linda Cloney is excited that the province —through the Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development Program (GRID) programme— is coming through with this funding. She says the design plans will cover the renovation of Main Street from James St. up to Hanlon St.; Pugwash Road; the replacement of the Pugwash Road reservoir; and the expansion of the town’s infrastructure across the 104 highway connector along Highway 321.
Apart from the downtown Main Street renovation, the $14-million infrastructure plan incudes a new water line and pavement on Pugwash Road, a new water reservoir, and the expansion of sewer & water services to the South-West of Oxford, within town limits on the opposite side of the Trans-Canada Highway connector.
In the press released issued Friday, Oxford Mayor Greg Henley said:
“Following several years of steady attention by council and staff to asset management, climate risk assessment, and considering long-term financial impacts, Oxford is ready to move from planning to action. This funding will support the initial design work for capital projects that reduce infrastructure risk, protect the Town’s investment in core services, improve water system reliability, modernize Main Street with nature-based stormwater solutions, and unlock new development opportunities across the highway. Investments like this from the Province are essential for small and rural municipalities to protect critical services and build a sustainable future.”
While this is very good news for the town, the entire funding picture still needs to come together for tenders to be issued and project start dates added to the calendar. Town officials are unable to be specific until after budget deliberations conclude, and some government funding applications have yet to officially open. The current estimated cost for these projects comes in at about $14-million.
Fortunately, there are new funding streams available to help Oxford pay for such a massive project. An application has been submitted under the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) Community-based climate adaptation initiative, under the Green Municipal Fund, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the federal government. If funds are made available under this programme, it would lead to a radical transformation of Main Street. Manager Finance, Ruthann Brookins, offered a peek at the potential new face of the town’s main thoroughfare in a presentation to council in December.
Another potential source of funds is the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), which is adding $3-million to the pot for Antigonish’s Water, Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades. The next round of CHIF funding is not yet open, but the town has an application ready to go on that front.
At this point, the Town intends to attempt to pursue all of this in one fell swoop – if the funding materializes. If the timelines or funding availability from some sources are delayed, the project could be implemented in stages. Main Street, however, remains the priority.
As town staff and council hash out the details of next year’s budget, and responses to applications come back from funders, we expect to see announcements on the ‘when’ and ‘how much’ of this work will get underway.
MLA Rushton: Strengthening the Foundations of Cumberland South
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2026
OXFORD – Oxford is laying the groundwork for a stronger future thanks to a $636,422 investment from the Houston Government through the Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development (GRID) Program.
The Town of Oxford will use the funding for detailed design work covering a new sidewalk and the renewal and expansion of critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. The project will produce shovel-ready designs that address aging infrastructure, inadequate fire protection, and storm flooding, while enabling new housing development within the town.
“Oxford is a community that’s ready to grow, and this investment makes sure our infrastructure is ready to grow with it,” said Cumberland South MLA Tory Rushton. “Getting these designs right means Oxford can move forward with coordinated, cost-effective upgrades rather than patchwork fixes— it creates the conditions for the housing our community needs.”
The GRID program covers up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, supporting initiatives such as water and wastewater systems, disaster mitigation, and accessibility improvements. Since 2021, the Houston Government has invested more than $257 million in municipal infrastructure across Nova Scotia, helping communities modernize critical services and plan for the future.
The full list of funded projects for 2025–26 is available here.
