Coastal Protection and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Town of Pictou is receiving significant provincial investments aimed at enhancing coastal protection, upgrading stormwater management, and improving key municipal infrastructure.
Caladh Avenue Coastal Protection Project
The Caladh Avenue Coastal Protection Project has seen extensive reconstruction over the past year, strengthening coastal defenses and improving the waterfront road network along Caladh Avenue from behind the former Consulate Inn on the Jitney Trail to Coleraine Street.
Key upgrades include raising the roadway to 2 metres above sea level between Commercial Street and Market Street, installing new sidewalks and lighting, extending the boardwalk from Market Wharf to Coleraine Street, resurfacing asphalt, and adding a multi-use pathway with a bike lane on the south side of the street. The street has also been converted to a one-way westbound route, creating a downtown traffic loop supported by new parking signage to improve access to public parking.
This important infrastructure investment enhances connectivity across roads and trails while strengthening protection for both public and private property along a vulnerable waterfront floodplain, helping the community better adapt to increasingly severe weather and long-term sea level rise.
For more information and design plan visit: www.townofpictou.ca/planning/800-2402844-1d-final-concept-sept -27-2024/file
Jitney Trail Coastal Adaptation Feasibility Study
The Town of Pictou has completed a Coastal Adaptation Feasibility Study for the Jitney Walking Trail to better understand and address risks from coastal flooding and shoreline erosion. The study was conducted by CBCL and focuses on approximately 1.7 km of the trail, from the Pictou Waterfront to the Causeway overpass, building on previous climate adaptation planning undertaken by the Town.
The study assessed shoreline conditions, environmental features, and current and future flood and erosion risks. Several adaptation options were evaluated, including nature-based and hybrid shoreline stabilization approaches, trail elevation, and realignment where appropriate. Based on the findings, high-risk sections of the trail were identified and a priority area was selected for a potential pilot project. Following a public engagement session, a vegetated bank with rock toe was identified as the preferred design concept. Next steps include further design refinement and the pursuit of funding for construction and tendering. Further updates on this project will be shared as it advances.
Market Wharf Breakwater and Marina Construction Project
The Town of Pictou continues to make progress on the transformative $12.5 million Market Wharf Breakwater and Marina Expansion Project, with construction remaining on schedule for reopening in the 2027 season. Since construction began in November 2024, work has continued on rebuilding Market Wharf and constructing a new breakwater that will help shape Pictou into a first-class waterfront destination.
Once complete, the expanded marina will accommodate both small watercraft and larger vessels, and will feature modern amenities including a fueling station, upgraded water and electrical services, and on-site sewage disposal facilities. As part of the project’s marketing strategy, the Town has also contracted Vibe Creative Group to develop new branding and a refreshed name for the marina facility. Updates on boater registration and future developments will be shared later this summer.
IConceptional Drawing of Marina Expansion and Market Wharf Rebuild (Below)
Capital Projects
Streets, Sidewalk, Paving and Servicing Update
The Town of Pictou maintains 37.8 km of paved streets and 2 km of gravel streets, classified as local, collector, or arterial. The 2024 Street Assessment Report outlines conditions and guides capital planning for the next couple of years. For 2026–27, resurfacing and new service line work includes: Union Street between Dawson and Denoon Street, Birch Hill Drive, Rowen Drive, and Wallis Drive, Habour Crossing. You may view the Street Assessment Report on the Town website. Construction on Caladh Avenue will continue to the end of July with the installation of the new boardwalk, multiuse pathway and resurfacing of the road.
View pdf 2024 Street Assessment Report(556 KB) .
Jitney Trail Retaining Wall
The Town of Pictou will be undertaking important work on the retaining wall along the Jitney Trail, which has deteriorated significantly and requires immediate reinstatement to ensure public safety and preserve the integrity of the trail infrastructure. Construction is scheduled to begin no earlier than September 1st and is anticipated to take at least two months, with a late fall completion expected. If re-routing is required during construction, traffic will be directed via Willow Street to Water Street. Any temporary closure of this section of Water Street will depend on an approved safety plan. The goal throughout planning and construction is to minimize impacts to vehicle traffic as much as possible.
Further updates, including detailed traffic management information, will be shared later this summer prior to the start of construction.
Fitness Trail Project
This summer, work on our woodland trails will restore and improve connection to the system. Improvements will include clearing and surfacing approximately .5kms of original trail, increasing accessibility and the installation of new trailhead and wayfinding signs.
The Town is continuing to pursue opportunities and partnerships to support the long-term restoration of the forest impacted by Hurricane Fiona and the removal of storm debris. While recovery will take time, encouraging progress is already visible throughout the site. Significant natural regrowth is underway, with many saplings now reaching heights of over five feet. A fall 2025 funding partnership with the Trans Canada Trail Foundation supported a planting of native species in the affected area by the McCulloch Education Centre Garden Club. We are happy to report that our new trees survived the winter and are thriving!
Broidy Park Splash Pad Now Open
The Town of Pictou is pleased to announce that the new Broidy Park Splash Pad is now officially open for the summer season. The splash pad features a variety of colourful, interactive water features that provide a fun and refreshing way for children and families to enjoy the outdoors. This exciting addition to Broidy Park is part of the Town's ongoing commitment to enhancing recreation opportunities and creating vibrant community spaces for residents and visitors. The splash pad is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Town would like to thank residents for their patience throughout the construction and commissioning process. We are excited to welcome everyone to enjoy this new amenity and encourage families to visit Broidy Park throughout the summer.
We look forward to seeing the community make the most of this exciting new space.
Broidy Park Community Centre Construction Update
Construction continues on the new community centre at Broidy Park, which will provide a welcoming gathering space for recreational activities and flexible community use, including a kitchen. The new facility will be fully accessible and is anticipated to be completed by mid-summer. The centre will also serve as the home base for the Pictou Recreation Day Camp Program during the summer months and will be available for community use year round.
Municipal Climate Action Plan
Following approval by Council, the Town of Pictou has officially adopted an updated Municipal Climate Change Action Plan (MCCAP), which will help guide future municipal decision-making related to climate adaptation, sustainability, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and long-term community resilience. The MCCAP outlines key priorities, actions, and recommendations aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change locally while supporting a healthy, sustainable, and resilient community for current and future residents. The plan also recognizes and celebrates the many past and ongoing initiatives the Town has undertaken to support environmental stewardship and community sustainability.
Pictou Waterfront Master Plan
The Town of Pictou and Build NS (former Develop NS) along with consultants UPLAND Planning +Design worked together through extensive community consulation to create a master plan for the Pictou Waterfront. For further details and updates visit: Pictour Waterfront Master Plan webpage.
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP)
The ICSP document provides a situation analysis on the Town, outlines council priorities and discusses programs which will allow delivery of goals over the next five fiscal years (2023/24 – 2028/29). The plan further provides a framework which is to be used as a guide by Town Council in their establishment of multi-year capital budgets, referred to as Capital Investment Plans (CIPs), and annual operating budgets.Currently Pictou Town Council and Administration are updating the ICSP which will outline priorities for the next five years.
Town of Pictou Accessibility Plan
Pictou’s Accessibility Advisory Committee to Council has developed a plan in consultation with people with disabilities and their families, organizations representing people with disabilities and community members. Learn More.
Active Steps: An Active Transportation Plan
pdf
Download Final Active Transportation Plan(17.75 MB)
Active Steps is an Active Transportation Plan for the Town of Pictou and the Municipality of Pictou County. This project aims to enhance the movement of both residents and visitors throughout the region, fostering a healthier and more sustainable community where active transportation is not only safe and practical but also an enjoyable experience for all.
Active transportation (AT) refers to modes of human-powered transportation, including walking and rolling (referring to the use of wheelchairs and other assistive devices), cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding, seasonal activities like kayaking and snowshoeing, as well as some motorized forms of transportation, such as e-bikes and electric wheelchairs.
