Municipality of the County of Antigonish 2026–2027 Community Partnership Grants Recipients

The Municipality of the County of Antigonish has is excited to announce that $483,000 was awarded in Community Partnership Grants to over 50 community groups and organizations across the Town and County. Representing approximately 3% of total municipal revenue, these annual grants are designed to encourage citizen involvement, support volunteer-led initiatives, and strengthen the fabric of our rural community.
This year’s funding supports a wide range of initiatives across the County, including recreation, arts and culture, social services, and community infrastructure.

Community Centres and Hubs

  • Havre Boucher Community Centre ($17,300) to replace its heat pump and kitchen range and add a new Smith machine, improving the fitness centre and increasing access to community recreation opportunities.
  • Williams Point Community Centre ($16,880) to build a storage building designed as a replica of the historic little red schoolhouse that once stood on the property.
  • St. Josephs Community Centre ($5,000) to install a new community garden.

Arts, Culture and Events

  • Antigonish Culture Alive and Festival Antigonish (AARTX Committee) ($15,000) for an Antigonish Arts Centre feasibility study. The study will assess community needs, space requirements, site considerations, shared-use opportunities, etc. for a proposed centre supporting visual and creative arts.
  • The Antigonish Art Fair Association ($9,083) to upgrade the Arts House and support bi-weekly art fairs in Chisholm Park. Now in its twelfth year, the Art Fair brings artisans, vendors, and musicians together to celebrate the positive impact of the arts.
  • Antigonish Culture Alive ($5,000) for its annual Antigonight Art Festival, held each September to promote and celebrate emerging and established visual and performing artists from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and across Canada.
  • The StFX Art Gallery ($5,000) for “StFX Art Gallery 50/50,” a juried exhibition celebrating the gallery’s 50th anniversary. Running from July 9 to September 19, 2026, the exhibition will feature 50 works by artists living and working in Antigonish, Pictou and Guysborough Counties.

Community Health and Social Supports

  • Mini Trail Community Centre ($3,500) for its Healthy Aging program, which offers seniors opportunities for social connection and learning.
  • Antigonish County Adult Learning Association ($8,250) for regular programming, including lunch and learns and literacy programs.
  • Antigonish Coalition to End Poverty ($10,000) to support the Antigonish Community Fridge and Pantry.
  • Antigonish Emergency Fuel Fund ($5,000) to help low-income families with heating oil, electricity, and other energy costs.

Recreation and Inclusion

  • Antigonish Challenger Ball ($8,000): $5,000 for the Atlantic Challenger Baseball All-Star Series on August 1–2, 2026, and $3,000 to keep the program barrier-free.
  • Antigonish Skate Park ($3,000) for a professional skateboard demonstration that will bring professional skateboarders to town.
  • CACL ($10,000) to support adaptive programming.
  • Mini-Trail, Lower South River, and Pomquet ballfields received funding for maintenance and equipment upgrades.

Tourism and Regional Development

  • Arisaig Community Development Association ($10,000) to expand community programming and strengthen the Arisaig Lobster Interpretive and Marine Life Centre as a vibrant hub for culture, tourism, and learning in Antigonish County.
  • Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores Association (DEANS) ($12,973) for regional tourism promotion and visitor services.
  • Antigonish Tourism Association and Visitor Information Centre ($5000 each) for events, exhibits and programming.

Existing Multi-Year Commitments

The Municipality continues to honour multi-year commitments to key organizations, including the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society, North Nova SPCA, and the Coady Change Leaders program. It also contributes to the annual operations of Antigonish Community Transit, the Antigonish Heritage Museum, Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores Association (DEANS), and Strait Area Ground Search and Rescue.

Quotes from Warden Nicholas MacInnis:

“County Councillors recognize the vital role volunteer organizations play in our communities. As a large, rural county, Antigonish is home to many community centres, recreation groups, and organizations that are volunteer-run and rely on funding to operate. These spaces are more than just buildings – they are gathering places that promote connection, preserve local history, and enhance quality of life for residents of all ages.”

“The Community Partnership Grants program is one way we can continue to support these important community assets and the dedicated volunteers behind them.”

View the complete list: 2026-2027 Community Partnership Grant Recipients 

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