Region of Queens Municipality is beginning its budgeting process for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and this is your chance to be involved in helping to shape Council’s investments in your community!
ABOUT THE BUDGET Region of Queens Municipality’s annual budget is divided into two sections: the Capital Investment Plan (or Capital Budget) and the Operating Budget.
The Capital Investment Plan is the part of the budget that focuses on larger and longer-term investments of built assets, including things like wastewater and water utility enhancements, and major improvements at municipally owned facilities and infrastructure. The Capital Investment Plan lists projects that are proposed to take place in the forthcoming budget year and in the following four years, estimated costs of each project, and how these initiatives will be funded. Items in the Capital Investment Plan may be funded by the tax rate, grants from other levels of government, municipal reserves, or long-term borrowing depending on the nature of the project.
Council approves the overall 5-year Capital Investment Plan annually. The plan is updated each year as projects are completed or extended and new projects are added. This provides both Council and the public with the ability to have a long-term understanding of the Region’s capital priorities and how they all fit together.
The Operating Budget is the normal day-to-day budget that provides services to the Region’s residents and businesses. It includes projects and programs that Council has identified as priorities, as well as mandatory payments to other levels of government or agencies for essential services such as education, policing, and other items.
As the draft Operating Budget is developed in 2026, a link to the document will be added here for public viewing as well.
BUDGET SCHEDULE The Budget Meeting schedule for both Capital Investment Plan and Operating Budgets is contained in the table below. Please note that times and dates are subject to change.
December 19, 2025 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Preliminary Draft Capital Investment Plan (Special Council)
January 13, 2026 Morning Council
Anticipated approval of Draft Capital Investment Plan
February 24, 2026 Evening Council
Operating Budget Introduced at Regular Council Meeting, Budget Q&A Document Introduced.
March 3, 2026 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Review of Operating Budget/ Q&A Document (Special Council)
March 10, 2026 Morning Council
Operating Budget Discussion at Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 2026 (if required) 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Review of Operating Budget/ Q&A Document (Special Council)
March 24, 2026 Evening Council
Anticipated 2026-2027 Operating Budget adoption at Regular Council Meeting
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE If you have comments, suggestions, or feedback that you would like to share with Council and staff to help inform this year’s budget process, you can do so by e-mailing Region of Queens Municipality at budget@regionofqueens.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and summary of Budget Survey public input
As part of Region of Queens Municipality’s budget engagement this year, we’re collecting questions about the budget and budget-related items of interest from our communities and sharing the answers here so that the same information is publicly available to all. The table that follows below contains questions that have been received via the budget survey, as well as comments from folks who have completed the budget survey.
As of January 6, 2026, a total of 52 budget surveys have been completed. A total of 52 (100%) self-identified Queens County residents. A total of 12 respondents have self-identified as business owners.
According to survey results as of this date, the average score for quality of life in the Region of Queens on a scale of 0 (low) to 10 (high) is 6.77.
Starting on January 12, 2026, an all-way stop will be in effect at the intersection of Main Street and Old Port Mouton Road in Liverpool, commonly known as Cameron’s Corner.
This traffic control change is being implemented to improve the movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area.
To help motorists adjust, the new stop signs will be installed with “NEW” placards for approximately 90 days.
We want to thank our residents for all the questions and comments we’ve received over the past 24 hours regarding the upcoming changes to solid waste collection.
To assist our residents and business owners in understanding the changes, early next week Region of Queens Municipality will be sharing a list of Frequently Asked Questions with detailed responses stemming from the questions we’ve received in our comment section – this will help ensure you’ll be able to find all the answers to common questions asked by our community in a single place.
In the meantime, we want to highlight for folks that while the new changes around solid waste collection come into effect on January 2, 2026, full enforcement of the new regulations will not begin until July of 2026 – that means that residents can put out waste that has already been bagged as usual during the first collection in January and that residents will have time to transition into and get accustomed to the new rules. We encourage you to strive to follow the new rules and regulations during the transition period.
We also want to remind folks that the printed version of the Waste Collection Calendar for 2026 will be dropping in mailboxes across Queens County early in January. If you wish to download a digital copy of next year’s Collection Calendar you can do so online at https://www.regionofqueens.com/2026waste, or you can stop by the Municipal Administration Building at 249 White Point Road in Liverpool to pick up a printed copy.
December 15, 2025: Heavy equipment is now on site and work to improve the trail bed will begin today on Meadow Pond Brook Trail, located behind the Region of Queens Municipality’s Administration Building, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, to the Hunts Point Trail.
The trail will remain open during the work, and users are asked to use caution in the work areas. Preliminary work began on December 11 with cutting back brush along the trail by members of local trails groups Queens County ATV Association and Queens Rails to Trails Association.
This project will extend the Trans-Canada Trail as far as Liverpool from the Shelburne direction.
As additional updates on the planned work become available, information will be posted on the municipal website (regionofqueens.com) and on the Region of Queens Facebook page.
Notice: Trail Work Underway – Meadow Pond Brook Trail
December 12, 2025: Over the coming weeks, trail work will take place on Meadow Pond Brook Trail by members of local trails groups Queens County ATV Association and Queens Rails to Trails Association. The work began yesterday (December 11), cutting back brush along the section of trail that connects the Meadow Pond Brook Trail behind the Region of Queens Municipality’s Administration Building, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, to the Hunts Point Trail. This work will extend the Trans-Canada Trail as far as Liverpool from the Shelburne direction.
The trail will remain open during the work, and users are asked to use caution in the work areas. Work is needed to improve the trail bed, which will require use of heavy equipment on the trail. As updates on the planned work become available, information will be posted on the municipal website (regionofqueens.com) and on the Region of Queens Facebook page.
December 22, 2025: The enteric outbreak at Hillsview Acres Home for Special Care has been declared over/closed by Public Health/Department of Health.
All activities at the facility can resume including in-house visiting and all social outings. Thank you to all for your patience during this time.
Public Notice: Hillsview Acres Home For Special Care Temporarily Closed to Non-Essential Visitors
December 10, 2025: Following confirmation today from Nova Scotia Public Health/Department of Health, Hillsview Acres Home for Special Care meets the criteria for a confirmed enteric outbreak (GI).
The Home will be closed to non-essential visitors, masking will be enforced. As s always, good hand hygiene practices of washing hands with soap and water and frequent sanitizing will be in completed until the outbreak is declared over by Nova Scotia Public Health.
Any changes to this status will be relayed on social media and families will be contacted. When Hillsview Acres Home for Special Care has been cleared to re-open, there will be a post made on the Region of Queens website and social media pages.
National Lifeguards and Swim For Life Instructors are NEEDED for Region of Queens Municipality’s seasonal outdoor pools in Caledonia and Liverpool! Lifeguard & Swim Instructor Certification Courses are scheduled this Winter at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Start now and you could be certified and ready to work before Summer 2026!
Region of Queens Municipality wants provide support for residents of Queens County to be certified to be swim instructors and/or lifeguards and will pay 75% of Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard, and Swim Instructor registration fees. Contact Meaghan Roberts, Director of Recreation (phone: 902-354-4422, email: mroberts@regionofqueens.com) for information about the courses, and to get a promo code to use at registration to reduce the course fees.
Did you know that in addition to gaining numerous valuable employment and life skills, students can be awarded Grade 11 PD credit for completing certification? That’s a fact!
Courses start January 7, 2026, and registration opens on December 10,m 2025 (LCLC members), and on December 12, 2025 for all other interested participants.
Courses fill quickly, register online: https://www.connect2rec.com/ using the PROMO code!Contact Meaghan Roberts, Director of Recreation today to receive your registration discount PROMO code.
Region of Queens Municipality is seeking 3 – 5 citizen volunteers to serve on a short-term Citizen Advisory Committee on Council Remuneration.This Committee will review Administrative Policy 27 – Respecting Remuneration for Mayor and Councillors and will provide advisory recommendations to Council regarding potential updates to the policy, including remuneration levels.
We are looking for community members with experience in one or more of the following:
IN THE MATTER OF the Municipal Government Act, being Chapter 18 of the Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1998.
TAKE NOTICE THAT on November 27, 2025, Council of the Region of Queens Municipality adopted Bylaw No. 13 – Solid Waste Management, a bylaw respecting the proper separation, storage, placement for pick-up, collection and disposal of all types of solid waste in Region of Queens Municipality.
An aggrieved person may appeal the decision of Council, within fourteen (14) days of the publication of the notice, to the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board.
PUBLISHED IN THE QUEENS CROWN NEWSPAPER: December 1, 2025
Angela Green, Municipal Clerk
Documents
The report that accompanied Second Reading and Adoption of Bylaw 13 can be read here.
Recyclable Drop Offs are no Longer Accepted at Queens Solid Waste Management Facility
Region of Queens’ Materials Recovery Facility has closed permanently as a result of changes in the way recyclables are managed regarding EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), which began Dec. 1, 2025.
** Residents and commercial haulers may no longer drop off blue bag recyclables or cardboard at the Queen’s Solid Waste Management Facility.
Recycling across Nova Scotia is now overseen by Circular Materials.
Contact information for Circular Materials is: * Email: customerservice@circularmaterials.ca * Phone: 1-877-667-2626
New Enhanced Recycling Program
Starting Dec. 1, Nova Scotia will transition to an enhanced recycling system managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization that is committed to growing an efficient and effective recycling system.
What does this mean?
Your curbside collection day/schedule and requirements for placement (i.e. blue bags) will stay the same.
You’ll be able to recycle the same materials, no matter where you live across the province.
You’ll be able to recycle MORE materials than ever before, including hot and cold beverage cups, deodorant, toothpaste tubes, frozen juice containers and ice cream tubs, to name a few!
Recycling and collection questions will continue to be addressed by the municipality
Region of Queens Municipal Council is scheduled to receive the preliminary draft2025-2031 Capital Investment Plan from staff at a Special Council meeting on December 19, 2025, to be held in Council Chamber at 3:00 pm.
As Council begins review and consideration of the projects identified in the draft 2025-2031 Capital Investment Plan, any residents and business owners with a keen interest in the Region’s major capital projects for the next 5 years are invited to attend this meeting or to keep up to speed by watching the livestream of the December 19 Special Council meeting, which starts at 3 p.m. It will be shown on the Region of Queens Municipality’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. It is anticipated that the draft 2025-2031 Capital Investment Plan will be brought to the January 13, 2026 Regular Council meeting for approval.
WHY IS THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN COMING EARLY? In the past, the Capital Budget for the coming year would not be received and debated by Council until closer to the spring, which made it challenging for tenders to be issued and awarded in a timely fashion, resulting in projects often not beginning until well into the construction season.
This year and moving forward, Council will be receiving the draft Capital Investment Plan in December, ensuring there is time for a comprehensive review and debate of proposed and planned capital projects. Once the draft Capital Investment Plan is approved by Council, the new timeline will also permit Region of Queens Municipality to issue tender calls for major capital projects well in advance of the start of construction season, allowing contractors and/or municipal staff to commence projects earlier to make the most of the construction season.
HOW DOES THE BUDGET WORK? Region of Queens Municipality’s annual budget is divided into two sections: the Operating Budget and the Capital Improvement Plan (Capital Budget). The Capital Improvement Plan is the part of the budget that focuses on larger and longer-term investments, including things like wastewater and water utility enhancements, and major improvements at municipally owned facilities and infrastructure. The Operating Budget is the normal day-to-day budget that provides services to the Region’s residents and businesses.
COMMUNITY INPUT If you have comments, suggestions, or feedback that you would like to share with Council and staff to help inform this year’s budget process, you can do so by e-mailing Region of Queens Municipality at budget@regionofqueens.com.
Public Notice: Voluntary Water Conservation Directive Lifted
November 26, 2025: The Voluntary Water Conservation Directive has been lifted as of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, for Region of Queens Municipality’s Water Utility Customers. Region of Queens Water Utility provides water to homes and businesses in Liverpool and Brooklyn.
Recent rainfall has restored the Town Lake to a level above the conservation threshold. Though the Town Lake is not at full capacity, there is sufficient water to enable the Voluntary Conservation measures to be removed.
Municipal staff will continue to monitor the water levels at the Town Lake and if the situation changes, the Water Utility will promptly notify residents through radio ads on CKBW, QCCR and County 100.7 FM, posts on the Municipal website (www.regionofqueens.com) and social media page.
Region of Queens Municipality thanks residents for their cooperation in using water resources in a responsible manner.
—
Public Notice: Continued RQM Municipal Voluntary Water Conservation Measures
November 19, 2025: The local rainfall amounts have not been sufficient to remove the voluntary water conservation measure in place for Region of Queens Municipal Water Utility Customers (Liverpool and Brooklyn). Water levels at the Town Lake Reservoir have risen, however lake levels have not reached the required level to lift the voluntary water conservation directive. Conservation measures from customers of the utility are critical to preserving the water available for use.
Region of Queens Municipality thanks all the customers who have conserved their water. Please continue your conservation efforts.
Current Water Levels and Conservation Need
At full capacity, the Town Lake Reservoir has a maximum depth of nine feet above the water intake pipe. At present, the water level is at seven feet. If levels reach five feet, it triggers the Warning Level, where reduced water pressure could impact the entire system. While the system is operating at lower pressure, it remains functional.
How You Can Help
Residents can make a significant impact by adopting these conservation measures:
Flush toilets only when necessary. Depending on the efficiency of your toilet, each flush uses between 6 to 26 litres of water.
Shorten the length and frequency of baths and showers.
Reduce laundry loads and dishwashers – wash a full load.
Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face.
Report leaks immediately to the Municipality at 902-354-7170.
Stay Informed Updates are provided every Wednesday afternoon on Region of Queens Municipality’s website (www.regionofqueens.com) and social media pages, with more frequent updates if necessary.
—
Public Notice: Continued RQM Municipal Voluntary Water Conservation Measures
November 12, 2025: The limited local rainfall amounts have not been sufficient to remove the voluntary water conservation measure in place for Region of QueensMunicipal Water Utility Customers (Liverpool and Brooklyn). Water levels at the Town Lake Reservoir have risen, however lake levels have not reached the required level to lift the voluntary water conservation directive. Conservation measures from customers of the utility are critical to preserving the water available for use.
Region of Queens Municipality thanks all the customers who have conserved their water. Please continue your conservation efforts.
Current Water Levels and Conservation Need
At full capacity, the Town Lake Reservoir has a maximum depth of nine feet above the water intake pipe. At present, the water level is at seven feet. If levels reach five feet, it triggers the Warning Level, where reduced water pressure could impact the entire system. While the system is operating at lower pressure, it remains functional.
How You Can Help
Residents can make a significant impact by adopting these conservation measures:
Flush toilets only when necessary. Depending on the efficiency of your toilet, each flush uses between 6 to 26 litres of water.
Shorten the length and frequency of baths and showers.
Reduce laundry loads and dishwashers – wash a full load.
Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face.
Report leaks immediately to the Municipality at 902-354-7170.
Stay Informed
Updates are provided every Wednesday afternoon on Region of Queens Municipality’s website (www.regionofqueens.com) and social media pages, with more frequent updates if necessary.
—
Public Notice: Continued RQM Municipal Voluntary Water Conservation Measures
November 5, 2025: The limited local rainfall amounts have not been sufficient to remove the voluntary water conservation measure in place for Region of Queens Municipal Water Utility Customers (Liverpool and Brooklyn). Water levels at the Town Lake Reservoir continue to drop, without sufficient rainfall to replenish the reservoir, conservation measures from customers of the utility are critical to preserving the water available for use.
Region of Queens Municipality thanks all the customers who have conserved their water. Please continue your conservation efforts.
Current Water Levels and Conservation Need
At full capacity, the Town Lake Reservoir has a maximum depth of nine feet above the water intake pipe. At present, the water level is at six and a half feet. If levels reach five feet, it triggers the Warning Level, where reduced water pressure could impact the entire system. While the system is operating at lower pressure, it remains functional.
How You Can Help
Residents can make a significant impact by adopting these conservation measures:
Flush toilets only when necessary. Depending on the efficiency of your toilet, each flush uses between 6 to 26 litres of water.
Shorten the length and frequency of baths and showers.
Reduce laundry loads and dishwashers – wash a full load.
Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face.
Report leaks immediately to the Municipality at 902-354-7170.
Stay Informed
Updates are provided every Wednesday afternoon on Region of Queens Municipality’s website (www.regionofqueens.com) and social media pages, with more frequent updates if necessary.
—
Public Notice: Continued RQM Municipal Voluntary Water Conservation Measures
October 29, 2025: The limited local rainfall amounts have not been sufficient to remove the voluntary water conservation measure in place for Region of QueensMunicipal Water Utility Customers (Liverpool and Brooklyn). Water levels at the Town Lake Reservoir continue to drop, without sufficient rainfall to replenish the reservoir, conservation measures from customers of the utility are critical to preserving the water available for use.
Region of Queens Municipality thanks all the customers who have conserved their water. Please continue your conservation efforts.
Current Water Levels and Conservation Need
At full capacity, the Town Lake Reservoir has a maximum depth of nine feet above the water intake pipe. At present, the water level is at six and a half feet. If levels reach five feet, it triggers the Warning Level, where reduced water pressure could impact the entire system. While the system is operating at lower pressure, it remains functional.
How You Can Help
Residents can make a significant impact by adopting these conservation measures:
Flush toilets only when necessary. Depending on the efficiency of your toilet, each flush uses between 6 to 26 litres of water.
Shorten the length and frequency of baths and showers.
Reduce laundry loads and dishwashers – wash a full load.
Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face.
Report leaks immediately to the Municipality at 902-354-7170.
Stay Informed Updates are provided every Wednesday afternoon on Region of Queens Municipality’s website (www.regionofqueens.com) and social media pages, with more frequent updates if necessary.
—
Public Notice: Continued RQM Municipal Voluntary Water Conservation Measures
October 22, 2025: The limited local rainfall amounts have not been sufficient to remove the voluntary water conservation measure in place for Region of QueensMunicipal Water Utility Customers (Liverpool and Brooklyn). Water levels at the Town Lake Reservoir continue to drop, without sufficient rainfall to replenish the reservoir, conservation measures from customers of the utility are critical to preserving the water available for use.
Region of Queens Municipality thanks all the customers who have conserved their water. Please continue your conservation efforts.
Current Water Levels and Conservation Need
At full capacity, the Town Lake Reservoir has a maximum depth of nine feet above the water intake pipe. At present, the water level is at six and a half feet. If levels reach five feet, it triggers the Warning Level, where reduced water pressure could impact the entire system. While the system is operating at lower pressure, it remains functional.
How You Can Help
Residents can make a significant impact by adopting these conservation measures:
Flush toilets only when necessary. Depending on the efficiency of your toilet, each flush uses between 6 to 26 litres of water.
Shorten the length and frequency of baths and showers.
Reduce laundry loads and dishwashers – wash a full load.
Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face.
Report leaks immediately to the Municipality at 902-354-7170.
Stay Informed Updates are provided every Wednesday afternoon on Region of Queens Municipality’s website (www.regionofqueens.com) and social media pages, with more frequent updates if necessary.
—
Public Notice: Continued RQM Municipal Voluntary Water Conservation Measures
October 15, 2025: The limited local rainfall amounts have not been sufficient to remove the voluntary water conservation measure in place for Region of Queens Municipal Water Utility Customers (Liverpool and Brooklyn). Water levels at the Town Lake Reservoir continue to drop, without sufficient rainfall to replenish the reservoir, conservation measures from customers of the utility are critical to preserving the water available for use.
Region of Queens Municipality thanks all the customers who have conserved their water. Please continue your conservation efforts.
Current Water Levels and Conservation Need At full capacity, the Town Lake Reservoir has a maximum depth of nine feet above the water intake pipe. At present, the water level is at six and a half feet. If levels reach five feet, it triggers the Warning Level, where reduced water pressure could impact the entire system. While the system is operating at lower pressure, it remains functional.
How You Can Help Residents can make a significant impact by adopting these conservation measures:
Flush toilets only when necessary. Depending on the efficiency of your toilet, each flush uses between 6 to 26 litres of water.
Shorten the length and frequency of baths and showers.
Reduce laundry loads and dishwashers – wash a full load.
Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face.
Report leaks immediately to the Municipality at 902-354-7170.
Stay Informed Updates are provided every Wednesday afternoon on Region of Queens Municipality’s website (www.regionofqueens.com) and social media pages, with more frequent updates if necessary.
—
October 7, 2025: Region of Queens Municipal water utility customers (Liverpool and Brooklyn) are asked to take steps to conserve water starting immediately. Water levels in the Town Lake Reservoir have been decreasing due to lack of rain and there is limited rain in the forecast. The water remains safe to use, but users must begin conservation measures now to lower consumption until lake levels recover. The Municipality recognizes that sometimes requests to conserve water can unintentionally lead to increased usage, and request that people are cautious of the amount of water they are using and do their best to limit use for the benefit of all water utility customers.
The next scheduled update will be in the afternoon of Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
Here are a few easy ways to conserve water immediately:
Limit lawn and garden watering
Fix any leaks or dripping faucets
Take shorter showers and turn off taps when not in use
Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
The cooperation of Region of Queens Water Utility customers to do their part to conserve water is appreciated.
IN THE MATTER OF the Municipal Government Act being Chapter 18 of the Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1998.
TAKE NOTICE THAT on November 25, 2025, the Council of Region of Queens Municipality adopted a Bylaw respecting amendments to the Region of Queens Land Use Bylaw. The amendments saw:
Rewording of Section 17.2 reflecting changes to the site plan approval provisions for dwellings in commercial buildings to allow for greater ground floor area to be utilized for residential uses.
An aggrieved person may appeal the decision of Council, within fourteen (14) days of the publication of this notice, to the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board.
Dated: November 26, 2025
Angela Green, Municipal Clerk
Documents
The report that accompanied Second Reading and Adoption of the amendments to the Land Use Bylaw can be read here.
The Bylaw Respecting Amendments to the Land Use Bylaw can be read here.
Your curbside collection day/schedule and requirements for placement (i.e. blue bags) will stay the same.
