Town of New Glasgow

What Town of New Glasgow does

The Town of New Glasgow is a municipal government entity in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada, serving approximately 9,000 residents across three wards. Incorporated in 1875, with community origins dating to 1784, the Town delivers the full suite of municipal services including water and sewer utilities (operated via the Forbes Lake Water Utility serving ~15,000 people and selling water to neighboring municipalities), road and sidewalk maintenance across 80 km of infrastructure, solid waste collection, police and fire services, planning and zoning, parks, recreation, and cultural programming. Core infrastructure is conventional municipal-grade: a Dissolved Air Flotation Water Treatment Plant, GIS systems for asset management, GPS-equipped fleet vehicles, and online service platforms including an upcoming e-permitting system funded by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund.

The Town's revenue model is that of a tax-and-fee-funded municipality: property taxes billed twice annually at $1.88/$100 residential and $4.47/$100 commercial, usage-based water ($1.65/m³) and sewer ($1.40/m³) charges, flat user fees (e.g., $183 solid waste charge per dwelling, $50 tax certificates), marina docking fees, and recreation program fees. Service delivery is hybrid: in-person at the 1884 Town Hall on Provost Street, online via self-serve portals and third-party payment processors (Plastiq), and through distributed physical assets including three community centres, a 6 km trail system, Glasgow Square Theatre, the Riverfront Marina, and the S.W. Weeks Sports Complex. The Town operates as a public entity governed by an elected Mayor and six Councillors, with no private ownership structure and no public financial disclosure beyond required statements.

Customer segments are largely captive: residents requiring core services, local businesses requiring licensing and permits, and visitors consuming cultural and recreational amenities. The Town has cultivated an unusually broad partnership ecosystem for a municipality of its size, including a kinship relationship with Glasgow, Scotland, membership in the Global Covenant of Mayors, Partners for Climate Protection (since 1998), Bee City Canada, and operational partnerships with Clean Foundation, NSCAD University, and several county-level recreation bodies. Recent strategic emphasis is on climate action, housing acceleration, equity, and active living, with new programs launched in 2025 across library revitalization, housing funding, and active living strategy.

Name

Town of New Glasgow

Legal name

Town of New Glasgow

Website

https://newglasgow.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1875

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Town of New Glasgow is a municipal government in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, serving approximately 9,000 residents with water, sewer, roads, emergency services, recreation, and cultural programming, funded by property taxes, utility fees, and grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Government Services

NAICS

Water, Sewage and Other Systems (2213), Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (9251), Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (221310)

SIC

Water Supply (4941), Sanitary Services (4950)

akta.pro primary industry

Mayor/City Manager & General Administration (BPAIACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Supply & Wastewater Utilities Administration (BPAIACAG), Public Works & Municipal Infrastructure (Streets, Stormwater, Facilities) (BPAIACAF), Sustainable Cities, Urban Development & Green Infrastructure (BPADALAL)

Keywords

• Municipal government services
• Water and sewer utility
• Property tax administration
• Parks and recreation programs
• Public works infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

New Glasgow

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Taxes: The primary municipal revenue source. Property taxes are billed twice annually with interim billing due June 1 and final billing due November 1. Residential and resource tax rate is $1.88 per $100 of assessed value; commercial and business occupancy tax rate is $4.47 per $100 of assessed value.
2. Water and Sewer Utility Revenue: The municipality operates Forbes Lake Water Utility providing water throughout the town and selling water to neighboring municipalities. Water rates are $1.65 per cubic meter; sewer rate is $1.40 per cubic meter.
3. Water Utility - Forbes Lake: Water rates are currently $1.46/cubic meter of water consumed and pollution control rates are currently $1.40/cubic meter. The meter base charge is currently $59.23.
4. User Fees and Service Charges: Various municipal fees including solid waste uniform charge of $183.00 per residential dwelling unit, marina fees, recreation program fees, and other service charges.
5. Provincial and Federal Grants: Municipal revenue includes provincial and federal grants for various programs and infrastructure projects, including Housing Accelerator Fund funding of approximately $3.3 million.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Town of New Glasgow is a municipal government that delivers essential public services to residents and businesses, including water and sewer utility operations (Forbes Lake Water Utility), property tax administration, road and sidewalk maintenance, solid waste collection, policing, fire services, recreation facilities, and cultural programming. The town also operates a performing arts venue, museum, marina, and trail system, and provides economic development support for local businesses.

Product overview

The Town of New Glasgow is a municipal government offering a diverse portfolio of services and facilities. Core civic services include public works (roads, water utility, snow removal), police services, and fire department. The town operates a comprehensive recreation system including trails (6km), community centres, sports complexes, and the GO PLAY equipment loan program. Cultural offerings include Glasgow Square Theatre (performing arts venue), Carmichael-Stewart House Museum, and an NSCAD Community Art Studio. Sustainability initiatives include the Pollinator Certificate Program (Nova Scotia's first Bee City), Clean Energy Financing (PACE) program, and active Climate Action Plans. The town is currently undertaking major infrastructure projects including a Library Revitalization initiative ($4.7M fundraising goal) and Housing Accelerator Fund activities ($3.3M federal funding). Online services include tax/utility payments via Plastiq and recreation program discovery via PlayFinder.ca.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Glasgow Square Theatre Performing arts venue situated on the East River of Pictou in New Glasgow's downtown core, providing year-round entertainment with indoor and outdoor stages, hosting national and international touring acts as well as local and regional performers.
• Carmichael-Stewart House Museum Historic museum located at 86 Temperance Street, showcasing Pictou County history through Victorian architecture, Trenton glassware, a Penny Farthing, Scottish regalia, and historical photographs. Operates as the Pictou County History Museum.
• New Glasgow Riverfront Marina Seasonal marina operating from June 1 to September 30, offering seasonal docking, day rates, overnight rates, and fueling services for boaters.
• Trail System (Samson, Pioneer, and Johnny Miles Memorial Trails) 6 km trail system winding along the scenic riverfront, built on old rail line beds, including the Samson Trail (connected to Canada's oldest locomotive), Pioneer Trail with gazebo look-off, and Johnny Miles Memorial Trail. Used by approximately 2,000 people daily in peak season.
• S.W. Weeks Sports Complex Multi-purpose sports complex featuring playgrounds and skatepark facilities managed by the community development department.
• Community Centres (Ward One, North End, West Side) Three municipal-owned community centres operated by volunteer boards of directors, offering indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, facility rentals, organized activities, and volunteer opportunities.
• NSCAD Community Art Studio Community art studio as part of Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) residency program, featuring a Bartlett kiln, studio space for three artists, and a downtown location.
• Pollinator Certificate Program Recognition program for residents who support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators through pollinator-friendly gardens; participants receive a certificate and garden sign.
• Clean Energy Financing Program (PACE) Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program launched in 2021 in partnership with Clean Foundation, providing certified home energy assessments, expert consultation, and financing to help homeowners improve energy efficiency.
• GO PLAY Pictou County Equipment Loan Program Equipment loan program offering bicycles (including electric, tandem, and handcycles), sports equipment, and other recreational gear available for loan through various Pictou County municipal units.
• Forbes Lake Water Utility Water utility providing potable water throughout the town and selling water to neighboring municipalities (Town of Westville, portions of Municipality of the County of Pictou, and selected industries and residential customers in Town of Trenton). Serves approximately 15,000 people with daily average consumption of 8,200 m3/day.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022International alliance of cities and local governments committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, and increasing access to clean energy. Town selected as one of 25 municipalities in Canada for Global Covenant of Mayors' first Showcase Cities Pilot program in 2019.
• Cities Race to Zero and Race to ResiliencecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2021Global campaigns run by COP26 Presidency and High-Level Climate Champions. Town pledged to reach net zero emissions by mid-century and commit to inclusive climate action.
• Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021One-year pilot developed by National Zero Waste Council, FCM, Recycling Council of Alberta, and RECYC-QUÉBEC. Town selected as one of 15 local governments to advance circular economy knowledge sharing and capacity building.
• Clean Foundation (PACE Program)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership with Clean Foundation for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program to help homeowners access financing for home energy upgrades. Clean Foundation provides certified home energy assessments, expert consultation, and financing support.
• Bee City CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016New Glasgow is Nova Scotia's first Bee City, committed to protecting local pollinators through increased local species planting, protecting pollinator habitats, community gardens, raising awareness, and reducing pesticide use.
• City of Glasgow, ScotlandflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2010Long-standing kinship relationship with City of Glasgow, Scotland dating back to the town's founding. Relationship includes exchange of official town symbols: New Glasgow's official tartan designed using City of Glasgow's tartan, town's coat of arms registered with permission to use motto 'Let New Glasgow Flourish' from Glasgow's motto. Cultural exchanges and best practices sharing in heritage, tourism, marketing, economic development, downtown revitalization, and immigration.
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Partners for Climate Protection ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1998Joint effort with ICLEI Canada for climate action planning and reduction targets. Town joined as early adapter in 1998 and follows 5-milestone framework for corporate and community climate action.
• Multicultural Association of Pictou County (MAPC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit volunteer-run society building cultural diversity and guiding newcomers to programs and services in the community. Partnership supports integration of newcomers and promotes multicultural awareness.
• Bicycle Nova ScotiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlue Route Hubs Project collaboration to help communities develop cycling routes. Bike Friendly Business Certification Program and cycling route development throughout the province.
• PlayFinder.caminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNova Scotia-based community-driven platform for discovering, accessing, and managing recreation and sport opportunities. Town participates to connect residents with recreational programs.
• New Scotland Business Development Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development organization with Ward representatives from Town Council. Supports business promotion and business development within New Glasgow.
• Healthy Pictou CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for hospital and NSH Community Building Walking Routes. Collaborated to prepare walking routes from the hospital and local businesses for pre-work or post-work exercise.
• Active Pictou County, Municipality of Pictou County, Town of Pictou, Town of WestvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Pictou County Hike Club offering welcoming, social and leisurely-paced guided hikes across Pictou County. Combined effort of multiple municipal units for community recreation.
• Pictou County Bikes for Kids ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram that collects, repairs, and distributes bikes to children in need throughout Pictou County. Town is a partner supporting youth cycling access.
• NSCAD UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNova Scotia College of Art and Design residency program. Town hosts one of four community art studios for the program, providing facilities including Bartlett kiln, studio space, and storage for artists.
• Pictou-Antigonish Regional LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Library Revitalization Project to transform existing library facility into a vibrant Destination Centre with modern meeting rooms, creative spaces, and community programming areas.
• Town of Westville, Municipality of the County of Pictou, Town of TrentoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater utility partnerships where New Glasgow Water Utility sells water to neighboring municipalities: Town of Westville, portions of Municipality of the County of Pictou, and selected industries and residential customers in Town of Trenton.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Town of Trenton: Adjacent Pictou County town that receives water service from New Glasgow; similar small-town Nova Scotia municipal structure with comparable property tax base, recreation facilities, and infrastructure profile.
• Town of Westville: Neighbouring Pictou County municipality of comparable size and service profile; direct wholesale water customer of New Glasgow's Forbes Lake utility, making operational model and infrastructure costs directly comparable.
• Town of Bridgewater: Small-town Nova Scotia municipality with active climate action and economic development programs; comparable for benchmarking small-town capital projects and community development initiatives.
• Town of Amherst: Small Nova Scotia town of similar size and service profile; comparable for benchmarking municipal budgets, recreation infrastructure, and small-town economic development programs.
• Town of Truro: Slightly larger Nova Scotia municipal neighbour with similar service portfolio (water utility, recreation, climate action); useful comparable for scaling municipal operations and shared services in rural Atlantic Canada.
• Town of Stellarton: Small Pictou County town with similar population, services, and rural Nova Scotia operating context; directly comparable for property tax rates, recreation programming, and water utility economics.
• Town of Pictou: Adjacent Pictou County town with similar municipal service mix including water, recreation, and public works; partnered with New Glasgow on the Pictou County Hike Club, indicating highly overlapping operating models.
• Municipality of the County of Pictou: Rural municipal government in the same county; water customer of New Glasgow and partner on Pictou County Hike Club, providing a like-for-like comparison for rural municipal service delivery and rate structures.

Regional players

• City of Summerside: Small Maritime Canadian municipality with comparable size, water utility operations, and active climate/sustainability programs; relevant peer for benchmarking Maritime municipal operations outside Nova Scotia.
• Town of Yarmouth: Nova Scotia town with similar municipal service mix and small-town Atlantic Canada operating context; useful regional comparable though geographically distinct from New Glasgow.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/newglasgowns
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCwh4LBW-FLuLVjD92NL-Cpw
• Facebookfacebook.com/NewGlasgowNovaScotia
• Instagraminstagram.com/townofnewglasgow
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/town-of-new-glasgow

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Town of New Glasgow