Town News
Town of Middleton Celebrates Grand Opening of New Water Reservoir
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The Town of Middleton officially celebrated the completion of its new water reservoir on Monday, September 21, marking a significant investment in the community’s water infrastructure and its ability to support future growth.
Members of the public joined Middleton Town Council and staff, and representatives from Annapolis County Council, for a grand opening ceremony at the new reservoir site.
The new reservoir replaces Middleton’s aging reservoir and represents an important long-term investment in the reliability and capacity of the Town’s water system.
Designed with Middleton’s future in mind, the new reservoir provides additional capacity to accommodate residential and commercial development as the community grows. The project was designed to allow for further expansion of the system in the future, including the potential addition of a second reservoir on the property should increased demand eventually require it. Supporting infrastructure has been incorporated into the site to help facilitate future expansion.
The Province of Nova Scotia announced funding for the project in 2024 through the Municipal Capital Growth Program. At the time, the Province identified the project as an important piece of infrastructure that would allow approximately 800 new properties to access Middleton’s water system while providing improved water service and fire protection for 717 existing homes.
Middleton’s water originates from the Town’s well field and is pumped through the municipal water system to the reservoir. Water is chlorinated as part of the Town’s standard water treatment process before being distributed through the system.
The reservoir also provides an important level of resiliency for the community. At normal usage levels, the reservoir has the capacity to provide approximately nine days of water supply. The facility’s backup generator can support continued operation of the water system for approximately five days, before refueling, in the event of an extended power outage.
Construction of the new reservoir was a multi-year undertaking. The Town ordered the new water storage tank and dome roof through Roscoe Construction and Aquastore in August 2024. Following site preparation, construction, equipment installation and extensive testing, including testing of the SCADA system that allows the reservoir to communicate with the rest of Middleton’s water system, the project was completed in August 2026.
The new reservoir is now fully integrated into Middleton’s municipal water system and the de-commissioning of the old reservoir is nearly completed.
The Town of Middleton thanks the contractors, engineers, staff, funding partners and everyone involved in bringing this important infrastructure project to completion.
With the new reservoir now in service, Middleton has strengthened a critical piece of municipal infrastructure while creating additional capacity to support the community for years to come.
Mayor Gail Smith giving the opening speech
From left to right: Councillor Jonathan Archibald, Councillor Dan Smith, Deputy Mayor Gary Marshall, Councillor John Bartlett, Councillor Bernadette Knapp, Mayor Gail Smith
Members of the public, County of Annapolis Council, Town of Middleton Council and staff listening to the Mayor's opening speech.
Director of Public Works, Adam Verran, explaining how the reservoir operates.
Mayor Gail Smith cuts the ribbon with Council to officially open the reservoir.
The new reservoir on Junction Road.
⚠︎ Water Interruption ⚠︎
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A valve was scheduled to be installed today at the former reservoir, which is currently being decommissioned. However, the valve was found to be faulty and cannot be installed as planned.
As a result, residents on Gates Mountain Road, from the booster station to the reservoir, will be without water for most of the day while crews work to address the issue.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate residents’ patience and understanding as crews work to address the problem as quickly as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns, phone (902) 825-4841 ext. 104.
⚠︎Water Main Leak – Maple Avenue⚠︎
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Please be advised that Public Works is responding to a water main leak on Maple Avenue.
Water service is expected to be interrupted between approximately 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. today to allow crews to complete the necessary repairs. The interruption is anticipated to last approximately 4–5 hours, depending on the severity of the repair required.
We appreciate residents’ patience and understanding while this work is completed.
For any questions or concerns, call (902) 840-1694
Middleton Fire Department Welcomes New Pumper/Tanker
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Council had the pleasure of viewing Middleton Fire Department's new fire pumper/tanker on September 8.
The Middleton Fire Department welcomed a new addition to its fleet, bringing increased versatility, water capacity and firefighting capabilities to the department.
The new apparatus, a combination pumper/tanker, was manufactured by Rocky Mountain Phoenix in partnership with Rosenbauer. It replaces the department’s 1991 engine, which proudly served Middleton and the surrounding area for more than three decades.
Designed to perform multiple roles, the new truck can serve as both a frontline pumper and a tanker. Its four-door, single-axle Freightliner chassis can carry up to five personnel along with 1,500 imperial gallons of water, allowing firefighters and a substantial water supply to arrive together at an emergency scene.
This combination is particularly valuable for rural responses and mutual aid calls, where access to a municipal water supply may be limited and additional water often needs to be transported to the scene.
Built for Versatility
One of the truck’s key features is its Rosenbauer NH pump system, which can operate at both normal and high pressure simultaneously, providing firefighters with greater flexibility depending on the type of response.
The apparatus is also equipped with pump-and-roll capabilities through a direct-drive power take-off system. Unlike traditional fire apparatus that generally need to remain parked while pumping, the new truck can move forward or backward while discharging water.
This capability is particularly useful during brush and wildfire responses, allowing firefighters to move with the apparatus while continuing to apply water.
A remote-controlled monitor mounted on the front of the truck can be operated from inside the cab. This allows crews to begin applying water quickly and can help knock down a fire while additional personnel or mutual aid resources are on their way.
The truck also includes a rear hose reel for quick attacks, in addition to traditional pre-connected hose lines.
Increased Water Capacity
With a capacity of 1,500 imperial gallons, the apparatus can operate as a tanker during incidents requiring a water shuttle. A 10-inch rear dump chute allows its water supply to be discharged quickly into a portable tank at a fire scene before the truck returns to refill.
The chassis is shorter than many comparable fire trucks while providing additional ground clearance, helping the apparatus navigate rural roads and areas where access may be challenging.
The combination of crew capacity, water storage, pumping capabilities and mobility gives the Middleton Fire Department greater flexibility in responding to emergencies within its service area and when providing mutual aid to neighbouring departments.
The Middleton Fire Department will now begin familiarizing and training members on the new apparatus as it prepares to place the truck into active service.
Replacing an engine that served the community for more than 30 years, the new pumper/tanker represents an important investment in the future of fire protection for Middleton and the surrounding area.
⚠︎Church Street Roadwork Underway -- Expect Street Closure⚠︎
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The Town of Middleton is advising residents that the Church Street Road Replacement Project is now beginning.
As part of this project, Church Street will undergo a full road replacement, including the replacement of underground infrastructure followed by repaving.
Church Street between Commercial Street and School Street, will be closed to through traffic for approximately two weeks while this work is underway.
Residents are asked to plan for alternate routes and use caution around the construction area. Access and traffic may be impacted throughout the project.
Please note that the two-week timeline is an estimate and may change depending on construction progress, weather, and other unforeseen circumstances.
The Town will provide updates as work progresses and when Church Street is ready to reopen.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this important infrastructure work is completed.
Development Agreement Approved for Affordable Housing Development on Magee Drive
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Middleton, NS - Middleton Town Council has approved a Development Agreement that will allow a new affordable housing development to move forward on a provincially owned property on Magee Drive.
The proposed development includes 27 residential units, along with a community office and boardroom space. Plans for the property also include community green space, pedestrian pathways, landscaping and other site amenities.
The Development Agreement approval follows a municipal planning and public engagement process that included review by Town planning staff and the Planning Advisory Committee, as well as opportunities for public input.
As the municipal approval authority, the Town's role has been to review the proposed development in accordance with its Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law and applicable planning requirements.
“This is an exciting step forward for Middleton and, most importantly, for the people who need access to safe and affordable places to call home,” said Mayor Gail Smith. “Like many communities across Nova Scotia, we know there is a real need for more housing options. The addition of 27 affordable units in our community will make a meaningful difference while supporting Middleton’s continued growth. Council is very pleased to see this project moving forward.”
The development is planned for Lot 4A-D on Magee Drive (PID 05302047). With the Development Agreement approved, the project can proceed through the remaining permitting and development requirements.
The Town of Middleton looks forward to seeing the project progress and to the addition of much-needed housing options within the community.
Media Contact:
Gina Pearson, Communications Coordinator
E.
P. (902) 825-4841 ext. 104
