West Hants Seeks Buyout Funding for Windsor Residents Hit by Sewage Flooding as Province Declines Request
West Hants Regional Municipality is pursuing voluntary buyouts for Stannus Street residents in Windsor plagued by combined sewer overflows, but Nova Scotia's provincial government says no funding program exists for such initiatives. The municipality is also applying for stormwater infrastructure funding to redesign local drainage systems.
West Hants Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia is seeking financial support to offer voluntary buyouts to residents on Stannus Street in Windsor who face recurring basement flooding caused by combined sewer overflows during heavy rains. 
On Oct. 1, West Hants council sent a letter to a dozen federal and provincial politicians requesting a financial commitment for the voluntary buyout of residential properties between 364 and 430 Stannus St. Residents in this area have experienced repeated flooding with mixtures of sewage and rainwater due to aging infrastructure unable to handle storm surges. The issue gained heightened attention after a severe thunderstorm in 2023 caused flash flooding, road washouts, and four deaths in West Hants.
Provincial Municipal Affairs Minister John A. MacDonald responded to the municipality's request on Oct. 13, stating that his department does not have an existing funding program that aligns with a municipal residential property buyout initiative. Councillor Jim Ivey challenged that position, noting that previous correspondence indicated federal money had been allocated to Nova Scotia for disaster relief or recovery, suggesting a disconnect between the province's claim of having no funds and available federal resources.
While pursuing buyouts, the municipality is also working on long-term infrastructure solutions. On Sept. 28, West Hants council voted to apply for funding under Nova Scotia’s Stormwater Transformation Optimization and Resilience for Municipalities program, which could cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. 
The proposed stormwater management solution involves redirecting flows into the Tregothic Creek watershed to reduce pressure on the existing combined sewer system and improve resilience. If the stormwater projects proceed, they could lead to a reduction in wastewater releases and associated environmental impacts.
A Windsor stormwater management plan completed by CBCL Ltd. in August 2025 identified Stannus Street as the municipality’s top priority for integrated stormwater management solutions. Until long-term solutions are developed and implemented, affected residents continue to face uncertainty regarding their properties.