Improved Water and Wastewater Services Approved for Sherbrooke Residents
SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Improved Water and Wastewater Services Approved for Sherbrooke Residents
New water meters and utility upgrades for the Sherbrooke water system got the green light today, Oct. 21, because of a $128,684 project funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.
Joint federal-provincial funding of $85,788 was announced by Premier John Hamm and Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Municipality of the District of St. Mary's will fund the $42,896 balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement.
"This project demonstrates our government's commitment to working with communities to provide Nova Scotians with safe and reliable drinking water," said Premier Hamm. "Completion of this project will bring immediate benefits to the residents of Sherbrooke, including improved water quality and quantity."
Green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective wastewater management and safe drinking water is the first priority under the program. The majority of the federal and provincial funding announced to date has been directed to green projects.
"Building strong communities and improving quality of life is a priority for the government of Canada," said Mr. Thibault. "The Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is one of the ways we are investing in green projects designed to improve our environment and provide safe, high-quality water systems."
The Sherbrooke Water and Wastewater Utility Upgrades project is multi-faceted, involving the installation of water meters for 142 customers and upgrades and enhancements to the town's wastewater and water utilities. The project will allow the water utility to quickly detect and repair leaks, resulting in less wasted water. Improvements will also further reduce operating costs by using less power and chemicals. Storm water will be diverted from the wastewater treatment plant creating greater efficiency. The community will benefit from a consistent level of service for all customers and improved water appearance and quality.
"This project will definitely have a positive impact on our community," said Milton Jordan, Warden of the District of St. Mary's. "We are pleased that our municipality has been able to work with the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia to make our community a better place to live, work and visit."
This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under Round Two of the infrastructure program. To date, 75 projects have been announced, representing an investment of more than $116 million. Additional announcements are expected as projects undergo environmental assessment and final approval.
The $195 million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is a member of the management committee. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is represented on the program's management committee.