News release

New Fire Station for Little Brook

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--ADV--New Fire Station for Little Brook


Construction will soon begin on a new $700,000 fire station for Little Brook, Digby Co., thanks to a funding partnership through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

Federal and provincial funding of $516,534 was announced today, Nov. 30, by Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Neil LeBlanc, Minister of Finance, on behalf of Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Upon formal acceptance of the agreement, the Little Brook Volunteer Fire Department will fund the balance.

"Municipal projects like the Little Brook Fire Station enhance the quality of our lives and environment, and improve community infrastructure. These types of community improvements are a priority of the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program," said Mr. Thibault. "Through this program, the government of Canada is working with Nova Scotians to build strong, healthy, and safe communities."

The program is designed to invest in the infrastructure needs of Nova Scotia communities to support the objectives of long-term economic growth, community infrastructure improvements, environmental enhancements and the building of 21st-century infrastructure through better technologies, new approaches and best practices.

"By investing in stronger communities, we're building a stronger Nova Scotia," said Mr. LeBlanc. "Fire protection is a critical service in every community. Today's announcement will help the people of Little Brook benefit from a first-class fire station for many years to come."

The project provides for the design and construction of a 635 square-metre (6,840 square-foot) fire station, site preparation, a well, and onsite sewage disposal system in Little Brook. The station will replace the existing aging facility that has reached the end of its useful life. The new facility will be twice as large as the existing fire hall and will include five truck bays, training space, washrooms, interior hose drying and a small office. The community will benefit from improved safety due to better quality fire protection that will serve 1,000 homes and 100 businesses.

"The good health and safety of Little Brook residents is our top priority," said Andre LeBlanc, fire chief of the Little Brook Volunteer Fire Department. "This new fire hall will play a huge role in improving the quality of fire protection services we provide to the community."

This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the infrastructure program. To date, 87 projects have been announced, representing an investment of more than $125 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.