News release

Western Nova Scotia Welcomes Three Infrastructure Projects

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

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Western Nova Scotia Welcomes Three Infrastructure Projects


Residents of Meteghan, Middleton and Cornwallis Park can look forward to some much-anticipated community improvements because of three projects announced through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

In a showcase of the program's priorities, projects supporting the construction of the Annapolis Basin Active Living Centre, the restoration of the Old Holy Trinity Church, and upgrades to the Meteghan wastewater treatment facility were announced today, May 11, by the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, in partnership with local municipal units and community groups.

"As a government, we are keeping our word to the people of Digby and Annapolis Counties to work with others to invest in the quality of life of local residents and their families," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Rodney MacDonald, speaking on behalf of Barry Barnet, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "These projects have long been priorities of the government of Nova Scotia and I am delighted we are now able to move forward with our federal and community partners."

"Nova Scotians want to live in healthy, safe, environments of which they can be proud," said Member of Parliament Robert Thibault. "Through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, the government of Canada is working with Nova Scotians to build strong communities and improve our quality of life by investing in the kinds of infrastructure projects announced today."

Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Thibault, announced their total joint federal-provincial investment of $2.3 million today. The Basin Wellness Society, the Municipality of the District of Clare and the Old Holy Trinity Church Foundation, will fund the balance of their respective projects upon final acceptance of their offers. In all, the three projects are worth more than $3.5 million.

Designed to invest in the infrastructure needs of Nova Scotia communities, the program's priorities include supporting long- term economic growth, community infrastructure improvements and environmental enhancements.

"A quality standard of living and strong community development depends on good, solid infrastructure," said John Morgan, president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. "The Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is a unique vehicle that successfully allows governments to work together to achieve a common goal -- to make Nova Scotia communities the best they can be."

To date, more than $171 million has been invested in 117 projects through the program. More announcements are expected as projects undergo environmental assessment and final approval.

The 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.


Note to editors: Following are details of the three projects approved under the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

Annapolis Basin Active Living Centre Basin Wellness Society Shared total project cost: $2,250,000, including $750,000 federal and $750,000 provincial. This project will provide for the first phase of the design and renovation of the lower level of the existing Cornwallis Mall into the Annapolis Basin Active Living Centre. This phase (about 17,000 square feet) will include a wellness/fitness area: physiotherapy suite, hot tub, steam and sauna suite; fitness studio; children's playroom and activity rooms; multipurpose room; community meeting room, office space; new public washrooms; upgrading of the building's exterior; all related mechanical and electrical upgrading; and repair of the existing mall roof. The centre will serve the residents of Annapolis and Digby counties.

Meteghan Wastewater Treatment Facility Municipality of the District of Clare Shared total project cost: $1,175,148, including $391,716 federal and $391,716 provincial. This is the second phase of upgrades planned for the Meteghan sewage treatment facility including an extension of the collection system along Highway 1. The upgrade includes replacing the existing clarifier with a larger one that can accommodate more sewage, enable the facility to treat to a higher level and meet regulatory requirements. The one-kilometre extension of the collection system will add 35 homes to the system. These homes currently have aging, inefficient, individual on-site sewage disposal systems.

Restoration of the Old Holy Trinity Church Old Trinity Church Foundation Shared total project cost: $120,000, including $40,000 federal and $40,000 provincial. This project will provide for Phases A and B of the restoration of the Old Trinity Church in the Town of Middleton. Built in about 1790, the Old Trinity Church is a registered provincial heritage site and has about 1,000 visitors per year. Restoration of the church will include repairs to the steeple, roof, doors, windows, foundation and attic, which will help bring the church up to building code safety standards.