Province Invests in Better Water in Cape Breton

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Province Invests in Better Water

Residents of Cape Breton will soon have better water and sewage treatment, thanks to government of Nova Scotia investments worth more than $250,000.

Funded projects include groundwater exploration around Arichat, an upgrade to the Judique Water Treatment Plant, repairs to Port Hawkesbury's sewage treatment plant, and completion of a sewage treatment upgrade in Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The provincial government will fund between one-third and one-half of the projects' costs through its Provincial Capital Assistance Program (PCAP) up to $194,910.

In September, the government committed another $62,000 for water treatment system upgrades in Baddeck.

"We're investing in a cleaner environment and creating opportunities across the province," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "These investments will create construction and spin-off employment and will offer long-term health and safety benefits to these communities."

Mr. MacIsaac announced today that 13 communities will receive PCAP funding worth a total of $517,335. The money will pay for sewage or water treatment facility design and improvements, groundwater exploration, fire hydrant upgrades and a new well connection.

Work on all of the projects is expected to begin soon. The amount of work and completion date varies from project to project.

Mr. MacIsaac said, "Infrastructure improvements make communities more attractive to investors and can affect where businesses locate and create jobs.

"We promised to work with municipal governments to fund essential infrastructure projects and we're honouring our commitment."

More infrastructure investments are forthcoming. In early October, the province signed a six-year, $196-million infrastructure agreement with the federal government. Mr. MacIsaac said municipalities are now recommending priority projects and work should begin in the new year.

Here is a list of approved projects:

• Municipality of the County of Richmond, groundwater exploration program for the Arichat Water System, up to $23,310.

• Cape Breton Regional Municipality, final phase of the Cadegan Brook Sanitary Sewer Project, up to $92,000.

• Municipality of the County of Inverness, upgrade to the Judique Water Treatment Plant, up to $66,000.

• Town of Port Hawkesbury, repair of the Sewage Treatment Plant, up to $13,000.