News release

Richmond Gets $2.4 Million for 'Green' Projects

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

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS Richmond Gets $2.4 Million for 'Green' Projects


Residents of Richmond County will soon see improvements to their water and sewer services with funding for two projects through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

Joint federal and provincial funding of $1,649,360 for two projects was announced today by Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Ron Chisholm, MLA for Guysborough-Port Hawkesbury, on behalf of Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

"The Government of Canada is committed to working with Nova Scotians to build strong communities and improve our quality of life," said Mr. Thibault. "With the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program we are focused on investments in projects that improve the health of these communities by delivering higher-quality water and sewer services."

Green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective waste-water management and safe drinking water is the first priority under the program. The majority of the federal and provincial funding announced in year one will be directed to green projects, like the water treatment plant upgrade serving the communities of Arichat and Petit de Grat, and a new sewage treatment plant for St. Peter's.

"The essential investments we are making today and in the coming weeks will pay off in long-term benefits for every Nova Scotian," said Mr. Chisholm. "Because of these projects, this province will be a better place to live, work, visit and invest."

A $1,474,041 water treatment plant upgrade will provide more- reliable water service to the communities of Arichat and Petit de Grat. The upgrade will treat the water drawn from Babin's Lake to a higher level, alleviating concerns over water quality. The $982,694 in federal and provincial funding under the program is subject to the formal acceptance of the Municipality of the County of Richmond, which will fund the balance of the project costs.

"This project is a great step forward in assuring a safe water supply for the residents of both Arichat and Petit de Grat," said Richmond County warden Richard Cotton. "It is encouraging to see both the federal and provincial governments making a commitment to our priorities."

The $1 million sewage-treatment plant construction for St. Peter's will improve waste-water treatment for all households connected to the new plant and will have the capacity to process waste water from presently unserviced areas of the community. The $666,666 in federal and provincial funding under the program is subject to the formal acceptance of the Village of St. Peter's, which will fund the balance of project costs.

"The federal and provincial funding was essential to getting this project off the ground," said Esther McDonnell, chair of the village commission. "It is important to our community that we be able to provide for proper treatment of our waste water. We are glad to get a favourable response on our most pressing need."

This is the second in a series of approval announcements for projects nominated by municipalities under the program, which has invested more than $24.2 million to date. Further 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 (Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation in Cape Breton) and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is represented on the Program's management committee.



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