News release

Infrastructure Program Helps Improve Hantsport Water Quality

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

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Infrastructure Program Helps Improve Hantsport Water Quality


Upgrades to the Town of Hantsport's water utility will soon begin due to an $800,000 project funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

Joint federal-provincial funding in the amount of $533,332 was announced today, Oct. 21, 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 Town of Hantsport will fund the $266,668 balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement.

"Providing safer drinking water to Nova Scotians is a priority of our government," said Premier Hamm. "The residents of Hantsport made it clear to us that they want to have a safe and reliable supply of drinking water. We are responding to their need because it is an essential service and needed investment in their future."

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.

"The government of Canada is committed to building strong communities and improving our quality of life," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we're investing in green projects that address our highest priorities -- the water we drink and the air we breathe."

The Water Utility Upgrade project provides funding for the design and construction of a new water treatment plant and reservoir for the town. It will help address the issue of boil orders and fully treat the town's water to meet the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines. An improved quality of potable water will be accessible to 580 households. The project will increase the overall production of potable water and will ensure access to a secondary water source.

"The health and safety of our community cannot be underrated," said Wayne Folker, Mayor of the Town of Hantsport. "This project will greatly ease the kinds of concerns our community has recently had over the quality of our drinking water."

This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the Infrastructure Program. To date, 75 projects have been announced, representing an investment of more than $116 million. Additional announcements are expected soon 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.