Infrastructure Program to Invest in Projects Across Nova Scotia
SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Infrastructure Program to Invest in Projects Across Nova Scotia
Twelve municipal infrastructure projects got the green light today, Oct. 21, in one of a series of federal-provincial funding announcements.
More than $11.3 million in federal-provincial funding was announced today by Premier Hamm and Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Local municipalities will fund the balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement, bringing the total to more than $19.6 million.
"Today's announcement clearly demonstrates our government's commitment to invest in projects that will improve the quality of life for all Nova Scotians," said Premier Hamm. "Through these investments, we are building healthy and safer communities."
Green infrastructure projects promote safe drinking water, effective wastewater management, and sound environmental practices that serve to benefit businesses, families and tourism in the province. Most of the projects announced today are classified as green projects.
"Green municipal projects that enhance the quality of our lives and environment and that improve community infrastructure, are the 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 communities with plenty of room to grow."
"This announcement is really great news for all nine communities," said Jerry Blumenthal, president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. "The municipalities identified their top infrastructure priorities, and all three levels of government have worked together to make those important projects a reality."
The Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program has announced 75 projects to date, worth more than $116 million. More 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.
NOTE TO EDITORS: The following is a list of the projects across Nova Scotia that have been approved under the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program for Oct. 21.
Water Distribution Upgrade -- Phase 2 Town of Stewiacke Shared Project Cost: $846,607 ($282,202 federal; $282,202 provincial) This is the second phase of Stewiacke's three-phase water distribution upgrade project, which involves replacing aging water mains and upgrading the water system to safe industry standards. The project is expected to offer many benefits upon completion: stable, secure lines will increase the reliability of potable water, reduce or eliminate a high occurrence of water main breaks and leaks and will enable the town to furnish an adequate, long-term supply of water to the local fire department.
The project follows the completion of Phase 1, which was also funded under the infrastructure program in 2001-02.
Water Meters Town of Trenton Shared Project Cost: $276,715 ($92,238 federal; $92,238 provincial) This project will allow for the supply and installation of approximately 840 residential water meters throughout the town of Trenton, which will complete the metering for the entire town. Accurate metering serves as a leak detection tool by determining unaccounted-for water use. This in turn assists with conservation, by reducing consumption and waste. In addition, the new meters serve as a utility management tool, providing key information on peak demand times, area use and consumption rates.
Water Main -- North Main Street Town of Westville Shared Project Cost: $267,348 ($89,116 federal; $89,116 provincial) Westville's water renewal project calls for the upgrading of 558 metres of North Main Street water line, which has a history of breaks. Because the line forms part of the feeder coming from the Town of New Glasgow, the quality and quantity of water available to Westville will be greatly increased. The project will significantly reduce unaccounted-for water loss, and will directly benefit 1,500 residential customers with an improved supply of potable water.
Water Distribution Line Extension -- Shelburne Wharf Town of Shelburne Shared Project Cost: $166,585 ($55,528 federal; $55,528 provincial) The Shelburne Wharf project allows for the lengthening of a water distribution line south on Water Street to service the Government Wharf. The line will be extended approximately 335 metres and will allow the local utility to provide water to container ships, commercial vessels, Coast Guard ships and other naval traffic stopping in the port of Shelburne. The town expects that the increase in port activity will create an economic boost for Shelburne, and project organizers are hopeful that the new water services will also help attract cruise ships to the area.
Water Line Renewals -- Park, Vale, Stellarton, Lorne Town of New Glasgow Shared Project Cost: $908,091 ($302,697 federal; $302,697 provincial) Following the construction of a new water treatment plant completed in 2000, the water line renewals project calls for the replacement of aging water mains that have a history of leakage. In replacing the old mains, approximately 600 homes, a new regional school and one commercial area will benefit from improved potable water quality and quantity. In addition, zero leakage on the new mains will reduce water loss and will improve fire protection.
Water Utility Upgrade Town of Hantsport Shared Project Cost: $800,000 ($266,666 federal; $266,666 provincial) This 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. Five hundred and eighty households will have access to an improved quality of potable water. The project will increase the overall production of potable water, and will ensure access to a secondary water source.
Sherbrooke Water Utility / Wastewater Utility Upgrades Municipality of St. Mary's Shared Project Cost: $128,684 ($42,894 federal; $42,894 provincial) This project is multi-faceted, involving the installation of water meters for 142 customers, and upgrades and enhancements to the town's wastewater and water utilities. The project will allow the water utility to quickly detect and repair leaks, resulting in less wasted water. Improvements will also further reduce operating costs by using less power and chemicals. The community will benefit from a consistent level of service for all customers and improved water appearance and quality.
Springhill Community Centre Arena Town of Springhill Shared Project Cost: $6,300,000 ($1,250,000 federal; $1,250,000 provincial) This project provides for the design and construction of a new arena for the town of Springhill to replace the old Springhill Arena, which collapsed in 2001. The new arena will consist of a single, minimum NHL-sized pad with ice surface and seating for a minimum of 800 people. Benefits include 60 extra hours of ice time available to the community each week and an expected increase in tourism activity. The town of Springhill also has plans in place for a gymnasium, teen centre, walking track, skate park, kitchen, canteen and stage.
Beaverbank Water -- Phase 4B and 4C Halifax Regional Water Commission Shared Project Cost: $2,043,000 ($681,000 federal; $681,000 provincial) This project is the continuation of Phase 4 of the Beaverbank Area Water Service project that addresses the water quality problems and provides for the extension of municipal water services to households on 16 streets abutting Beaverbank Road. Phase 4 follows the completion of the first three phases that included the installation of water and sewer services on the road. The community will benefit from increased access to municipal water services and improved potable water.
Beaverbank Road Sewer Services Phase 4D and 4E Halifax Regional Municipality Shared Project Cost: $2,700,000 ($900,000 federal; $900,000 provincial) This project provides for the design and installation of 6,013 metres of sewermain to 195 households on the streets and subdivisions abutting Beaverbank Road. The project follows three previous phases which included the installation of sewermain on Beaverbank Road to address failing on-site sewage systems. Benefits to the community include reduced flooding and increased safety.
Beaverbank Area Waterline Extension Phase 4D and 4E Halifax Regional Water Commission Shared Project Cost: $2,400,000 ($800,000 federal; $800,000 provincial) This project provides for the design and installation of 6013 metres of watermain to 195 households on the streets and subdivisions abutting Beaverbank Road. The project follows three previous phases which included the installation of sewermain on Beaverbank Road to address water quality problems with existing private wells and to provide better access to fire protection.
Beaverbank Area Reservoir Halifax Regional Water Commission Shared Project Cost: $2,500,000 ($833,333 federal; $833,333 provincial) This project provides for the design and installation of a reservoir to serve the Beaverbank area. The reservoir will provide full fire flows and pressure to 1,350 homes. In addition, the reservoir will provide balancing storage for efficient system operation and emergency water for the entire Beaverbank area.