Pictou County Residents to Benefit from Infrastructure Projects
SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Pictou County Residents to Benefit from Infrastructure Projects
Three Pictou County communities will soon have improvements to their municipal water services because of $1,452,154 worth of projects funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.
A total of $968,102 in joint federal-provincial funding was announced today 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. Local municipalities will fund the remaining $484,052 upon formal acceptance of the agreement.
"One of the top priorities of the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is to deliver a safer and reliable supply of drinking water and sewer services to Nova Scotians," said Premier Hamm. "These projects will help improve the quality of life for residents in the communities of Westville, New Glasgow and Trenton."
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. All of the projects announced today, Oct. 21, are classified as green projects.
"Building strong communities and improving quality of life is a priority for the government of Canada," said Mr. Thibault. "The Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is one of the ways we are investing in green projects like these announced for Pictou County, designed to improve our environment and provide safe, high-quality water systems."
Following the completion of a new water treatment plant in 2000, the town of New Glasgow's water line renewals project calls for the replacement of aging water mains that have a history of leakage. In replacing the old mains, about 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.
"The town of New Glasgow has always worked conscientiously to provide and maintain quality infrastructure projects for our residents," said Ann MacLean, Mayor of New Glasgow. "The Canada- Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program has gone a long way in helping us uphold that tradition."
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.
"We're very excited about today's infrastructure announcement," said Westville Mayor Sandy Cyr. "We'll soon be able to put the waste and inconvenience of many water main breaks behind us, and deliver the reliable water services our residents deserve."
Trenton's water meter project will allow for the supply and installation of about 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 usage and consumption rates.
"Environmental considerations are very important to us. Being able to accurately measure our town's water consumption is directly related to our ability to conserve water," said Trenton Mayor Cathy Cotter. "Metering will also ensure an accurate picture of when and how Trenton residents use the water, allowing us to better serve our customers' needs."
The Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program has announced 75 projects to date, worth more than $116 million. More announcements are expected soon as projects continue to 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.