News release

Central Sewage System Announced for Smiths Cove

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

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Central Sewage System Announced for Smiths Cove


On-site sewage disposal will soon be a thing of the past for Smiths Cove residents, thanks to a $1.9 million project funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

A total of $1,272,828 in joint federal and provincial funding was announced today, Dec. 1, by Barry Barnet, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and by Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister Responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Municipality of the District of Digby will fund the $636,416 balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement.

"Green municipal projects that enhance the quality of our lives and environment, and that improve community infrastructure, are among the key priorities of the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program," said Mr. Thibault. "Through this program, and this project, the government of Canada is working with Nova Scotians to build a strong, healthy community right here in Smiths Cove."

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.

"This is great example of our government's commitment to providing a safe, clean environment for Nova Scotians," said Mr. Barnet. "For the residents of Smiths Cove, this project will finally resolve a long-standing wastewater issue in the community."

The Smiths Cove Sewage Collection and Treatment project involves the construction of a central sanitary sewage system. Residents currently using on-site disposal systems have found that they have deteriorated to the point of malfunctioning. The new collection system will alleviate the problem by delivering reliable, high quality municipal wastewater collection and treatment to all residents.

"This investment will have a significant impact on the well-being of the Smiths Cove community, and a positive economic influence as well," said James Thurber, warden of the Municipality of the District of Digby. "I am delighted to make this announcement today with our provincial and federal partners."

This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the program, which has invested more than $160 million in 101 projects to date. Additional 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 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.