News release

CBRM Receives More than $11 Million Towards Wastewater Projects

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

NOTE: A list of approved projects for Cape Breton Regional Municipality follows this release.

More than 2,600 households in Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) will soon have better treated wastewater thanks to funding through the Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

Federal and provincial funding of $11,432,762 was announced today, May 6, for the five projects, with each level of government contributing one-third of the cost of each project. CBRM will fund the balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement and environmental assessment approvals.

In a showcase of the new program's top priorities, the CBRM projects include the design and construction of a collection and treatment system in Dominion, a new sewer interceptor main along the south side of Sydney Harbour, a new collection system and treatment of wastewater in Little Bras d'Or, upgrades to water and wastewater services in Sydney Mines, and the installation of individual grinder pumps and a forcemain in New Victoria and Reserve Mines.

"Today's investment is a fine example of our government providing opportunities for our communities to prosper, be vibrant and safe," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "We will continue to collaborate and partner with the federal and municipal governments to provide the best possible infrastructure for Nova Scotia communities."

"Infrastructure is the foundation of our quality of life, our economic progress, and our environmental sustainability. The projects we are announcing today will ensure that key infrastructure is in place not only for residents of CBRM but, in several cases, have the added benefit of supporting our growing tourism and cultural sectors," said Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The infrastructure program supports community infrastructure improvements, such as water, wastewater, and solid waste management.

"This municipality has a lot of infrastructure needs and today's investment will go a long way toward meeting those needs," said John Morgan, mayor of CBRM. "These projects will help pave the way for future economic and residential growth in CBRM."

The $111-million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities are members of the management committee.


NOTE: Following is a list of approved projects on the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund:

Dominion Beach/Cadegan Brook Sanitary Sewer and Treatment:
Provincial and federal funding: $5,333,928 This project will provide for the design and construction of a collection and treatment system in the community of Dominion. The project will include the collection of wastewater from 1,100 households and the interception of seven outfalls which discharge raw sewage along the shoreline from the Dominion Beach Provincial Beach to Cadegan Brook.

New Victoria Small Diameter Sewer Pilot Project:
Provincial and federal funding: $1,000,524 This project will provide for the installation of the individual grinder pumps and a small diameter forcemain for 106 households on Neville Street, Hefferman Hill, Brown Road Extension, Burkes Road and Sydney Road.

Sydney Harbour Sanitary Sewer Interceptor:
Provincial and federal funding: $3,534,664 This project will provide for the design and construction of a sewer interceptor main along the south side of Sydney Harbour. The interceptor will collect the nine remaining outfalls and divert raw sewage to the newly constructed Battery Point Sewage Treatment Plant. Also included in this project is a recreational trail that will be constructed above the path of the sewer interceptor and will connect with the existing boardwalk system.

Crescent Street Infrastructure Upgrades:
Provincial and federal funding: $868,214 This project will provide for the upgrade of water and wastewater services to 66 households in Sydney Mines. It also includes the installation of a new storm sewer, which will help reduce flooding.

Villa Drive Sewage Collection and Treatment:
Provincial and federal funding: $695,432 This project will provide for the design and construction of a collection system and treatment of the wastewater for 50 households on Villa Drive, Little Bras d'Or. The new collection and treatment system, which is a re-circulating sand filter, will replace malfunctioning, aging on-site systems.