Infrastructure Program Invests In Canso's Water Project

More than 409 households and a fish processing facility in Canso will have improved drinking water thanks to funding through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program and the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

The project includes the design and construction of a new water treatment plant, a treatment process waste disposal system and upgrades to the transmission and storage. The upgrades will not only result in improved water quality, it will also meet Nova Scotia's drinking water standards.

Federal and provincial funding of $4,250,000 was announced today, May 8. Canso will fund the balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement.

"Our government recognizes the challenges faced by many small, rural communities, including the need for clean, safe drinking water," said Peter MacKay, federal Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "We are taking action to meeting those challenges head on."

"Providing a safe, clean supply of drinking water to Nova Scotians is one of our top infrastructure priorities," said Ron Chisholm, Minister of Agriculture and of Fisheries and Aquaculture, on behalf of Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "Today's announcement is a strong example of our commitment to improve the quality of life for Nova Scotians by making our communities safer and healthier."
The new infrastructure program supports community infrastructure projects such as water, wastewater and solid waste management.

"Federal and provincial funding was essential to getting this project off the ground," said Ray White, Mayor of the Town of Canso. "This project will enable us to provide high quality drinking water to the residents of Canso."

The Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program and the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund are 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.