News release

Infrastructure Program Invests in Queens Water Project

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

Almost 1,200 households in Liverpool and surrounding area will receive improved drinking water, thanks to funding through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

The project includes the construction of a new water treatment plant. Almost 1,100 households currently connected to the municipal water system and 100 other households will have improved drinking water, which will meet the Nova Scotia drinking water regulations. The project will also improve fire protection and will decrease the amount of water lost through leakage and inefficient plant operations.

Federal and provincial funding of $4.5 million was announced today, May 12. The Region of Queens Municipality will fund the balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement and environmental assessment approval.

"This project represents what's important to Nova Scotians -- safe, healthy and vibrant communities," said Kerry Morash, Minister of Economic Development, on behalf of Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We are pleased to support these important projects because they are initiated by the people who live in those communities and who know best what's needed to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents."

"Our government recognizes that modern municipal services are a fundamental part of a community's effort to grow and prosper," said Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament, speaking on behalf of Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "We are committed to working with our provincial and municipal partners, in this region and across Canada, to build infrastructure and make our communities a better place to live, work and raise our families."

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

"The Region of Queens is ecstatic with the approval of this funding package by the provincial and federal governments," said John Leefe, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. "The result will be a first class water treatment plant providing the most basic element of life, clean, clear, safe drinking water. Without the generous assistance of our provincial and federal partners this just simply would not be possible."

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.