News release

Infrastructure Program Invests $3.9 Million in Water Project

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

Residents in St. Peter's and Sampsonville, Richmond Co., will be closer to improved drinking water thanks to funding through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

An investment of $3,956,118 was announced today, March 9, by the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia. The Village of St. Peter's, in partnership with the Municipality of Richmond, will fund the balance after formal acceptance of the agreement and federal environmental assessment approval.

The project includes the design and construction of a joint water utility system to serve the communities of St. Peter's and Sampsonville. This involves the development of a groundwater supply in Sampsonville, installation of a new watermain in both communities, and a new water storage tank. More than 500 households served by a municipal water system will have improved drinking water.

"Safe drinking water is an essential component in making our communities healthy and vibrant," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "Today's announcement is a strong example of our focus on improving community infrastructure. We will continue to work with our federal and municipal partners to respond to the needs of Nova Scotia communities."

"Canada's government is working in partnership to get things done for the people of St. Peter's and Sampsonville," said Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "This federal investment of over $1.9 million dollars will mean clean drinking water for over 500 families."

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

"Modernizing our water system, while expanding it to serve a greater segment of our population, is a tremendous enhancement to our community infrastructure," said John Boudreau, warden of the Municipality of the County of Richmond. "Funding from our federal and provincial partners enables us to take on needed infrastructure improvement."

"We are very pleased with the approval of our water project," said Esther MacDonnell, chair of the Village Commissioners of St. Peters. "This will ensure that we continue to provide safe drinking water to our residents."

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.