Improvements to Berwick Wastewater Systems Announced Under Infrastructure Program

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Improvements to Berwick Wastewater Systems Announced Under Infrastructure Program

Residents on Commercial Street and Maple Avenue in Berwick will soon see improvements in the quality of their wastewater system because of a renovation project, funded through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

Joint funding, in the amount of $269,300, was announced today as one of 22 project approvals totalling more than $21.8 million, by Robert G. Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Jon Carey, MLA for Kings West, on behalf of Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

"People in Berwick - like everywhere else in Canada - want safe water supplies, sewage treatment plants that protect the environment and the ability to grow and prosper in their home province," said Mr. Carey. "Through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we are able to work towards meeting these goals."

Green municipal infrastructure that ensures effective wastewater management and safe drinking water is the first priority under the program. The majority of the federal and provincial funding announced in Year One will be directed to green projects, like the Berwick Sanitary Sewer Program.

"The Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is helping maintain strong, healthy communities," said Mr. Thibault. "The Government of Canada is investing in 'green' projects that will provide quality drinking water, clean our environment and improve our quality of life."

The $404,300 project will upgrade the sanitary sewer system and construct sidewalks on Commercial Street. Sewer systems on Maple Avenue will also be upgraded in addition to surface repairs. Once completed, the project will improve the wastewater collection system and reduce the risk of contamination. The federal and provincial funding under the program is subject to the formal acceptance of the Town of Berwick, which will fund the balance of the project.

"The upgrade to the sewage collection system on Commercial Street and Maple is certainly a welcomed project in Berwick, " said Berwick Mayor John P. Prall. "This project will be a good start at addressing the core infrastructure needs of the Town of Berwick."

This is the first in a series of approval announcements for projects nominated by municipalities under the program. 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. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is represented on the program's management committee.

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