Springhill to Enjoy Safer Water Supply
SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Springhill to Enjoy Safer Water Supply
Residents of Springhill and the surrounding area will soon be tapping into cleaner, safer drinking water due to a water treatment project funded through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.
Joint federal-provincial funding, in the amount of $2,138,000, was announced today by Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
"One of the priorities of the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is to provide a safe, clean supply of drinking water to Nova Scotians," said Mr. MacIsaac. "For the residents of Springhill, this project will help resolve long-standing water quality issues in the community."
"The government of Canada is making infrastructure a top priority in our communities," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we're investing in green projects like the Springhill one announced today, projects that address our highest priorities -- the water we drink and the air we breathe."
Green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective wastewater management and safe drinking water is the first priority under the program. The majority of the federal and provincial funding announced in the first year is being directed to green projects, like the Leamington Brook water supply and treatment project.
The $3,207,000 Leamington Brook project will increase the output of treated water in order to meet the demands for quantity and quality of water for the 1,696 customers who live in the town of Springhill and the surrounding county. The increased water supply will also be important for the fire protection needs of the community and will allow for enough water to supply future households.
The federal and provincial funding under the program is subject to the formal acceptance of the Town of Springhill, which will fund the balance of the project.
"The health and safety of Springhill residents is our primary concern," said William Mont, mayor of Springhill. "The expansions we will now be making to the Leamington Brook water supply will bring cleaner, safer drinking water to households in the area."
This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the program totalling more than $46 million to date. 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.