Yarmouth County to Receive $3 Million Infrastructure Funding
SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Yarmouth County to Receive $3 Million Infrastructure Funding
Improvements to a water-treatment plant and a community centre in Yarmouth County are going ahead thanks to funding through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.
Joint federal and provincial funding in the amount of $3,180,032 was announced today by Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and by MLA Richard Hurlburt, on behalf of Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
"The government of Canada is working with Nova Scotians to build strong communities and to improve our quality of life," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we are investing in projects like the Yarmouth water-treatment plant and the Hubbards Point Community centre -- green projects that will improve our environment and provide safe, higher- quality water systems."
Green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective waste water management and safe drinking water is the first priority under the program. Other priorities are the support of long-term economic growth, improved community infrastructure and the building of 21st-century infrastructure.
"These projects are important to the residents of Yarmouth County," said Mr. Hurlburt. "I'm pleased to be representing Minister MacIsaac today, as these investments will have a definite positive impact on the quality of life in the Yarmouth area."
Phase 2 of the $4,742,476 Yarmouth water-treatment plant project advances the development of a full water-treatment system for the Yarmouth Water Utility. Phase 1 included the construction of a pumping station at Lake George. The utility supplies water to the residents of Yarmouth, Acadia First Nation and areas of the District of Yarmouth. As a result, the communities will have the benefit of more water and improved service reliability. The quality of the water will be improved, because the system will use less chlorine.
The federal and provincial funding under the program is subject to the formal acceptance of the Town of Yarmouth, which will fund the balance of the project.
"The importance of maintaining the health of our communities, and of our environment, can never be underrated. I'm very pleased to be able to announce today the launch of Phase 2 of this very important water-treatment system," said Clifford Hood, deputy mayor of Yarmouth.
The $27,575 Hubbards Point Community Centre project will provide for a water supply and sewage system for the centre, which is a gathering place for local recreational and cultural events. Completion of the project will mean that a community hall, recreation space and fully equipped kitchen facilities will be available for the community's use. Organizers expect to draw up to 5,000 users a year.
Federal and provincial funding under the program for this project is subject to the formal acceptance of the Municipality of the District of Argyle.
"Residents of Hubbards Point identified the availability of a meeting place as an important need in the community," said Warden Aldric d'Entremont, of the District of Argyle. "Thanks to the cooperative efforts of our partners, today we are able to provide the community with the centre they requested."
"I am very pleased to be able to make this important announcement today," said Greg Foster, president of the Hubbards Point Community Association. "Funding this project is a final step towards opening our community centre."
This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the program.To date, 53 projects have been approved during Year One, representing an investment of more than $63 million. 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. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is a member of the management committee. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is represented on the program's management committee.