News release

Pugwash Harbour to Receive New Sewage Treatment Plant

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

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Pugwash Harbour to Receive New Sewage Treatment Plant


Residents of Pugwash will soon have a new sewage treatment plant and a cleaner harbour, the results of a $1.8 million project funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

Joint federal-provincial funding, in the amount of $1,216,682 was announced today by Premier John Hamm and by Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Municipality of the County of Cumberland will fund the $608,341 balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement.

"This project is a another clear example of delivering on our commitment to making our communities healthier, cleaner and safer," said Premier Hamm. "This investment will have an immediate, positive impact on this area, making Pugwash an even more attractive place to live."

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 to date has been directed to green projects, like the new sewage treatment facility for Pugwash.

"A clean, healthy environment is crucial to building strong communities and improving our quality of life," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program the government of Canada is investing in green projects like the Pugwash sewage treatment plant, that deliver environmental improvements."

The Pugwash sewage treatment plant project will replace the current facility, which is aging, with a modern plant capable of serving 520 households. The new plant will ensure that wastewater discharged into Crescent Beach is cleaner. Pugwash Harbour and Crescent Beach are used for swimming, boating, shellfishing, angling and commercial fishing.

"The construction of a new sewage treatment plant will bring two-fold benefits to our community," said Keith Hunter, warden of Cumberland County. "Many more residents will benefit from municipal wastewater collection and a favourite community recreational spot will be healthier in the process."

This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the program. To date, 62 projects have been approved during the first round of the program, representing an investment of more than $94 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.