Sewage Solution For Birch Grove
A project funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program will put the finishing touches on a new sewage system for residents of Birch Grove, Cape Breton Co.
Joint federal-provincial funding of $866,606 was announced today, March 4, by Allan Rock, Minister of Industry, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and by Cecil Clarke, Minister of Economic Development, on behalf of Peter Christie, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality will fund the balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement.
"Improved community infrastructure is one of the government of Canada's top priorities," said Mr. Rock. "Through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, top municipal concerns, such as proper sewage collection and treatment for Birch Grove, are being addressed and resolved."
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.
"Our investment in the Birch Grove sewage project will help resolve long-standing health and environmental concerns in the community," said Mr. Clarke. "This project fits perfectly with the objectives of the infrastructure program."
The Birch Grove Sewage Collection and Treatment Project includes the final three phases of a sewage collection and treatment project for the community near Sydney. It involves the construction of 1,260 metres of sanitary sewer, a treatment lagoon, and an artificial wetland. Residents are currently using individual on-site sewage disposal systems. With all the community's households connected to municipal wastewater collection and treatment, a safer, cleaner environment will be created.
"This project announcement is great news for Birch Grove," said John Morgan, mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. "The community is finally going to be serviced by an efficient, 21st century sewage system thanks to the co-operation of all three levels of government." This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the infrastructure program. To date, 94 projects have been announced, representing an investment of more than $148 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.