Infrastructure Program Helps Bring Safer Water to Cape Breton

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Infrastructure Program Helps Bring Safer Water to Cape Breton

• ---------------------------------------------------------------Residents of Louisbourg will soon enjoy safer drinking water thanks to funding through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

The Louisbourg project includes the design and construction of a new water treatment plant to supply treated water to about 550 households in Louisbourg and the Fortress of Louisbourg National Park. The new water treatment facility will provide treated water that meets or exceeds the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

Joint funding for these projects was announced today, Sept. 16, by the provincial and federal governments.

"Municipal projects like the Louisbourg water treatment plant enhance the quality of our lives and the environment, and improve community infrastructure," said Energy Minister Cecil Clarke on behalf of Barry Barnet, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "Because of this investment, Louisbourg will be a better place to live, work, visit and invest."

The infrastructure program supports long-term economic growth, community infrastructure improvements and environmental enhancements.

"Improved infrastructure for our communities is a priority for the government of Canada," said MP Rodger Cuzner on behalf of Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "Through the infrastructure program, we are investing in green projects like the one announced today that will improve our environment and provide safe, higher quality water for all citizens."

"Federal and provincial funding is essential to get this important project off the ground," said John Morgan, mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. "It is important to our community that we are able to provide safe drinking water."

The federal-provincial share of the project totals $3,053,716. Cape Breton Regional Municipality will fund the balance of this project.

To date, more than $214 million has been invested in 144 projects through the program in Nova Scotia from the three levels of government.

The 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.