News release

Three Cumberland County Communities Receive Infrastructure Funding

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

Springhill and Parrsboro residents will soon have improved wastewater systems and Oxford residents will soon have better drinking water thanks to Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund investments.

Federal and provincial funding of $703,354 was announced today, March 5, by the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia. The towns of Springhill, Parrsboro and Oxford will fund the balance of the project costs upon formal acceptance of the agreement.

Each of the projects responds to municipal and program priorities. The Springhill project includes the design and installation of sanitary sewer in the Main Street area that will treat wastewater for more than 70 households. The Parrsboro project includes the design and installation of a new sanitary sewer on Pier Road that will help eliminate sewage backups into homes and reduce the risk of flooding.

The Oxford project includes the design and installation of the first phase of upgrading the water system to improve drinking water for more than 600 households.

"Community infrastructure, such as improving our drinking water and wastewater systems, is a priority for government," said Murray Scott, Minister of Justice, on behalf of Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We are committed to providing a high quality of life for all our citizens and protecting the environment."

"Canada's government is pleased to invest a total of $351,677 in these three Cumberland County projects", said MP Bill Casey, on behalf of Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "Over the past year, we have demonstrated our commitment to getting things done for all Canadians, including people in Springhill, Oxford and Parrsboro."

The infrastructure program supports community infrastructure improvements, such as water, wastewater, and solid-waste management.

"Our federal and provincial partners are responding to our municipal infrastructure needs to build strong, healthy communities, which will encourage opportunities for growth," said Russell Walker, president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. "We are pleased that these important projects are moving forward."

The $111-million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities are members of the program management committee.