Replacement Wastewater Treatment Plant for Whycocomagh

Residents of Whycocomagh and We’koqma’q First Nation in Inverness County will have their wastewater infrastructure replaced thanks to a $5.87 million investment from the three levels of government and in partnership with the First Nation.

“The province is pleased to be working with the federal government, the municipality and the First Nation to fund this much-needed wastewater treatment facility,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Brendan Maguire. “Due to the age and condition of the current facility, the system is a priority for replacement. The new facility will help keep Whycocomagh safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable for many years to come.”

The current Whycocomagh wastewater treatment plant is operating at near capacity. The new facility will support the population growth of We'koqma'q First Nation and the village of Whycocomagh and have more capacity to treat and manage wastewater in compliance with provincial and federal wastewater regulations.

Quotes:

“The Government of Canada is taking strong and quick action to protect the health and safety of all Canadians, to stabilize our economy, and to support communities across Canada. Investing in high-quality water and wastewater infrastructure is essential to building resilient communities. I am proud to work with our provincial and municipal partners to help bring this important project to life for the residents of Whycocomagh. This project will ensure continued delivery of quality water to residents, businesses, and visitors, while supporting future growth and protecting the environment.”

– Mike Kelloway, member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“The Municipality of the County of Inverness is planning and developing projects that will lead to a more sustainable and operationally effective future for its infrastructure and the quality of services delivered. The municipality appreciates the continued support from We’koqma’q First Nation, project partners, stakeholders and regulatory bodies to advance an important green infrastructure initiative that meets the needs of our residents.”

– Laurie Cranton, warden, Municipality of the County of Inverness

“We were very pleased to partner with the Municipality of the County of Inverness and Whycocomagh on this modern and progressive wastewater treatment plant project to increase its capacity to treat and manage wastewater. The vision of We’koqma’q is to improve the overall quality of life and well-being of all community members. We know that this aligns with our vision and will be a transformative change for the community of We’koqma’q and we’re very glad to be a partner on this project.”

– Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley, We’koqma’q First Nation

Quick Facts:

• the current facility was constructed in 1977 and received upgrades in 1992
• design work is expected to be completed by January 2022; the project is forecast to be completed by March 31, 2024
• funding contributions are: federal - $2,350,618; provincial - $1,958,652; municipal -$1,567,275

Additional Resources:

Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-ns-eng.html

Department of Municipal Affairs website: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/municipal-affairs

Municipal Affairs Twitter: https://twitter.com/dma_ns