Belliveau Cove Sewer System Funds

Wayne Gaudet, former minister of housing and municipal affairs, has announced funding to help complete construction of a sewer collection and treatment system in the community of Belliveau Cove, Digby Co.

Mr. Gaudet, now Minister of Education and Culture, made the announcement this evening on behalf of Ray White, who was sworn in earlier in the day as Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

The Municipality of the District of Clare will receive $340,000, or up to 50 per cent of the project's outstanding cost, for the second phase of construction. The contribution comes from the Provincial Capital Assistance Program.

In a plebescite completed last August, Belliveau Cove residents voted in favour of the Phase 1 of the sewer project. That first phase, already under way, includes installing collection infrastructure and laterals up to property lines. The second phase involves construction of a pressure sewer, pumping station, sewage treatment plant and outfall piping.

"This initiative will mean a healthier environment for Belliveau Cove residents, and it will encourage future growth here," said Mr. Gaudet. "I commend the municipality for its diligent effort on this project."

Small lot sizes and soil conditions in the area have resulted in a number of problems with on-site sewage disposal systems. Once complete, the new collection and treatment system will eliminate the threat of groundwater pollution from sewage run-off, and it will allow for greater housing density in the area.

Warden Jean Melanson of the Municipality of the District of Clare said he's pleased with the announcement. "This contribution will permit council to complete this project, which has been in the planning stages for approximately 10 years."

Federal and provincial governments have already contributed $200,000 each to the project under the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Works Program.