Infrastructure Program Invests in Projects Worth $3.3 Million
SERVICE NOVA SCOTIA/MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Infrastructure Program Invests in Projects Worth $3.3 Million
Ten projects got the green light today, Nov. 15, in one of a series of federal-provincial infrastructure funding announcements.
A total of $2,240,110 in joint federal-provincial funding was announced in Middleton by Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and by MLA Frank Chipman on behalf of Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Local municipalities will fund the remaining $1,120,066 upon formal acceptance of the agreement.
"The government of Canada is making infrastructure a top priority in our communities," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we are investing in projects that will improve our quality of life by providing a safe and healthy environment."
These infrastructure projects promote safe drinking water, effective wastewater management, safer communities and sound environmental practices that benefit businesses, families and tourism in the province.
"Our government is committed to providing safe drinking water and a clean environment for Nova Scotians," said Mr. Chipman. "We are working closely with the municipalities to ensure that Nova Scotians have access to both."
"With each new infrastructure project announced, we see the results of the hard work community partners and municipal staff have invested in developing these project proposals," said Don Zwicker, president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. "Thanks to the program, everybody's a winner."
The Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program has announced 86 projects to date, worth more than $123 million. More announcements are expected as projects continue to undergo environmental assessments and final approvals.
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.
NOTE: The following is a list of projects approved under the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program for Nov. 15.
East Main Street Sanitary and Storm Sewer Replacement/Separation Town of Middleton Shared Project Cost: $333,000 ($111,000 federal; $111,000 provincial) This project involves the replacement of poorly functioning storm and sanitary sewer mains that are responsible for flooding, system overflows into the Annapolis River and treatment system overloads and washouts. Middleton residents will see a decrease in the risk of household flooding because of this project, and the local river ecosystem will benefit from a higher quality of treated wastewater. The project provides for future community growth.
Babineau Heights Sewer and Water Services Town of Annapolis Royal Shared Project Cost: $163,900 ($54,633 federal; $54,633 provincial) This project will replace 213 metres of 50-year-old sewer and water mains on the Babineau Heights road. The new sewer line will replace an old concrete pipe currently suffering from root intrusion and leakage, while the new water main will be designed and built to protect against any possible sewer cross-contamination. In all, 20 homes and businesses will benefit from safer, more reliable water services and fire hydrant access.
Margaretsville Water Treatment Filter System Municipality of Annapolis Shared Project Cost: $137,000 ($45,666 federal; $45,666 provincial) The water treatment project includes the installation of a slow sand filter to treat the surface water portion of the community's water supply, and a MIOX system, which uses salt water and electricity to disinfect the remaining water. The unique MIOX technology, new to Nova Scotia, will combine with the sand filter system to deliver improved, safe drinking water that meets Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines to 160 households.
Transportation Infrastructure: Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Drainage Town of Bridgetown Shared Project Cost: $300,000 ($100,000 federal; $100,000 provincial) This project will include sidewalk, curb and gutter improvements, street reconstruction, storm drainage controls and repaving. Improved storm drainage structures will reduce the risk of flooding and lower maintenance costs.
Carleton Corner Watermain Upgrade Town of Bridgetown Shared Project Cost: $113,750 ($37,916 federal; $37,916 provincial) This project entails the design and replacement of 300 metres of Carleton Corner watermain, as well as the installation of new fire hydrants. The existing 4-inch diameter cast iron pipe is deteriorating, causing numerous breaks. Ongoing buildup of mineral deposits inside the pipe is also restricting proper water flow. Nine homes will have improved-quality drinking water and increased fire protection. Other benefits include an increase in water distribution system reliability, a decrease in lost water, and lower operating costs.
Water Chemical Building and Equipment Village of Lawrencetown Shared Project Cost: $106,429 ($35,476 federal; $35,476 provincial) This project provides for the construction of a new building for water treatment supplies, such as chlorine metering equipment, meters, valves and other related materials. The building will be located adjacent to a new water storage tank constructed in the spring 2002 through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program. Benefits include safer drinking water for the entire community and will provide better maintenance accessibility and service reliability.
Second Avenue, Birch Street and Montague Row: Sewer, Water and Street Upgrading Town of Digby Shared Project Cost: $539,574 ($179,858 federal; $179,858 provincial) This project involves the upgrading of the local water system, in addition to storm and sanitary sewer services on Second Avenue, Birch Street and Montague Row, and will affect 66 households. Some street repairs will also be undertaken as part of the project, as well as upgrades to sidewalks, curbs and gutters. Benefits to the community include increased water service reliability and the elimination of the potential health risks associated with deteriorated water lines.
Construction and Demolition Debris Disposal Site Municipality of Argyle Shared Project Cost: $300,190 ($100,063 federal; $100,063 provincial) The project involves developing a landfill facility for the municipality and will potentially serve the County of Yarmouth to manage the disposal and recycling of construction and demolition debris. The nearest landfill site is 40 kilometres away from West Pubnico, a large boat-building industry centre. Benefits include a decrease in municipal solid waste sent to the landfill, reduction in the soil and groundwater contamination, will help prevent the illegal dumping of waste and promote reducing and recycling techniques.
Upgrade Dingwall Water Supply and Treatment Municipality of the County of Victoria Shared Project Cost: $500,000 ($166,666 federal; $166,666 provincial) This project involves the design and construction of a new water treatment facility and water supply in order to replace the existing supply originating from the Aspy River, which is high in organic content. When combined with chlorine for disinfection, this organic content creates trihalomethanes (THMs), which are associated with health risks. This project will supply improved drinking water to about 100 households.
Louisdale and Evanston Water Storage Rehabilitation Municipality of the County of Richmond Shared Project Cost: $866,333 ($288,777 federal; $288,777 provincial) This project involves the repair and upgrade of storage tanks that play an integral part in the communities' water systems. Both tanks are essential for fire protection, flow balance storage and emergency water storage. By repairing one, and replacing the other, the upgrades will ensure vital water storage capacity for the two communities for the next 25 years.