Drinking Water, Wastewater Upgrades in Pictou County

Residents of Pictou County will have enhanced access to clean water and municipalities will be better able to manage wastewater with funding from three levels of government. Premier Tim Houston announced five community projects today, March 4.

“It’s not always the first thing we think of when we talk about growing and supporting our communities, but having modern, secure and effective water infrastructure is vital to their well-being and prosperity,” said Premier Houston. “This is a significant investment that will help ensure these communities have access to the safe, clean water they expect and lay the foundation for continued growth for years to come.”

A new water distribution system will serve Greenwood and Coalburn, communities that have been experiencing poor drinking water quality caused by geological conditions. This investment will extend the MacLellans Brook water distribution system to about eight kilometres, allowing the municipality to provide safer drinking water to about 195 properties.

Two projects in New Glasgow involve:

  • separating combined sewers into a two-pipe network for sanitary sewer and stormwater to support future growth and development
  • constructing a new water line on Abercrombie Road to replace a cast iron pipe installed in 1904 for improved water quality.

In Trenton, a new storm sewer system will result in an increased capacity to treat and manage wastewater and stormwater.

In Stellarton, replacement infrastructure for water distribution and wastewater collection will improve access to drinking water and capacity to treat and manage wastewater.

The projects represent a total investment through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program of more than $17.7 million including $5.2 million from the Province and $7.8 million from the federal government, as well as municipal investments.

Quotes:

“The MacLellans Brook water distribution infrastructure project in Pictou County is a great example of our work to help residents and businesses in rural communities thrive and grow. The other project in New Glasgow, which was recently completed, includes the construction of a new waterline on Abercrombie Road to replace a cast iron pipe that was originally installed in 1904. This work will result in improved water quality for local residents. As we know, demands on infrastructure increase as the population in our province grows. All five of these projects ensure that water systems in communities throughout Pictou County have the capacity to meet the demands that come with the growth and development of our communities.”
— Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“It is good news indeed, and we as a municipality are appreciative for the sharing of the costs of installing this new water system with our provincial and federal levels of government. I know the residents of Coalburn, Greenwood and MacLellans Brook have waited a long time for this to happen and I am pleased for them that the day has finally come. Also, good news for our whole county as good water will lead to more new home construction in this newly serviced area of Pictou County.”
— Robert Parker, Warden, Municipality of Pictou County

“Investing in quality municipal infrastructure is paramount to our growing community. This combined effort addresses aging infrastructure, reduces sewerage load, saves energy, minimizes backups and improves water quality, promoting a healthier environment and enabling sustainable development. By enhancing fire protection and minimizing service disruptions, we prioritize public health and safety while improving reliability.”
— Nancy Dicks, Mayor, Town of New Glasgow

“The Town of Stellarton’s council and residents are pleased to work with the provincial and federal governments. We could not do these types of projects on our own with our limited municipal tax base. Our project is an example of positive things happening when all three levels of governments collaborate for community well-being.”
— Danny MacGillivray, Mayor, Town of Stellarton

“Reliable wastewater and stormwater infrastructure is imperative, and this project will upgrade the performance of our overall system. We are grateful for the partnerships we have built with both the federal and provincial governments, and thankful for their continued support in our communities’ sustainability and success.”
— Don Hussher, Mayor, Town of Trenton

Quick Facts:

  • the Municipality of Pictou County is investing about $2.04 million
  • the Town of New Glasgow is investing more than $1.71 million
  • the Town of Stellarton is investing about $703,430
  • the Town of Trenton is investing about $285,333

Additional Resources:

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

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

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