CNS Media Release

Grants Support Municipal Infrastructure and Flood Risk Projects

Access to safe drinking water and wastewater treatment are vital for building strong, vibrant communities. That’s why eight communities across Nova Scotia will receive more than $922,000 for water and wastewater projects through the Provincial Capital Assistance Program.

“We heard from municipalities, that support for these projects would make a difference for their communities and their residents,” said MLA Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, on behalf of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chuck Porter. “Investing in infrastructure supports continued economic growth which is good for the whole province.”

Today, Sept. 30, government announced:
— $135,000 for the pre-design phase of a wastewater treatment plant in the Town of Lunenburg
— $54,891 for the Town of Mahone Bay to assess the condition of the water utility’s transmission main and look at options for dechlorination at the wastewater treatment plant
–$39,107 for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg to study water and wastewater issues in the community of Garden Lots

Ms. Lohnes-Croft also announced six projects under the Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program for a total of more than $210,000. This program helps fund projects that identify or mitigate flood risks.

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is receiving $39,107 from this program to look at options to protect the Petite Riviere Watershed from flooding.

Quotes:
“Infrastructure projects, like the improvements needed at Lunenburg’s Wastewater Treatment facility, are complex and expensive. We simply cannot fund them on our own and are grateful for the province’s partnership through the Provincial Capital Assistance Program.”
– Rachel Bailey, mayor, Town of Lunenburg

“The enhancement of existing infrastructure is of high importance to the Town of Mahone Bay, particularly when it impacts our water and wastewater utilities. Our citizens expect a fully reliable, modern system for providing these services. The provision of this Provincial Capital Assistance Program funding will assist the town in preparing our water and wastewater utilities for the future. It will also ensure we will be able to make informed decisions to effectively manage the assets of the town. In particular, the funding will enable the town to upgrade our wastewater treatment system to reduce chlorine content in the plant effluent discharged into the harbour.”
– David Devenne, mayor, Town of Mahone Bay

“This is great news for our municipality. We are committed to building a community where people choose to live, work and play and undertaking important environmental assessments are part of building a responsible community. We’re pleased to see these two projects moving forward with the support of all levels of government.”
– Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, mayor, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg

Quick Facts:
— both programs are application-based
— funds under both programs are matched by the municipalities

Provincial Capital Assistance Program recipients 2019-20:
— Town of Lunenburg: $135,000 for the pre-design phase of a wastewater treatment plant and collection system
— Town of Mahone Bay: $54,891 transmission system diagnostics and Wastewater Effluent Options Project
— Municipality of East Hants: $74,869 to drill a new production well that will replace the two existing wells
— Village of New Minas: $98,029 to complete an asset management plan related to water, sanitary waste and storm water control
— Municipality of the District of Lunenburg: $39,107 to study water and wastewater issues in the community of Garden Lots
— Municipality of the District of Colchester: $39,107 to help reduce the amount of rainwater and groundwater entering the sewage collection system
— Municipality of the County of Inverness: $406,716 to improve municipal water supplies and conduct testing
— Cape Breton Regional Municipality: $75,000 to reduce inflow and infiltration in its sewer system

Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program recipients:
— Municipality of the County of Inverness: $29,982 to assess the condition of the dam on Rory’s Brook
— Municipality of the District of Lunenburg: $39,107 to look at options to protect the Petite Riviere Watershed from flooding
— Municipality of the County of Colchester: $57,357 for pre-design work for the Salt Marsh project, waterline removal and clean-up of Lepper Brook
— Town of Wolfville: $49,272 for a study to recommend climate change adaptation measures
— Town of Lockport: $10,253 to reconstruct a dangerous area of shoreline on South Street
— Municipality of the District of Digby: $24,624 to install tide gauges and weather gauges in Bear River, Weymouth, East Ferry, Freeport and Digby