April 15, 2005 Stellarton, Nova Scotia A number of Pictou County residents can look forward to safer drinking water, reduced risk of flooding and an upgraded arena, thanks to four projects announced today through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program. In a showcase of the program's priorities, projects supporting the replacement of a watermain on Dover Avenue in New Glasgow, installation of a waterline of Foxbrook Road and Union Street in Westville, a new storm water drainage system in the Valley Woods subdivision in Stellarton and upgrades to the Ivor Macdonald Memorial Arena in Thorburn, were announced today by the provincial and federal governments. These projects, with a total value of more than $1.4 million, promise to deliver a big impact on the quality of life for many Pictou County residents. "The real value of these investments goes far beyond their dollar amount," said Senator Jim Cowan, on behalf of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Minister, the Honorable Joseph McGuire. "They attest to the Government of Canada's commitment to ongoing infrastructure improvements that will positively affect the lives of all Canadians." "The projects we are announcing today are tangible results of the partnerships between our governments and communities," said Premier John Hamm. "By investing in projects like these, we are making our communities safe, healthy places to live." The Infrastructure Program supports long-term economic growth, community infrastructure improvements and environmental enhancements. Premier Hamm and Senator Cowan announced their total joint federal-provincial investment of $657,809 today. The Municipality of Pictou and the towns of New Glasgow, Stellarton and Westville will fund the balance of the projects' costs. "I'm delighted to see the approval of projects like these today," said Charles Crosby, President of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, on behalf of the four local municipalities. "Investing in municipal infrastructure is necessary to ensuring that the highest quality of living is available to our citizens." To date, more than $203 million has been invested in 139 projects through the program and additional announcements are expected as projects undergo environmental assessment and final approval. The 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. - 30 - For further information contact: Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 David Harrigan Media Relations Officer Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 902-426-4238 Deborah Bayer Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Secretariat 902-424-0112 Charles Crosby President, Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities 902-423-8331
