11 May 2006
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Rural fire stations throughout the Halifax Regional
Municipality will have improved fire protection and better
drinking water, thanks to funding through the Municipal
Rural Infrastructure Fund. The project includes new or upgraded wells at thirty-two
HRM rural fire stations. These facilities, which are used
as shelters in time of emergency, will have improved
drinking water that meets Nova Scotia's drinking water
standards and improved service reliability.Federal and provincial funding of $383,328 was announced
today. HRM will fund the balance upon formal acceptance of
the agreement and environmental assessment approval."Fire stations play a very important role in rural
communities as part of the public safety infrastructure and
as a venue for community activity," said Peter MacKay,
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency. "Our government is committed
to ensuring that these valuable community resources meet
modern standards for health and safety.""We want to ensure Nova Scotians that they have a safe
place to seek shelter during times of emergency such as
Hurricane Juan," said Bill Dooks, Minister of Energy, on
behalf of Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Service Nova Scotia
and Municipal Relations. "Today's investment is integral
to enhancing community infrastructure that is especially
valuable during times of emergency."The infrastructure program supports community
infrastructure improvements, such as water, wastewater, and
solid waste management."From Sheet Harbour to Fall River to Black Point and 28
locations in between, we are very pleased to see this
important project move forward," said Peter Kelly, Mayor of
HRM. "This project, serving rural HRM, is one of our top
infrastructure priorities."The $111 million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal
Rural Infrastructure Fund is administered by the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and
Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and
the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities are members of the
management committee.
For further information contact:
Deborah Bayer
Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Secretariat
902-424-0112
David Harrigan
Media Relations Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4238
