Québec, Quebec, June 22, 2010 – The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister for La Francophonie and Minister responsible for the Quebec City region, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, and Sam Hamad, Quebec Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity, Minister of Labour, Minister responsible for the National Capital region and Member of the National Assembly for Louis-Hébert, on behalf of Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Regions and Land Occupancy, in company with André Drolet, MNA for Jean-Lesage, are pleased to announce that Quebec City will receive joint financial assistance of $11,965,026 under the Large Urban Centres Component of the Building Canada Fund-Quebec, for construction of a wastewater reservoir in the Maizerets sector of the borough of La Cité-Limoilou.
The work will prevent wastewater back-up and overflow into the St. Charles River estuary during rain storms, and will benefit 14,480 people.
"The project to manage wastewater in the Maizerets sector was a priority and is important for residents and businesses in the sector. Like my colleague, Sylvie Boucher, I am delighted that our government is providing financial support for this project. The federal government's far-reaching action plan is intended to revitalize the economy and provide communities with the modern facilities they need," said Minister Verner.
"In according financial support to this project in the Maizerets sector, the Government of Quebec is moving to provide Quebec municipalities with infrastructure tailored to our situation and focussed on sustainable development. Such facilities are an essential part of a modern, wealth-creating economy. As confirmed by this announcement, the government makes the choice to improve the quality of life and well-being of our citizens while providing Québec with a legacy of high quality facilities, which we must take pride in," added Minister Hamad.
"Our administration has made the rehabilitation of infrastructure a priority. By investing in the construction of this retention pond, we are solving a problem which has plagued the Maizerets sector for decades," said Québec Mayor Régis Labeaume. "By the summer of 2012, we will have a solution to the sewer back-up issues which have poisoned the lives of our fellow citizens," he added.
The project will require a total eligible investment of $17,947,531. The Quebec and federal governments are each providing $5,982,513, for total government assistance of $11,965,026, and the City of Québec is providing $5,982,505 for the project.
The Large Urban Centres Component of the Building Canada Fund-Quebec is a cost-sharing initiative aimed at funding infrastructure projects in communities with populations of 100,000 or more. Using the monies provided, the communities are able to improve infrastructure, including filtration plants, water supply networks and cultural and sports centres.
An unprecedented funding commitment on the part of the Government of Canada, the Building Canada Fund-Quebec provides stable and predictable funding to support infrastructure projects. In Quebec, nearly $4 billion will be allocated to that end.
The Government of Canada's contribution announced today has been awarded through Canada's Economic Action Plan. To learn more about this plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For further details on the Building Canada Fund - Quebec or the process for submitting a funding application, see www.buildingcanada.gc.ca and www.mamrot.gouv.qc.ca.
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Sources:
Ève Cardinal
Special Communications Assistant
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
Sylvain Bourassa
Press Attaché
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
Tel.: 418-691-2050
Information:
Caroline Saint-Pierre
Communications Directorate
Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
Tel.: 418-691-2015
Jacques Perron
Communications
City of Québec
Tel.: 418-641-6210
