Sydney, Nova Scotia, August 15, 2013 – Representatives gathered today to celebrate ongoing work on Phase 1, 2 and 3 of the Greater Sydney Area Wastewater Collection Project, an initiative that will significantly increase the volume of wastewater that is treated before entering Sydney Harbour.
"Our government understands that modern and effective wastewater infrastructure is essential to ensuring the health and well-being of our communities, and safeguarding our waterways,"
said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport. "These critical upgrades will help to protect Sydney Harbour while creating local jobs, delivering long lasting benefits for people in this region and the environment."
"This multi-million dollar project will lead to proper wastewater management in Cape Breton Regional Municipality and reduce the amount of untreated effluent going into Sydney harbour,"
said the Honourable John MacDonell, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We are pleased to partner with the federal government and the municipality on essential municipal infrastructure that will keep this area vibrant and make life better for Cape Breton families."
"Investments in infrastructure create jobs and make our communities safer and better places to live,"
said Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Cecil Clarke. "By partnering with the federal and provincial government, we can continue to invest in projects like this one."
Work is currently well underway on Phase 1, 2 and 3 of the Greater Sydney Area Wastewater Collection Project, with completion set for spring 2014. The project involves the installation of 9.4 kilometres of new collection piping as well as the construction of lift stations and diversion chambers to convey wastewater for treatment to the Battery Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Improvements will result in the treatment of an increased volume of untreated wastewater, previously discharged through 14 existing outfalls into the Sydney Harbour. This will greatly reduce the negative impact of municipal wastewater effluent on human health and the environment in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
The Government of Canada has committed up to $5.1 million toward this $15.3 million dollar project under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. The Province of Nova Scotia has committed $5.1 million, and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality is committing up to $2.6 million. Federal funding is conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement.
In addition, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality has chosen to commit $2.5 million from their federal Gas Tax allocation to this project.
The Building Canada Fund — Major Infrastructure Component provides funding for infrastructure projects of national and regional significance. Two-thirds of funding, on a national basis, is directed to five national priorities, including drinking water, wastewater, public transit, the core National Highway System, and clean energy.
Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a New Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail, and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories, and municipalities. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 965,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. The New Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, will support Canada's infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with Infrastructure Canada Web feeds, visit Infrastructure Canada.
The Province of Nova Scotia administers a variety of programs that provide funding to municipalities and not-for-profit community groups. For more information, visit Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
Marie-Josée Paquette (Disponible en français)
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838
Darcy MacRae
Media Relations Advisor
Government of Nova Scotia
902-424-1757 or 483-4625
E-mail: macraeda@gov.ns.ca
Christina Lamey
Communications — Mayor's Office
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
902-574-0178
E-mail: clamey@cbrm.ns.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
