Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie‒Bathurst, the Honourable Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, His Worship Daniel Guitard, Mayor of Belle-Baie, and Her Worship Kim Chamberlain, Mayor of Bathurst, announced a joint investment of more than $8.8 million to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in Belle-Baie and Bathurst.

“Investments like the one we are making today in partnership with the Government of New Brunswick, the Town of Belle-Baie and the City of Bathurst are essential to the health of our citizens and our ecosystems. As coastal communities along the Chaleur Bay are increasingly having to contend with extreme weather events, we are here to help them adapt and become more resilient."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities 

“These projects will provide Bathurst and Belle-Baie with increased access to drinking water, improved capacity to manage wastewater and storm water, as well as better streets. Funding for improvements like this are part of our government’s commitment to build vibrant and sustainable communities.”

Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie—Bathurst

“We are pleased to invest in infrastructure in Bathurst and Belle-Baie that will build resiliency and long-term sustainability in their water and wastewater infrastructure. This will help support the future growth and economic viability of these communities.”

The Honourable Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation

“Communities across the country are experiencing the impacts of climate change. Facing this challenge, the Town of Belle-Baie would like to express its gratitude to the federal and provincial governments for this financial support that will improve the quality of life of its citizens and ensure a healthy environment. This partnership plays an essential role for a strong and sustainable Belle-Baie.”

His Worship Daniel Guitard, Mayor of Belle-Baie

“We are pleased to partner with both the provincial and federal governments to deliver these necessary improvements to Bathurst’s water and wastewater system. Reliable and effective infrastructure is key to enabling communities like the City of Bathurst to grow and prosper.”

Her Worship Kim Chamberlain, Mayor of Bathurst

• The Government of Canada is investing $4,276,400 in these projects. The Government of New Brunswick is investing $2,964,370, the City of Bathurst is contributing $1,413,510, and the Town of Belle-Baie is contributing $239,720.

• The Government of Canada's funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream and the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

• These streams help build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting renewable technologies, increasing access to more efficient and reliable energy sources, improving community infrastructure, and improving internet connectivity for rural and northern communities.

• Including today’s announcement, 126 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Green Infrastructure Stream and Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream have been funded in New Brunswick, with a total federal contribution of more than $422 million and a total provincial contribution of nearly $251 million.  

• Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

• Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land. 

• The funding announced today builds on the Government of Canada's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying middle-class jobs, strengthen local economies, and build inclusive communities.

Associated links

• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Green Infrastructure Stream
• Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream
• Federal infrastructure investments in New Brunswick
• Strengthened Climate Plan

For more information (media only), please contact:

Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
343-574-8116
Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca  

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
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Web: Infrastructure Canada

Jean Bertin
Media Relations
Regional Development Corporation
506-478-2367
jean.bertin@gnb.ca

Jean-Sébastien Chiasson
Communications Officer
City of Bathurst
506-500-0212
jean-sebastien.chiasson@bathurst.ca

Béatrice Seymour
Strategic Digital Communications Advisor
Town of Belle-Baie
506-544-0362
beatrice.seymour@bellebaie.ca