Wednesday, April 8, 2026
The federal government’s Build Communities Strong fund, announced in the 2025 budget, is bringing new and upgraded water infrastructure to Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
More than $108 million will go towards water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in Iqualuit to enable new housing developments, a Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities release said.
The project includes upgrades to trucked water and sewer services (fleet and facilities), as well as improvements and expansions to the existing utilidor infrastructure, to support higher–density residential development and facilitate construction of approximately 2,000 to 2,500 new housing units by 2031, the release said.
“The City of Iqaluit thanks the Government of Canada for this important investment. By partnering and working directly with municipalities, we are building the infrastructure needed to support more affordable homes and expand homeownership opportunities for Iqalummiut and Inuit, while strengthening our community for the future,” City of Iqaluit mayor Solomon Awa said.
$20 million will be allocated to a new water treatment plant in Hay River, NWT, replacing an aging facilities servicing the town and surrounding communities such as the Hamlet of Enterprise, K’atl’odeeche First Nation and Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation.
“Today’s investment in a new water treatment plant is an investment in the future of our region. Reliable, safe drinking water is the foundation for healthy communities and sustainable growth. This project will help unlock additional housing opportunities while ensuring that residents in Hay River, Katlodeeche First Nation, Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation, and Enterprise have access to resilient water infrastructure that can meet the challenges of a changing climate,” Town of Hay River mayor Kandis Jameson said
In addition to the north the federal government is also investing in a wastewater, stormwater and water system expansion in Northeast St. Albert, Alta.
The investment of more than $28 million will extend trunk-sized wastewater, stormwater, and water systems to help service new areas of the city, the release said.
Key components include approximately 3,250 metres of large-diameter sanitary sewer mains, a sanitary lift station, over 2,000 metres of storm mains with a new outfall to the Sturgeon River, and 1,200 metres of water transmission pipes connecting to the future north reservoir.
“Once completed, the expansion will unlock stalled developments in Jensen Lakes, Erin Ridge North, and future Northeast neighbourhoods, including servicing an additional 800 acres of future residential lands,” the release added.
“This milestone represents a critical advancement in the development of essential infrastructure required to support the needs of our growing community, both now and into the future. The City is grateful for this partnership and for the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting sustainable growth and long-term community development,” City of St. Albert mayor Scott Olivieri said.
