PICTOU COUNTY, NS – Residents of Pictou County will have enhanced access to clean water and municipalities will be better able to manage wastewater with funding from three levels of government. Premier Tim Houston announced five community projects on March 4.
“It’s not always the first thing we think of when we talk about growing and supporting our communities, but having modern, secure and effective water infrastructure is vital to their well-being and prosperity,” said Premier Houston. “This is a significant investment that will help ensure these communities have access to the safe, clean water they expect and lay the foundation for continued growth for years to come.”
A new water distribution system will serve Greenwood and Coalburn, communities that have been experiencing poor drinking water quality caused by geological conditions. This investment will extend the MacLellans Brook water distribution system to about eight kilometres, allowing the municipality to provide safer drinking water to about 195 properties.
Two projects in New Glasgow involve:
- separating combined sewers into a two-pipe network for sanitary sewer and stormwater to support future growth and development
- constructing a new water line on Abercrombie Road to replace a cast iron pipe installed in 1904 for improved water quality.
In Trenton, a new storm sewer system will result in an increased capacity to treat and manage wastewater and stormwater.
In Stellarton, replacement infrastructure for water distribution and wastewater collection will improve access to drinking water and capacity to treat and manage wastewater.
“The MacLellans Brook water distribution infrastructure project in Pictou County is a great example of our work to help residents and businesses in rural communities thrive and grow. The other project in New Glasgow, which was recently completed, includes the construction of a new waterline on Abercrombie Road to replace a cast iron pipe that was originally installed in 1904,” said Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “This work will result in improved water quality for local residents. As we know, demands on infrastructure increase as the population in our province grows. All five of these projects ensure that water systems in communities throughout Pictou County have the capacity to meet the demands that come with the growth and development of our communities.”
The projects represent a total investment through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program of more than $17.7 million including $5.2 million from the Province and $7.8 million from the federal government, as well as municipal investments.
