Government of Canada Supports Important Wastewater System Upgrades in Fredericton Through the Small Communities Fund

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - June 26, 2015) - Infrastructure Canada

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced $1,791,264 in federal funding for two wastewater infrastructure projects in Fredericton. MP Ashfield was joined by the Honourable Stephen Horsman, Deputy Premier of New Brunswick, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Minister of Justice, and Minister responsible for Military Affairs, and Brad Woodside, Mayor of Fredericton.

The first of these projects involves upgrading the Barker Street wastewater treatment facility. The wastewater debris and sand diversion points will be expanded to allow for future increased water flow and new equipment will be installed to make the ultraviolet disinfection system more energy efficient. This work will improve the general productivity of the facility and reduce the risks associated with storm events, such as treatment capacity overloads and the flow of untreated water into the Saint John River.

The second project consists of improving the Garden Creek Lagoon to meet federal wastewater systems effluent regulations. Specifically, the outfall pipe will be extended further out into the main river current of the Saint John River to help ensure the public does not come into contact with the discharge.

The projects announced today are among 38 recently approved for more than $79 million in joint funding under the Small Communities Fund in New Brunswick. These projects represent important investments in the drinking water, disaster mitigation and wastewater infrastructure that maintain safe, healthy communities. Once complete, the work will significantly improve key municipal services for residents and help boost regional development for years to come.

The $1-billion Small Communities Fund provides funding for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs across the country. Canada and New Brunswick will each provide $39,363,723 to support projects in New Brunswick communities with fewer than 100,000 residents over the course of the funding program. This will help address local infrastructure priorities and boost economies in small communities throughout the province well into the future.

Quick Facts:

Barker Street

• For the Barker Street wastewater treatment facility project, the Government of Canada will contribute up to one third of the total eligible project costs of $4,896,879, to a maximum of $1,632,293, under the New Building Canada Fund's Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-Small Communities Fund.
• The Government of New Brunswick will also contribute one third of the project costs up to $1,632,293.
• The City of Fredericton will be responsible for the remaining project costs.

Garden Creek Lagoon

• For the Garden Creek Lagoon project, the Government of Canada will contribute up to one third of the total eligible project costs of $476,913, to a maximum of $158,971, under the New Building Canada Fund's Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-Small Communities Fund.
• The Government of New Brunswick will also contribute one third of the project costs up to $158,971.
• The City of Fredericton will be responsible for the remaining project costs.

Small Communities Fund in New Brunswick

• For the 38 projects altogether, the Government of Canada is providing up to one third of the total eligible costs to a maximum federal contribution of $26,430,266.
• The Province of New Brunswick will contribute up to $26,430,266 to these projects.
• New Brunswick communities will be responsible for the remaining costs of the 38 projects.

Quotes:

"Our Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, understands that by building stronger communities and modernizing and developing our infrastructure, we are creating jobs and opportunities and building a better Canada for future generations. The Small Communities Fund of the New Building Canada Fund supports economic growth from coast to coast to coast while ensuring that Canadian communities remain among the best in the world to live."

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

"These two projects support a clean environment through improvements to the city's wastewater collection systems. We are proud of the partnership we have with Ottawa and the municipality to deliver new infrastructure and jobs to the city."

The Honourable Stephen Horsman, Deputy Premier of New Brunswick, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Minister of Justice, and Minister responsible for Military Affairs

"On behalf of the City of Fredericton, I extend my appreciation to the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick for their investment in this important infrastructure project. Along with our third of the funding, we continue to be able to upgrade the capacity of the plant, meet the Federal Wastewater Effluent Guidelines, and extend the life of the wastewater treatment facility."

Brad Woodside, Mayor of Fredericton

Associated Links:

To learn more about the Small Communities Fund, please visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html.

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/home-accueil-eng.html.

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