Government of Canada Supports Important Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Bathurst and Beresford Through the Small Communities Fund

BATHURST, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - July 23, 2015) - Infrastructure Canada

Senator Percy Mockler, 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 $193,068 in federal funding for upgrades to the water treatment plant in Bathurst, and $266,665 for drinking water system upgrades in Beresford. Senator Mockler was joined by the Honourable Brian Kenny, New Brunswick Minister of Environment and Local Government, Stephen Brunet, Mayor of the City of Bathurst, and Paul Losier, Mayor of the Town of Beresford.

The project in Bathurst involves efficiency upgrades at the water treatment plant. Work includes upgrading the chlorination, automation and pH control systems. In Beresford, the project involves looping the ends of several water lines and adding a chlorination station. The first loop is from Gagnon Street to Parc est Street, and the second, from Marie Street to St. Peter Street.

Once completed, these projects will save the municipality energy costs, reduce its reliance on chemical water treatment systems, and decrease the amount of water wasted during the flushing of water lines.

The projects announced today are among 39 projects recently approved for more than $85 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:

Bathurst:

• For the Bathurst project, the Government of Canada will contribute up to one third of the total eligible project costs of $579,205, to a maximum of $193,068, 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 $193,068.
• The City of Bathurst will be responsible for the remaining project costs.

Beresford:

• For the Beresford project, the Government of Canada will contribute up to one third of the total eligible project costs of $799,996, to a maximum of $266,665, 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 $266,665.
• The Town of Beresford will be responsible for the remaining project costs.

Small Communities Fund in New Brunswick

• For the 39 projects altogether, the Government of Canada is providing up to one third of the total eligible costs to a maximum federal contribution of $28,420,281.
• The Province of New Brunswick will also contribute up to $28,420,281 for these projects.
• New Brunswick communities will be responsible for the remaining costs of the 39 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."

Senator Percy Mockler, 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

"I'm very pleased that our government is joining our federal and municipal counterparts in supporting these two important projects that will improve water services for the residents of Bathurst and Beresford. This partnership will support the sustainability of these communities and provide jobs."

The Honourable Brian Kenny, New Brunswick Minister of Environment and Local Government

"Our goal is to provide quality services and infrastructure to the residents, visitors and businesses in Bathurst. This project provides the necessary funding and collaboration to undertake important upgrades to our water treatment plant."

Stephen Brunet, Mayor of the City of Bathurst

"We're pleased to be working closely with both levels of government to ensure safe and efficient infrastructure for the residents of Beresford. This upgrade will create a seamless system that is more reliable and easier to maintain."

Paul Losier, Mayor of the Town of Beresford

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.