Canada and PEI fund 26 projects to improve water and wastewater infrastructure across the province

Investing in Infrastructure -

The governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island are committed to investing in local infrastructure that ensures Canadians and their families have access to modern, reliable water and wastewater services that meet their needs. These investments will safeguard the health and well-being of residents, protect provincial waterways and preserve local ecosystems.

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island, today announced more than $29.8 million for 26 water infrastructure projects across the Island. The Government of Canada is contributing $19,899,154 to the projects, representing 50% of the total eligible costs, and the province is providing $9,949,577. The municipalities will provide the remainder of the funding.

Among the 14 municipalities receiving funding are Montague and Georgetown. The Montague project involves rehabilitating close to 635 metres of aging storm water management infrastructure along Fraser Street between School Street and Queen Street. These vital upgrades will increase the system’s capacity, reducing the risk of storm water overflows and local flooding. In Georgetown, work involves adding a new well to the town’s drinking water distribution system to increase capacity and offer more reliable services to residents year-round.

Quotes

“Investments in green infrastructure help protect communities and support Canada’s ongoing transition to a clean, sustainable growth economy. We have committed to engaging with our regional partners to make sure they have the support they need to build strong communities and create well-paying jobs for the middle class. I’m glad to see these critical projects moving forward, which will help ensure the long-term health and prosperity of Islanders for generations to come.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“By pooling our resources, the federal and provincial governments—combined with municipalities and community partners—can make important investments that protect our province, safeguard the environment and deliver reliable supplies of safe drinking water. The many projects being supported today will serve our province and communities for years to come”

- The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island

“The Town of Georgetown is very pleased with the announcement that we will receive an upgrade to our water utility.”

- Mayor Lewis Lavandier, Town of Georgetown

“The Town of Montague is very pleased to see this important work taking place to safeguard our river and the infrastructure in the Town."

- Mayor Richard Collins, Town of Montague

Quick facts

• This funding is part of the first phase of Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada’s historic plan to support public infrastructure across the country.
• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Along with the 20 clean water and wastewater projects announced for Prince Edward Island on August 3, 2016 at the signing of the Canada-Prince Edward Island bilateral agreement, and the 3 projects announced for Charlottetown and Stratford on May 25, 2017, a total of 49 projects are now approved under this program for Prince Edward Island.
• Budget 2017 proposes $21.9 billion for investments for green infrastructure. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• These investments complement the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a 2-year federal-provincial action plan aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region through five priority areas:
  • Skilled workforce/Immigration;
  • Innovation;
  • Clean growth and climate change;
  • Trade and investment;
  • Infrastructure.

Background

The Government of Canada is contributing $19,899,154 for the 26 projects, representing 50% of the total eligible costs, and the province is providing $9,949,577. The municipalities will provide the remainder of the funding.

Download details of all 26 newly approved projects

Associated links

• Government of Canada’s $180-billion + infrastructure plan in Budget 2017:
  • Clean Water and Wastewater Fund projects approved in Prince Edward Island and across the country
  • Clean Water and Wastewater Fund
  • Federal infrastructure investments in Prince Edward Island
  • Atlantic Growth Strategy

Media contact:
Ron Ryder
Senior Communications Officer
Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy
902-368-5112
rrryder@gov.pe.ca