Canada and Province reach agreement under new infrastructure funding programs

23 projects approved for funding

Investing in local infrastructure helps ensure that Canadians have safe water and wastewater systems they can rely on, and efficient and modern public transit systems so they can get to work on time and back home safely at the end of a long day.

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable H. Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island and the Honourable Paula Biggar, Prince Edward Island Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy announced a bilateral agreement that will make more than $112 million in combined funding available under two new federal programs – the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund and the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund – and supported by provincial government infrastructure programs. The federal government is providing up to 50% of funding for the projects supported through these programs. The provincial government and municipalities provide the balance of funding.

The agreement is part of Phase 1 of the 10-year Investing in Canada plan, which will help lay the foundation for the longer-term federal investment strategy.

Also announced today was an initial list of 23 approved projects under the two new funding programs including Tignish’s Sewage Treatment Plant upgrades that will increase the existing facility’s capacity to treat wastewater and therefore better protect the environment, as well as transit upgrades in Charlottetown that will make public transit more inclusive across the city in addition to cutting commute times for everyone.

Quotes

“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement for Prince Edward Island, done in solid partnership with the province, which will make $112 million in funding available so that PEI communities can address their infrastructure priorities, while helping grow the middle class with good, well-paying jobs.”

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

“Investments in clean, strategic infrastructure build stronger communities, grow our economy and protect our environment. We are pleased to partner with the federal government and Island communities to support key priorities that will encourage sustained prosperity for our province.”

The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island

Quick facts

•    This funding is part of the first phase of Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada’s historic $120-billion plan to support public infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years.

•    Phase 1 of Investing in Canada provides $11.9 billion in investments to support public transit systems, green infrastructure projects, and social infrastructure projects. Details on Phase 2 of Investing in Canada will be announced over the next year.

•    The funding available under Phase 1 will be provided through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, both of which will be managed through agreements between the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments.

•    Under this agreement, the Government of Canada has made its funding retroactive to April 1, 2016, so projects can proceed without delay to ensure a productive construction season.

Backgrounder

Canada and Prince Edward Island Reach Agreement under New Federal Infrastructure Funding Programs

Canada and Prince Edward Island have approved 23 community infrastructure projects, to date, under two new federal infrastructure programs introduced as part of Phase 1 of the 10-year Investing in Canada plan. The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund and the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund will address key infrastructure priorities with a focus on repairing and upgrading existing facilities and assets.

Additional projects will be prioritized by the province for funding under each of these funds in the coming months.

Clean Water and Wastewater Fund

The Government of Canada is providing $16,425,938 and the Government of Prince Edward Island is providing $8,212,971 for 20 projects to rehabilitate and improve community water and wastewater systems across the province. Combined with provincial and municipal contributions, more than $32,851,880 will be going toward providing Prince Edward Island families with clean reliable water sources.

Public Transit Infrastructure Fund

The Government of Canada is providing $653,400 and the Government of Prince Edward Island is providing $326,701 to support the following three public transit projects. Combined with provincial and municipal contributions, more than $1,306,982 will be going toward public transit across Prince Edward Island.

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