"This investment will modernize the water supply system and secure water services for residents of Harbour Breton," stated the Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. "We are pleased to partner with our federal and municipal partners to ensure access to a safe and reliable water supply. The new system will be modern, efficient and cost-effective to operate."

The federal government will invest $1,026,350 in the project, with the provincial government contributing $1,241,884. The share for the municipality is $810,816.

The project will replace the current pumped water system. The town gets its water from two ponds - Hutchings Pond and Connaigre Pond. Hutchings Pond is the primary source. However, when water levels become low, water is pumped from Connaigre Pond to Hutchings Pond via a water main between the two ponds. From Hutchings Pond water is pumped over a hill and flows down into the town. This system is costly to operate and maintain and is not dependable during power outages. The new system will allow the town to supply water via a gravity feed system, not requiring pumps. To assist in re-routing and in obtaining a better water quality, an infiltration gallery will be installed on the sub-floor at the western shore of Connaigre Pond. The project will also include an upgrade to the chlorination system.

The Canada-NL MRIF Agreement is cost-shared with municipalities and administered jointly by the Department of Municipal Affairs on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and ACOA, on behalf of Infrastructure Canada. Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, acting on behalf of communities, helps set the strategic direction of the agreement and identify priorities under the capacity-building component of the agreement.