The Provincial Government was joined today by representatives from the Federal Government and the City of St. John’s to announce infrastructure investments of more than $17 million in joint funding to improve water and wastewater systems and provide flood mitigation in St. John’s.
The funding will be used for improvements to the Windsor Lake Water Treatment Plant; the extensive rehabilitation and replacement of sewer, storm and water mains in downtown St. John’s; and the construction of a retaining wall and berm along the Rennies River.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing approximately $7.7 million through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National Regional Projects of the federal New Building Canada Fund. The Federal Government is contributing up to $5.6 million, while the City of St. John’s will make up the remainder of the funding at close to $8.5 million.
These upgrades will assist in reducing future maintenance costs and will provide more reliable delivery of clean drinking water to residents and businesses. The improvements will also reduce potential water main leaks and limit overflow into the harbour in St. John’s.
These initiatives deliver on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca
Quotes
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has prioritized investments in projects that provide high quality drinking water and safe wastewater systems such as the infrastructure upgrades we announced today. Our government looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our federal and municipal partners towards building and maintaining safe and sustainable communities.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment
“Investing in high-quality water and wastewater infrastructure is an essential part of building livable, healthy communities. The Government of Canada also knows that we must protect our communities against the effects of climate change. We are proud to work with Newfoundland and Labrador, and the City of St. John’s, to support improvements to water and wastewater services, and to ensure residents have a safe environment to live, work and raise their families.”
Nick Whalen
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities for the Government of Canada
“The city’s commitment will enhance the quality of life for our residents though infrastructure upgrades that will ensure the protection of property and the continued provision of our superior water supply. We are pleased that both provincial and federal governments are supporting our community through these important investments.”
Danny Breen
Mayor of the City of St. John’s
“The funding announced today represents a significant investment in the City of St. John’s and will serve the needs of residents as well as provide environmental protection and disaster mitigation for many years to come.”
Bernard Davis
MHA for Virginia Waters – Pleasantville
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Learn More
Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/nl-eng.html
The Way Forward: thewayforward.ca
Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca
Kate Monfette
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-301-0894
kate.monfette@canada.ca
Kelly Maguire
City of St. John’s
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca
Kristina George
Government Members Office
709-729-5306
kristinageorge@gov.nl.ca