Pictou and Westville Among Municipalities to Receive Infrastructure and Innovation Funds.

Nineteen municipal projects will receive provincial funding to support infrastructure and innovation.

Sixteen projects under the Provincial Capital Assistance Program will receive $703,762, and three projects under the Municipal Innovation Program will receive $450,120.

“This funding will support key projects that make a difference for communities and for residents,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Access to safe drinking water, wastewater treatment and addressing flood risk are vital for building strong, vibrant communities and supporting continued economic growth.”

Through the Provincial Capital Assistance Program, the Province contributes funds toward priority municipal infrastructure projects. Projects receiving funding in 2023-24 include a well water study, water main replacement and design for sanitary and stormwater separation.

The Municipal Innovation Program provides funding for regional co-operation projects to help the long-term sustainability of local governments. Municipalities can apply for program funding to support innovative approaches to regional collaboration.

Quotes:

During the last fiscal year, the Town of Stewiacke realized unprecedented growth. The Provincial Capital Assistance Program funding will provide essential funds to facilitate the water infrastructure upgrade to meet the current demands of our town and anticipated demand in the future.George Lloy, Mayor, Town of Stewiacke

The towns of Berwick and Mahone Bay, the Riverport Electric Light Commission, as well as the Alternative Resource Energy Authority (AREA) are working together to modernize the operational structure of their three municipal electric utilities (MEUs). The MIP funding will be used to hire a shared utility director, process map each operation, identify operational efficiencies and develop an inter-municipal service agreement. The goal is to create an integrated service model that ensures the long-term sustainability and viability of the MEUs while furthering their leadership in aligning with the Province’s decarbonization strategy. The funding of this municipal modernization project enables the towns of Berwick and Mahone Bay and the Riverport Electric Light Commission to join other Nova Scotian MEUs as they become the first net-zero carbon communities in Canada.joint statement from Berwick Mayor Don Clark; Mahone Bay Mayor David Devenne; Antigonish Mayor Laurie Boucher; Jennifer James, Chair of the Riverport Electric Light Commission; and the Alternative Resource Energy Authority

Quick Facts:

• the Provincial Capital Assistance Program and Municipal Innovation Program are application-based
• the capital assistance program funds up to 50 per cent of project costs
• the innovation program funds up to 75 per cent of project costs

Source: Release