News Release

ROTHESAY (GNB) – A $7.5 million wastewater collection system upgrade was announced today in Rothesay under the Small Communities Fund.

“This major upgrade will modernize the town’s wastewater collection system to increase capacity and protect the environment,” said Government Services Minister Ed Doherty. “The municipality and the province are working in partnership with the federal government to support the sustainability of this community and jobs.”

Doherty spoke on behalf of Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny.

“The federal government understands that by building stronger communities and modernizing and developing our infrastructure, we are creating jobs and opportunities and building a better Canada for future generations,” said Saint John MP Rodney Weston. “The Small Communities Fund of the New Building Canada Fund supports economic growth from coast to coast to coast while ensuring that Canadian communities remain among the best in the world to live.”

Weston attended the announcement for Infrastructure, Communities, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Denis Lebel.

The project involves the preparation work for consolidating the town’s three wastewater lagoons at Renforth, Kennebecasis Park and Fairvale with the future goal of building one new mechanical treatment facility to be located at Sagamore Point. Five lift stations will be built and 5,500 metres of force main and gravity sewer lines will be installed to collect and convey wastewater.

“The Town of Rothesay is pleased to partner with both the provincial and federal governments on this project,” said Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop. “Improving our wastewater infrastructure will provide better services to our residents and will ensure that services are delivered in a sustainable and environment-friendly way.”

Under the Small Communities Fund, the provincial government is partnering with the federal government to jointly invest about $85 million in infrastructure over the next 10 years. Each project also receives matched funding from the community for a total investment of more than $118 million.

A total of 39 projects in New Brunswick communities will receive funding for strategic infrastructure projects that contribute to both a cleaner environment and economic growth. This is the first round of investments under the fund.

The Small Communities Fund was announced last year as part of the federal government’s 10-year infrastructure plan for communities with a population of less than 100,000. The fund was created under the New Building Canada Plan 2014-2024.

Eligible categories include highways and major roads, public transit, disaster mitigation, connectivity and broadband, innovation, wastewater, green energy, drinking water, solid waste management, brownfield redevelopment, local and regional airports, short-line rail, short-sea shipping and northern infrastructure.