The Honourable Wayne Easter, Solicitor General and MP for Malpeque, and Prince Edward Island Premier Pat Binns today announced their governments' respective contributions to sewage treatment and water distribution projects in Prince Edward Island.
The Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island are each contributing up to $15 million toward the following: sewage treatment projects in Charlottetown and Summerside, a water treatment and distribution project in Stratford, and a sludge management strategy for the Island. Total costs for the three projects are estimated at $43 million. The municipalities of Charlottetown, Summerside and Stratford will cover the costs of their respective projects. Minister Easter and Premier Binns also announced that their governments would sign formal agreements for these projects confirming this commitment within the next six months.
"Through this significant investment, the Government of Canada is continuing its commitment to renew and revitalize Prince Edward Island's municipal infrastructure. These projects are essential to ensure clean and reliable drinking water for our citizens, the effective disposal and treatment of municipal wastewater, and the protection of our harbour waters," said Minister Easter. "The Government of Canada is pleased to support our Island communities through the use of enhanced green infrastructure, as we work together toward a healthy and sustainable future."
"This announcement represents the single largest infrastructure investment in the history of Prince Edward Island and, through this partnership, we take a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of our communities and creating opportunities for future growth and development," said Premier Pat Binns. "The Government of PEI is committed to working with Island communities to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water and the protection and preservation of the natural beauty of our province for future generations to enjoy."
Minister of Industry and Minister Responsible for Infrastructure Allan Rock was quoted as saying that, "The Governments of Canada and of Prince Edward Island have agreed that these sewage treatment and water distribution initiatives are their top joint infrastructure priorities in the province. This partnership between the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island, with the municipalities of Charlottetown, Summerside and Stratford, to address safe-water issues and pollution will have tremendous benefits for the people of Prince Edward Island."
Work will also begin on a Provincial Sludge Management Strategy to protect public health and the environment. This strategy will include a plan of action to ensure that all sludge, including septic tank and municipal treatment plant waste, is treated and stabilized to the highest standard before it is land applied. By 2007, this province will prohibit the land application of unstabilized sludge. The Provincial Sludge Management Strategy will result in all sludge being stabilized to the highest standard in North America.
The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund supports large-scale projects in five categories of infrastructure which are vital to advancing Canada's social and economic objectives: highway and railway, local transportation, tourism or urban development, broadband networks and water or sewer.
Through the $2-billion Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, the Government of Canada continues to collaborate with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as with the private sector, to invest in strategic infrastructure projects across the country. Investments made through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund are directed to large-scale projects of major national and regional significance, in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and supporting an enhanced quality of life for Canadians.
Working with Islanders, the Government of Prince Edward Island was the first jurisdiction to implement buffer zone legislation; the first province to regulate the installation and replacement of home heat tanks; more than $12 million has been invested in soil and water conservation projects; and we have implemented mandatory three-year crop rotations, Environmental Farm Plans and a Drinking Water Strategy. This partnership is another step forward in the Government of Prince Edward Island's continued commitment to our environment.
In Budget 2003, the Government of Canada continued its commitment to public infrastructure through the announcement of a new $3-billion infrastructure initiative.
For more information on the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund or on Infrastructure Canada and its programs: http://www.infrastructurecanada.gc.ca