The Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program is funding a project to extend municipal water to the Highfield Heights area of the City of Charlottetown. This extension, which will provide access to clean drinking water to 142 homes, involves the installation of water mains in the Highfield Heights area. The project will receive $800,000 under the infrastructure program, cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments and the City of Charlottetown.
This important investment in "green" municipal infrastructure was announced today by the Honourable Wayne Easter, Solicitor General and Member of Parliament for Malpeque; the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs for PEI; and Mr. George MacDonald, Mayor of the City of Charlottetown.
"This is great news for the people who live in Highfield Heights. Access to clean drinking water is essential for everyone. By making water and wastewater projects the top priority under the infrastructure program, the Government of Canada is investing in a safe and healthy environment for all Islanders," said Minister Easter on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
"This is a very important initiative for the residents of the Highfield Heights area and will go a long way in helping to ensure a safe and healthy environment," said Minister MacFadyen. "The Government of Prince Edward Island places the highest priority on the basic health and safety needs of Islanders; and through the Infrastructure Program, and other initiatives, we are working to meet the needs of Islanders. Our government is pleased to be a partner in this initiative through an investment of more than $480,000."
"We appreciate the support of the federal and provincial governments in helping Charlottetown ensure the availability of safe, clean drinking water to our residents," said Mayor MacDonald.
The Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program's first priority is green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective wastewater management systems and safe drinking water. This project in Highfield Heights will support the program in achieving the goal of investing a minimum of 60 per cent of program funds in green community infrastructure projects across the province.
The Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs of community infrastructure projects. Communities provide the remaining one-third of project costs, making the program a unique partnership among all three levels of government, with infrastructure investments of more than $38 million in PEI over five years.
The program is administered by ACOA and PEI's Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.