Residents of Wellington, Tyne Valley and North Rustico are benefitting from improved sewer and water services thanks to investments made under the Building Canada Fund and Build PEI.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, and the Honourable Ron MacKinley, Prince Edward Island Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, recently visited the completed projects.
“The Government of Canada continues to work with its partners to address the needs of rural communities on Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Shea, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. “The federal government has invested in the future by assisting with upgrades to vital municipal services.”
Wellington, Tyne Valley and North Rustico are among the many communities across PEI to have received funding from the Building Canada Fund – Community Component infrastructure program. The Communities Component focuses on projects in communities with populations of less than 100,000, helping these smaller communities face their unique challenges.
“Investments in local sewer and water infrastructure go a long way to improving the lives of residents and the health of local eco-systems,” said Minister MacKinley. “The province is very pleased to have partnered with these three communities and the federal government to see these projects through to completion.”
The Government of Canada, the Province of PEI, and the communities of Wellington, Tyne Valley and North Rustico shared the cost of the three projects totalling more than $3,640,000. Through this investment, Wellington and Tyne Valley expanded their lagoons and North Rustico upgraded its wellsite, allowing all three communities to increase service capacity.
In addition to the contribution received under the Building Canada Fund Communities Component, each community also received funding under the Gas Tax Fund (GTF) to help offset the cost of their contribution to the projects. The GTF, a key component of the Building Canada infrastructure plan, is helping to build Canada's communities by providing predictable and long-term funding in support of municipal infrastructure.
For more information on the Infrastructure Canada Programs, visit http://www.infc.gc.ca and for more information on capital projects on Prince Edward, visit www.buildpei.ca.
BACKGROUNDER
Wellington Lagoon - The project involved the addition of a second treatment cell and a wetland and disinfection pond. This allows the community to extend the current collection system, increasing the potential for development within the community. The total project cost is $996,000. The Government of Canada contributed $332,000. The Province of Prince Edward Island invested $332,000. The Community of Wellington contributed $332,000 ($166,000 from the Gas Tax Fund).
Tyne Valley Lagoon Expansion - The project involved the expansion of the lagoon to allow for future expansion to accommodate a planned subdivision which will contribute to the long-term viability of the community. The total project cost is $1,338,570. The Government of Canada contributed $466,190. The Province of Prince Edward Island invested $466,190. The Community of Tyne Valley contributed $466,190 ($233,095 from the Gas Tax Fund).
North Rustico Wellsite Upgrades - Through this investment, a fourth well was brought online, upgrading all four supply wells. A new transmission main was installed that connects the wells to a central control building for storage and chlorination treatment prior to distribution to area residents. The project increased service capacity, allowing for future expansion to enhance fire protection in the community. The total project cost is $1,243,749. The Government of Canada contributed $414,583. The Province of Prince Edward Island invested $414,583. The Community of North Rustico contributed $414,583 ($207,291.50 from the Gas Tax Fund).