A mix of municipal, provincial and federal politicians got together at City Hall in St. John’s Friday to publicly confirm joint funding for water and wastewater projects around the city.
The municipality is providing over $8.4 million, the province up to $7.7 million and the federal government about $5.6 million, allowing requests for proposals to go out for the needed work.
“Make no mistake: Newfoundland and Labrador’s voice is being heard at the federal table,” Natural Resources Minister Siobhan Coady said during the announcement, speaking to infrastructure project funds in recent years.
The announcement didn’t touch the roughly $200 million the city needs to have in hand to move ahead with its upgrade to the Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility, but Mayor Danny Breen said it will cover some other projects the city has prioritized, within its $1.25-billion capital plan.
Related story:
N.L. government announces $10.6M for municipal infrastructure projects
There are three targets: improvements to the Windsor Lake Treatment Plant (providing drinking water), construction of a retaining wall and berm along Rennies River, and required upgrades to underground lines — sewer, storm sewer and water mains — in the city’s downtown, including the Water Street project.
“When these projects are completed, we will experience fewer water service interruptions and traffic disruptions that are caused by our aging infrastructure,” Breen said.
The Rennies River project is under environmental assessment with the province, but is meant to help protect against flooding along the river system during future, intense rain events.
Upgrades along Water Street are set for a formal update next week, but are through a first phase. It will continue through five phases of work, with the new funding going towards that larger bill. (See related story, page B1)
“It’s not only a matter of money, it’s a matter of being able to manage the project,” the mayor said, when asked about the need for more money, while noting other ongoing work by the city this summer along Portugal Cove Road and in Rabbittown, to name two locations.
“The fact is that you can’t shut the city down as you do projects,” he said.
Nick Whalen spoke on behalf of federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi, saying the federal government is committed to ensuring Canadians have access to reliable water and wastewater services, while also responding to the infrastructure demands tied to effects of climate change.
Both Whalen and Finance Minister Tom Osborne (who was speaking on behalf of provincial Municipal Affairs and Environment Minister Andrew Parsons), mentioned the ongoing negotiation between the provincial and federal governments on the second phase of the Investment Canada Plan.
“When that has concluded, this agreement will contribute over $555 million to improve infrastructure throughout the province,” Osborne said, noting a recent push on water and wastewater work.
“Today we have a great example of what can be accomplished when all three levels of government work collaboratively to make improvements on behalf of residents for the long run.”
