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October 14, 2009
For immediate release
Summerside Benefits From Improved Wastewater Treatment Thanks to Canada-Prince Edward Island Funding
Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour
“The Government of Canada recognizes the important role green infrastructure investments have in creating jobs, stimulating our economy and improving the health of our environment,” said Minister Shea. “This investment will have a huge impact on the health and safety standards for the wastewater treatment facility here in Summerside. This project is yet another example of what all levels of government can achieve when we work together to support the infrastructure needs of local communities in Prince Edward Island and across Canada.”
“Infrastructure, and in particular green infrastructure, is an important element to ensuring we have vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities throughout Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Bertram. “This newly upgraded facility will provide an even higher level of protection for our waterways and surrounding environment.”
Mayor Stewart said, “With the investment by all orders of government, these upgrades to our infrastructure have made our community a greener place to live. On behalf of City Council, I would like to thank the federal government and government of Prince Edward Island for their contribution and commitment to Summerside.”
The Water Pollution Control Centre, new water tower and the sludge remediation initiative that were funded in part through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Gas Tax Agreement and Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, will improve the management of wastewater and sludge in the City of Summerside.
The sludge remediation initiative portion of the project received $4.5 million in funding under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Gas Tax Agreement. The municipality also contributed more than $1.7 million towards the project. This initiative included the creation of a new sludge treatment system to ensure that sludge from the Summerside Centre is no longer transported to local landfills.
The federal and provincial governments each contributed $3.8 million towards the wastewater treatment system and water tower under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. The newly expanded and upgraded treatment facility will improve the environment by ensuring that chlorinated effluent is no longer discharged into Island waters.
The governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island recognize that for municipalities to remain competitive and prosperous, they need stable long-term funding. As of April 2009, the federal Gas Tax Fund increased to $2 billion per year. Prince Edward Island will receive $88.5 million in Gas Tax Funds by 2014. The Government of Canada has announced that the Gas Tax Fund would become a permanent measure at $2 billion per year after 2014. In addition, the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan is accelerating and expanding existing federal investments in infrastructure stimulus funding over the next two years.
The Province of Prince Edward Island has committed to strengthening our One Island Community. Through various infrastructure initiatives, the province has committed over $80 million to community infrastructure projects. For more information on infrastructure programs in Prince Edward Island, visit www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information on federal infrastructure investments, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
