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The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, joined Bruce MacDougall, Deputy Mayor of Summerside and Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board Member, and Ben Smith, Chairperson of the Victoria Community Council, today to officially recognize the project’s completion.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to partner in the development of modern, green infrastructure projects that enhance the quality of life of Island communities,” said Minister Shea. “This innovative treatment system will not only benefit the environment, but will also have a positive impact on the growth of the local economy.”

As a result of updated sewage disposal regulations, properties located in the core of Victoria were deemed too small for septic system usage. This new treatment plant will provide tertiary-level sewage treatment to 52 homes and 18 businesses.

“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. “Our government is proud to play a key role in funding priority projects such as this for the benefit of our One Island Community.”

Water and waste water treatment are important behind-the-scenes services that keep our communities healthy, clean and sustainable. The new waste water treatment centre in Victoria will have many immediate and long-lasting benefits for local residents. It will provide protected groundwater sources for more reliable and clean drinking water, and this supply can be maintained through the community’s water conservation effort. In addition, the system can be easily expanded to service the development of new residences and businesses, as well as neighbouring communities.

“FCM’s Green Municipal Fund offers a range of resources and services that specifically address the sustainable community development needs of municipal governments,” said Bruce MacDougall, representing FCM’s Green Municipal Fund. “We are proud to have been a partner with the Village of Victoria from the very beginning, by providing a grant both for the feasibility study and the capital project.”

Government assistance for the project was provided through the Canada-PEI Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), and supported by a grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express the gratitude of all our residents and businesses to the Federal Government, Provincial Government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities,” said Ben Smith, Chairperson of the Victoria Community Council. “Their generosity in supporting Victoria in this innovative waste water treatment system has made this project possible. We are truly grateful.”

This infrastructure project is an example of governments’ commitments to protect the environment, strengthen the Island economy, and improve the quality of life for residents.