News Release

RIVERSIDE ALBERT (GNB) – A $1.4 million expansion of the water reservoir was announced today in Riverside-Albert under the Small Communities Fund.

“This improvement will increase the community’s water storage capacity and ensure a safe and reliable water supply for residents,” said Memramcook-Tantramar MLA Bernard LeBlanc. “It is an example of governments working together to invest in infrastructure, create jobs and sustainable communities.”

LeBlanc attended the announcement for Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny.

“The federal government understands that by building stronger communities and modernizing and developing our infrastructure, we are creating jobs and opportunities and building a better Canada for future generations,” said Rob Moore, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “The Small Communities Fund of the New Building Canada Fund supports economic growth from coast to coast to coast while ensuring that Canadian communities remain among the best in the world to live.”

Moore spoke on behalf of Infrastructure, Communities, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Denis Lebel.

The project involves the construction of a water tower and water transmission pipe. The pipe will bring water from the village’s water treatment plant to the new reservoir. The infrastructure will give the village the ability to properly flush the water distribution system and provide an additional source of water for fire protection and other demands in the community.

"We are thrilled to see this project moving forward," said Dale Elliott, mayor of Riverside-Albert. "This infrastructure will improve the quality of life for our residents and solves a number of longstanding issues with our water system. We welcome the opportunity to work with all levels of governments."

Under the Small Communities Fund, the provincial government is partnering with the federal government to jointly invest a total of about $79 million in infrastructure over the next 10 years. Each project also receives matched funding from the community for a total investment of more than $118 million.

A total of 38 projects in New Brunswick communities will receive funding for strategic infrastructure projects that contribute to both a cleaner environment and economic growth. This is the first round of investments under the fund.

The Small Communities Fund was announced last year as part of the federal government’s 10-year infrastructure plan for communities with a population of less than 100,000. The fund was created under the New Building Canada Plan 2014-2024.

Eligible categories include highways and major roads, public transit, disaster mitigation, connectivity and broadband, innovation, wastewater, green energy, drinking water, solid waste management, brownfield redevelopment, local and regional airports, short-line rail, short-sea shipping and northern infrastructure.