News Release

ST. GEORGE (GNB) – A $2.9 million investment in a new reservoir was announced today in St. George under the Small Communities Fund.

“This project supports a stronger community through improvements to the village’s drinking water system,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet. “We are proud of the partnership we have with the federal government and the municipality to deliver new infrastructure and jobs to this vibrant community.”

Doucet made the announcement on behalf of 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 New Brunswick Southwest MP John Williamson. “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.”

Williamson attended the announcement for Infrastructure, Communities, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Denis Lebel.

The current reservoir is more than 60 years old, is deteriorating and no longer provides enough water storage to serve the needs of the community. A new reservoir will enable the town to be able to provide clean, safe drinking water and continue to grow and expand its job sector and housing market. 

The new reservoir includes a booster pumping station, two pressure-reducing valves and piping to tie into the existing system.

“We are pleased to work with the different levels of government to improve our infrastructure in a sustainable manner that considers both our current and future needs,” said Sharon Tucker, mayor of St. George. “The reservoir and increased water storage will ensure the town is well positioned for sustainable growth.”

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.