News Release

BATHURST (GNB) – The City of Bathurst and the Town of Beresford are receiving funding for water system upgrades under the Small Communities Fund.

“I am pleased that our government is joining our federal and municipal counterparts in supporting these two important projects that will improve water services for the residents of Bathurst and Beresford,” said Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny. “This partnership will support the sustainability of these communities and provide jobs.”

The investment for Bathurst totals $579,000, and the upgrades in nearby Beresford will total nearly $800,000.

“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 Sen. Percy Mockler. “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.”

Mockler attended the event for Infrastructure, Communities, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Denis Lebel.

The project in Bathurst involves efficiency upgrades at the water treatment plant. Work includes upgrading the chlorination, automation and pH control systems. Once complete, the project will help provide clean potable water to the community while reducing reliance on chemical treatment systems.

“Our goal is to provide quality services and infrastructure to the residents, visitors and businesses in Bathurst,” said Mayor Stephen Brunet. “This project provides the necessary funding and collaboration to undertake important upgrades to our water treatment plant.”

In Beresford, the project involves looping the ends of several water lines and adding a chlorination station. The first loop is from Gagnon Street to Parc Est Street, and the second, from Marie Street to St. Peter Street. Once completed, these projects will save the municipality energy costs, reduce its reliance on chemical water treatment systems, and decrease the amount of water wasted during the flushing of water lines.

“We are pleased to be working closely with both levels of government to ensure safe and efficient infrastructure for the residents of Beresford,” said Mayor Paul Losier. “This upgrade will create a seamless system that is more reliable and easier to maintain.”

Under the Small Communities Fund, the provincial government is partnering with the federal government to jointly invest about $85 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 39 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.