Residents in Springhill and Parrsboro will soon have improved wastewater systems and residents in Oxford will soon have improved drinking water, thanks to funding made available through the Canada - Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. 

Federal and provincial funding of $703,354 was announced today by Canada’s New Government and the Government of Nova Scotia. The towns of Springhill, Parrsboro and Oxford will fund the balance of the project costs, upon formal acceptance of the agreement. 

Each of the projects responds to municipal and program priorities. The Springhill project includes the design and installation of a sanitary sewer in the Main Street area, which will treat wastewater for more than 70 households. The Town of Parrsboro’s project includes the design and installation of a new sanitary sewer on Pier Road that will help eliminate sewage backups into homes and reduce the risk of flooding. The Oxford project includes the design and installation of the first phase of a water system upgrade that will improve drinking water for more than 600 households. 

“Community infrastructure, such as improving our drinking water and wastewater systems, is a priority for our government,” said Murray Scott, Minister of Justice, on behalf of Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. “We are committed to helping provide a high quality of life for all our citizens and protecting the environment.” 

“Canada’s New Government is pleased to be investing a total of $351,677 in these three Cumberland County projects”, said Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “Over the past year, we have demonstrated our commitment to getting things done for all Canadians, including people in Springhill, Oxford and Parrsboro.” 

The infrastructure program supports community infrastructure improvements, such as water, wastewater, and solid waste management. 

“Our federal and provincial partners are responding our municipal infrastructure needs to build strong, healthy communities, which will encourage opportunities for growth,” said Russell Walker, President of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. “We are pleased that these important projects are moving forward.”  

The $111-million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities are members of the Program management committee. 

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For more information:

David Harrigan

Communications - ACOA Nova Scotia

902-426-4238

Deborah Bayer

Communications Advisor

Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Secretariat

902-424-0112