News Release

BATHURST (GNB) – The federal, provincial and municipal governments announced more than $12 million in funding today to support improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure in Bathurst, Beresford and Pointe-Verte.

“We are committed to investing in projects that help build vibrant and sustainable communities,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “These communities should be commended for working to ensure their infrastructure is upgraded to help protect their natural environment for future generations.”

The funding will support two projects in Bathurst: the installation of a booster station in the Sainte-Anne area and the installation of a separated storm sewer system, which will allow for greater wastewater treatment capacity at a lower cost.

In Beresford, upgrades to wastewater, storm and water pipes will make the system more resilient to floods caused by sea water and extreme tides, preventing sanitary outfalls into the Beresford wetlands.

In Pointe-Verte, the funding will support upgrades to stormwater infrastructure and resurfacing on Quay Road.

“Our government is here for the people of the Chaleur region,” said Acadie-Bathurst MP Serge Cormier. “Thanks to the investments we are making in partnership with the province and municipalities, hundreds of residents will soon benefit from improved water pressure and quality roads, and the wetlands that are essential to protect us from spring flooding will be even better preserved.”

Cormier attended for federal Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

The provincial government is providing $1.2 million to Bathurst, $2.2 million to Beresford and $500,000 to Pointe-Verte through the Regional Development Corporation. The federal government is investing more than $4.7 million towards these projects through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The municipalities are providing more than $3.7 million in combined funding.

“These two infrastructure projects will provide needed enhancements to our water and wastewater treatment systems, allowing us to better manage water flow pressure within our distribution system and reducing the risk of sanitary sewer overflows in our wastewater system,” said Bathurst Mayor Kim Chamberlain. “We appreciate and recognize the partnership and contributions of our federal and provincial colleagues in making the projects a reality.”

“This important project, carried out in partnership with the federal and provincial governments, represents a great step forward for the water quality in our salt marsh, as well as a major infrastructure upgrade for Godin, Gagnon and Doucet streets and for the Godin Street pumping station,” said Beresford Mayor Edgar Aubé. “The Town of Beresford is proud to invest in this project with its partners in order to improve the quality of life of its residents and to preserve our unique natural environment.”

“As mayor of the Village of Pointe-Verte, and a former municipal councillor, I wish to express my sincere thanks to the federal and provincial governments for their participation and collaboration in this project,” said Mayor Maxime Lejeune. “I would also like to thank the efforts of all former council members who contributed to this process. The significant improvement to this key street will serve our citizens, as well as all users of the Quay Road, and will allow for new development opportunities for the Pointe-Verte Port Authority.”