Nicole Hancock
Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony ...

Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.

Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony to heal Chedoke Creek

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program

YVR welcomes government funding for low-carbon hot water system

YVR welcomes government funding for low-carbon hot water system

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomes today’s announcement from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, which confirms funding through the CleanBC Communities Fund, a component of the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). As part of its Roadmap to Net Zero, YVR is replacing three, large tap water heating systems in the main terminal building to reduce carbon emissions and retrofit the terminal to be more energy efficient. On top of YVR’s investment of $1.8 million, the federal and provincial governments will provide a combined $3.57 million, enabling the replacement of the natural gas hot water heaters with air source heat pumps. This project will reduce the airport’s carbon emissions by eight per cent annually (855 tonnes of CO2) once complete.

Funding announced for water, wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Yarmouth, Digby counties

Funding announced for water, wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Yarmouth, Digby counties

“Three interdependent projects that are in close physical proximity will increase the capacity to treat and manage wastewater and storm water and increase access to potable water. The Vancouver Street intersection will be improved, including the water lines supplying the Yarmouth Regional Hospital," reads the project description. "In the neighbouring combined sewer overflow, a tidal check valve will be installed to prevent tidal water from entering the combined sewer system. The Gardner Street Lift Station will be disconnected from the storm water connection to receive a new exterior dedicated line and outfall."

Building the Infrastructure Canada Needs: the Government of Canada successfully works with provincial and territorial partners to invest more than $33 billion in projects across the country

Building the Infrastructure Canada Needs: the Government of Canada successfully works with provincial and territorial partners to invest more than $33 billion in projects across the country

To date, the Government of Canada’s investments have improved access to safe drinking water by building or rehabilitating over 1,000 water and wastewater systems, strengthened communities with 800 projects to improve cultural and recreational spaces, and enhanced public transit systems by acquiring over 4,200 public transit vehicles like buses, subway cars and light rail transit trains.

Mount Forest water tower to get $1.5-million makeover

Mount Forest water tower to get $1.5-million makeover

Wellington North council voted in favour of rehabilitating the Mount Forest water tower. Dayson Industrial Services Inc. will be doing the work at a cost of $1,545,727. “I think it’s a good news story to start with,” Coun. Sherry Burke said at a meeting earlier this week. The township will be getting $826,796 to help pay for it from the federal and provincial governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, ICIP. “We’re going to get some funding. So that is great. This project has been on the budget for a little bit,” Burke said. Burke explained why she feels the project is so important.

The Government of Canada partners with the Government of New Brunswick and the City of Moncton to upgrade municipal infrastructure in Moncton's downtown core

The Government of Canada partners with the Government of New Brunswick and the City of Moncton to upgrade municipal infrastructure in Moncton's downtown core

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Honourable Daniel Allain, Minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform and Her Worship Dawn Arnold, Mayor of the City of Moncton, announced a joint investment of more than $36.3 million to upgrade Moncton's municipal infrastructure and improve its climate resiliency.

New Water, Wastewater Infrastructure

New Water, Wastewater Infrastructure

The Province is investing more than $3.5 million in water and wastewater infrastructure in Kings County. “Reliable infrastructure is the foundation for building strong, sustainable communities,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We are pleased to fund these projects to upgrade the water distribution and wastewater collection systems to ensure they are reliable and safe. With these investments, we are also investing in the sustainability and growth of these communities.”

‘The wait was worth it’: Rouleau, Wilcox celebrate new water treatment plant

‘The wait was worth it’: Rouleau, Wilcox celebrate new water treatment plant

Residents in Rouleau and Wilcox and surrounding rural municipalities can enjoy clean, quality drinking water now that construction of a new water treatment plant is finished. More than a dozen people — including both mayors, municipal officials, provincial dignitaries, and project contractors — gathered in Rouleau on Sept. 28 for a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the $10.6 million regional water system project.

Province Accepting Water, Wastewater And Other Green Infrastructure Project Applications Until November 29

Province Accepting Water, Wastewater And Other Green Infrastructure Project Applications Until November 29

Today, Saskatchewan communities and eligible organizations may start submitting funding applications for proposed water, wastewater and other projects under the last intake in the province for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). “We encourage applicants to provide their project submissions as early as they are able to so communities can put shovels in the ground as soon as possible," Government Relations Minister Don McMorris said. “Our provincial government will continue to invest in infrastructure to create jobs, position communities for growth and continue to build a stronger Saskatchewan.”

Cumberland awarded 2 grants for drinking water infrastructure

Cumberland awarded 2 grants for drinking water infrastructure

The Village of Cumberland is receiving two grants for drinking water infrastructure. The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is providing $4,475,000 for the reconstruction of a dam on Cumberland Creek and adjacent stream restoration activities. The province’s StrongerBC Economic Plan and rural development grant program is also investing $481,625 for a Union Road watermain project. The dam reconstruction work is required under provincial dam safety regulations for the purpose of seismic improvements.

East Gwillimbury to replace water mains in Sharon and Holland Landing for $5 million

East Gwillimbury to replace water mains in Sharon and Holland Landing for $5 million

Water mains are going to be replaced in Sharon and Holland Landing with a little help from the provincial government. The Town of East Gwillimbury authorized a transfer payment agreement with the Province of Ontario for $3.67 million in grant funding that will contribute toward the $5-million cost of replacing water mains in Holland Landing and Sharon. Funding for this project was secured through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

'High quality water is important': Esterhazy begins construction on new water system for community, surrounding areas

'High quality water is important': Esterhazy begins construction on new water system for community, surrounding areas

It was almost fitting, on a soggy Tuesday morning, the Town of Esterhazy celebrated its recent start in constructing a $29.9 million regional water system. The rain didn’t damper the spirits of those in attendance, which included local dignitaries from both the municipal and provincial levels of government. The new water system got the boost it needed with funding from both provincial and federal levels within the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

CANADA Iroquois water project funding is approved

CANADA Iroquois water project funding is approved

Paying for a $2.25 million waterline rehabilitation project along Carman Road in Iroquois just got a bit easier for local water and sewer users. South Dundas officials learned April 14 that the application for more than two-thirds funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program was approved. The application is one of 144 water infrastructure projects approved during this funding window. The federal government is paying $896,201 and the Ontario government is paying $746,759 towards the project. South Dundas will pay the balance of the project, $597,542.

Water-softening pilot considered

Water-softening pilot considered

The District of 100 Mile House is taking steps towards softening its water supply. Council voted unanimously last week to approve a grant application through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for a pilot bulk softening project, expected to cost about $300,000. Council also voted to commit to the district’s share of the pilot cost, anticipated to be around $75,000.

Saltair water system filtration grant successful

Saltair water system filtration grant successful

Saltair taxpayers will pay less and receive more following the approval of a grant application for the Saltair water treatment expansion project. “I wanted to run up and down the streets knocking on everyone’s door to spread the amazing news,” noted Lynne Smith, Cowichan Valley Regional District director for Area G. An Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Green Infrastructure (Environmental Quality Program) grant will provide $6 million in funding.

Canada and Saskatchewan announce a $5.3 million investment in potable water infrastructure in Outlook

Canada and Saskatchewan announce a $5.3 million investment in potable water infrastructure in Outlook

The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan continue to invest in infrastructure during this unprecedented time to enhance citizens' quality of life, meet the needs of communities, and create jobs to address the impact of COVID-19. Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan's Minister of Government Relations, announced more than $5.3 million in federal-provincial funding to improve the Town of Outlook's potable water infrastructure. The project is funded under the Green Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Ontario Investing in Green Infrastructure to Help Smaller Communities

Ontario Investing in Green Infrastructure to Help Smaller Communities

Ontario is protecting people’s health by bringing infrastructure investments to small communities to help them improve the quality of their drinking water. Starting today, Tuesday, July 13, eligible municipalities, First Nation communities and Local Services Boards can begin applying for funding through the second intake of the Green Infrastructure stream. The Green Stream is part of the joint federal and provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Up to $240 million in joint federal and provincial funding is available for this intake, including $110 million from the Ontario government.

Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Borrowing $60 Million for Renewal Project

Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Borrowing $60 Million for Renewal Project

City council gave the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant the go-ahead to borrow $60 million to fund its plant renewal project. The plant hasn’t had a major renewal in over 30 years. The project is expected to cost $252.8 million. Recently, the water treatment plant received $163.4 million from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and $29.4 million will come from existing funds that Buffalo Pound has in reserves. The loan principle and interest is expected to be repaid by Buffalo Pound through water rate charges to the cities of Moose Jaw and Regina. Moose Jaw uses about 15 per cent of the water supply.

City seeks compromise on sewage plant funding

City seeks compromise on sewage plant funding

Winnipeg’s mayor is urging the province to compromise on its hotly contested demand the city gauge interest for a private-public partnership to operate two key sewage projects. Mayor Brian Bowman warns a delay could wind up sparking higher water and sewer rates. However, the province doesn’t appear interested in the city’s offer, which narrowly won the approval of council’s executive policy committee Tuesday. EPC cast a 4-3 final vote to have a consultant seek out interest in a potential private-public partnership (P3) with the city to design, build and finance two phases of the $1.8-billion north end sewage treatment plant upgrade.

Province tells City of Winnipeg it must explore public-private partnership for sewage plant

Province tells City of Winnipeg it must explore public-private partnership for sewage plant

The provincial government wants the City of Winnipeg to explore expanding and operating the North End Sewage Treatment Plant through a public-private partnership that would privatize the city's entire treatment system, the director of the water and waste department says. Moira Geer's report to members of the city's executive policy committee says the Progressive Conservative government has directed the city to engage a consultant for an "analysis of the feasibility of a public-private partnership (P3) procurement methodology" for the sewage plant's biosolids and nutrient removal facilities.

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