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

wastewater infrastructure

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."

Water, Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades in Four Communities

Water, Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades in Four Communities

The Province is investing a total of $3.9 million in infrastructure upgrades in Mahone Bay, Yarmouth, Digby and Clare that will help prepare the municipalities for future growth. “Our municipalities depend on modern infrastructure to be competitive and attract new residents to their communities,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr. “By making these investments, we will improve the efficiency of the water and wastewater systems, ensuring residents and businesses have the services they expect and depend on every day and laying the foundation for continued growth for years to come.”

Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades

Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades

The Province is investing in infrastructure upgrades in Wolfville that will help prepare the town for future growth. The project will improve the wastewater treatment plant and increase treatment capacity, leading to higher quality wastewater and sewage disposal systems. The upgrades include a newly constructed third lagoon cell and protective raised barrier, an improved aeration system and a new operational monitoring and control system.

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.”

Climate change could cost municipalities $700M more a year to maintain pipes, sewers, report says

Climate change could cost municipalities $700M more a year to maintain pipes, sewers, report says

Extreme rainfall caused by climate change could cost municipalities in Ontario an additional $700 million a year to maintain stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, the province's financial watchdog warns. In a new report released on Tuesday, the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) says severe weather will cost municipalities millions more in the coming decades if local governments do not spend the money now to keep aging infrastructure in a state of good repair. 

Feds fund three water projects in Newfoundland

Feds fund three water projects in Newfoundland

The federal government has announced $27 million in funding for three projects to improve public services and protect waters in St. John’s, Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove and surrounding communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. In St. John’s, new wastewater infrastructure will improve municipal services in the Goulds area and help protect Shoal Bay and the harbour. In addition, there will be ditching and erosion control measures taken along the Motion Bay Road extension in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove. The federal government is spending $9.8 million, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $7.4 million and the municipalities are providing a total of $9.8 million, stated a release.

Replacement Wastewater Treatment Plant for Whycocomagh

Replacement Wastewater Treatment Plant for Whycocomagh

Residents of Whycocomagh and We’koqma’q First Nation in Inverness County will have their wastewater infrastructure replaced thanks to a $5.87 million investment from the three levels of government and in partnership with the First Nation. “The province is pleased to be working with the federal government, the municipality and the First Nation to fund this much-needed wastewater treatment facility,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Brendan Maguire. “Due to the age and condition of the current facility, the system is a priority for replacement. The new facility will help keep Whycocomagh safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable for many years to come.”

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