Canada and New Brunswick invest in water and wastewater infrastructure to support more housing in Shippagan

SHIPPAGAN, NB, Oct. 1, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Government of Canada is using every tool at its disposal, leveraging technology, innovation and partnerships, to build homes at scale.

To that end, Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie--Bathurst, the Honourable Gilles LePage, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, and his Worship Kassim Doumbia, Mayor of the Town of Shippagan, announced a joint investment of more than $1.5 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) Provincial and Territorial Agreement stream and an additional federal contribution of up to $1,551,254 through the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Direct Delivery stream for three projects that will improve the essential drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure needed to build more homes, faster. In total, these investments will enable the construction of approximately 69 new housing units.

Under the BCSF Direct Delivery stream, the wastewater treatment lagoon in Shippagan will be upgraded with a new UV disinfection system. The upgrades will improve treatment capacity and effluent quality by reducing bacteria and removing sludge. In turn, these improvements will support sustainable growth and enable new residential development.

The two CHIF Provincial and Territorial stream projects will extend water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater infrastructure and construct new public roads, Rue Jeux de l'Acadie and Rue des Fondateurs, over the underground works to service two vacant lots that are planned for multi-unit residential development. These projects are part of the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick's funding agreement that is paving the way for the construction of more homes to support a growing population.

These types of important infrastructure investments support the Government of Canada's goal to address the housing crisis, and complement the work of Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that will build affordable homes, support builders with financing, and encourage better building methods.

Together, we will make housing more affordable by unleashing the power of public-private cooperation, catalysing a modern housing industry, and creating new careers in the skilled trades.

Quotes

"These investments will have a very real impact right here in Shippagan. By providing the municipality with the infrastructure needed to support the construction of approximately 69 new homes, we are helping families, young people and workers find a place to call home here in our region. These investments will also benefit our local contractors and businesses, generate economic activity, and help Shippagan continue to grow. This is exactly the kind of investment we want to make: concrete projects that respond to the needs of our people, support our local economy, and help build a stronger future for our communities."

Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie--Bathurst

"Infrastructure like wastewater systems may not always be visible, but it is fundamental to the growth of our communities. The province has provided funding for municipal infrastructure to support housing right across the province. This ensures municipalities have the capacity to provide reliable services and creates the conditions needed for new development."

The Honourable Gilles LePage, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation

"The City Council welcomes the announcements made by both levels of government. A strong Canada is built first and foremost at the local level, like ours. These investments in our infrastructure are a key driver for supporting our growth, enhancing our community's appeal, improving our residents' quality of life, and ensuring Shippagan's long-term prosperity."

His Worship Kassim Doumbia, Mayor of the Town of Shippagan

Quick facts

• In the two projects funded through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), the federal government is investing $750,314, the Government of New Brunswick is investing $500,160 and the Town of Shippagan is contributing $250,155.
• The third project, funded through Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund, is receiving a federal investment of up to $1,551,254, and the Town of Shippagan is also contributing $1,551,254.
• The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) is designed to help communities build the infrastructure necessary to support more homes and increase housing density. The funding can be used for projects that improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, as well as initiatives that preserve existing capacity, enhance system reliability, or implement waste diversion measures to reduce landfill use.
• The federal government is investing $3.65 billion in local infrastructure across Canada through CHIF.
• A share of CHIF is allocated to support long-term provincial and territorial priorities. Provinces and territories must finalize an agreement with the Government of Canada and commit to key housing-enabling conditions to receive funding.
• Funding through the direct delivery stream of CHIF is supporting important infrastructure projects in municipalities and Indigenous communities. The intake for this stream is now closed.
• Build Canada Homes was launched on September 14, 2025 and is focused on increasing the supply of affordable housing. Alongside this effort, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will continue to deliver on its mandate to contribute to the well-being of Canada's housing system through existing programs such as the Apartment Construction Loan Program and Mortgage Loan Insurance products.
• Starting in 2026-27, the Build Communities Strong Fund will deliver funding through three major streams:
  • A Provincial and Territorial stream, which provides $17.2 billion over 10 years, including $5 billion in health infrastructure funding over three years;
  • A Direct Delivery stream, which provides $6 billion over 10 years; and,
  • A Community stream (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund), which provides $27.8 billion over 10 years and, indexed at 2% to deliver $3 billion per year ongoing.
• The Buy Canadian Policy is an important part of the Build Communities Strong Fund. It will help ensure that more of every public dollar goes right into the Canadian economy – creating Canadian careers, using Canadian resources, and benefiting Canadian communities.
• The Build Communities Strong Fund will be a force multiplier in infrastructure – with funding that will be matched by nearly $17 billion from provinces, and additional billions leveraged through municipal and territorial partnerships as well as private capital. The fund will also boost Canada's GDP by $95 billion over the next decade.
• Under the Direct Delivery stream, at least 10% of the funding will go towards investments in Indigenous communities.
• Eligible project proponents under the Direct Delivery stream can find more information on how to send their initial expression of interest for shovel-ready projects on the Build Communities Strong Fund webpage.
• Project funding is subject to the signing of a contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the recipient.
• Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling requirements, including those related to consultation with Indigenous peoples and environmental assessment obligations, if applicable.

Associated Links

Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund
Build Canada Homes
Build Communities Strong Fund

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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Arianna Durgerian, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn, Communications Director, Regional Development Corporation, Government of New Brunswick, [email protected]; Myriam Beaudin, Communications and Marketing Officer, Town of Shippagan, [email protected]