Improving water and wastewater infrastructure for Lethbridge residents and businesses

Two new projects approved

LETHBRIDGE, AB, July 4, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to investing in local infrastructure so that Canadians and their families have access to modern, reliable water and wastewater services that meet their needs. These investments safeguard the health and well-being of residents, protect waterways and preserve local ecosystems, while also laying the foundation for new economic opportunities to strengthen the middle class across the province.

Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Maria Fitzpatrick, MLA for Lethbridge-East, His Worship Chris Spearman, Mayor of Lethbridge, and Reeve Lorne Hickey, Lethbridge County, announced that a new project in the City of Lethbridge and another in Lethbridge County have been approved under the Government of Canada's Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF). The federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of funding for these projects—over $12.2 million. The City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge County will provide the balance of funding for their respective projects.

In the City of Lethbridge, the wastewater project will include the installation of new sanitation, watermain and storm water management piping, and wetlands mitigation work. This project is critical for meeting demand in the city's industrial park and will support future economic development in the area.

Rural residents in the Hamlet of Monarch in Lethbridge County will benefit from a second project, which will include a new reservoir to provide emergency drinking water services, new distribution pumps to meet peak hour demands, and a truck fill station to provide potable water.

These investments are part of an agreement between Canada and Alberta for the CWWF. These projects are in addition to the 17 CWWF projects announced for Alberta on September 1, 2016.

Quotes

"Investing in local water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential to maintaining a healthy environment and providing access to clean, reliable drinking water. Projects like the expansion of wastewater infrastructure in Lethbridge will help the community better manage wastewater and runoff from severe storms, while the new reservoir and pump station for Lethbridge County will enhance the area's capacity to meet water demands. These improvements will both support future economic growth, and ensure that the region remains healthy and sustainable for years to come."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi,
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"I am thrilled to see the Government of Canada recognize the need for water and wastewater infrastructure in Alberta. By giving rural areas reliable access to clean water and help with a major industrial area's expansion, these projects will make life better for many, many Albertans."

Maria Fitzpatrick,
MLA for Lethbridge-East

"We want to express our appreciation to the Government of Canada for the tremendous support it is demonstrating toward our region and our community. This CWWF funding in support of the expansion of the Sherring Business & Industrial Park will help provide for the creation of jobs and the economic diversification of our city and region. This investment will help Lethbridge attract more private investment and enhance our development as a food production hub."

His Worship Chris Spearman,
Mayor of Lethbridge

"Providing excellent quality of life and sustainable infrastructure for our residents is of top priority for Lethbridge County. This announcement will allow Lethbridge County to construct a new reservoir and truck fill station in the Monarch area. The reservoir will ensure that residents will have an adequate supply of potable water for domestic purposes as well as fire protection, and the truck fill station will provide convenient access to potable water. Lethbridge County Council fully supported the application for this important funding, and we would like to thank the provincial and federal governments for recognizing the importance of this infrastructure in Lethbridge County."

Reeve Lorne Hickey,
Lethbridge County

Quick Facts

• Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Capacity Upgrades for Industrial Park Expansion Project:
• The Government of Canada will be contributing $11.2 million for this project, which has an estimated total cost of $22.4 million. The City of Lethbridge will be responsible for all remaining costs.
• Upgrades include: North wastewater capacity upgrades and service extensions; water distribution system upgrades and service extensions; and new stormwater connections and wetlands mitigation.
• Treated Reservoir and Pump Station:
• The Government of Canada will be contributing $1,042,600 for this project, which has an estimated total cost of $ 2,085,200. Lethbridge County will be responsible for all remaining costs.
• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• Budget 2017 committed $21.9 billion for investments in green infrastructure. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• The Government of Canada is providing Alberta with $196,714,129 under the new Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, and will fund up to 50 per cent of the eligible project costs.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.budget.gc.ca/fes-eea/2016/docs/themes/infrastructure-en.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html

CWWF projects in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/pt-sp/projects-list-liste-projets-ab-eng.html

The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/cwwf-fepeu-eng.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

For further information: Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-301-0894, [e-mail]; Renato Gandia, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, 780-638-9466, [e-mail]; Carly Kleisinger, Corporate Communications Manager, City of Lethbridge, 403-393-8452, [e-mail]; Mattie Elliott, Communications Coordinator, Lethbridge County, 403-328-5525, [e-mail]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/