News Release

MEMRAMCOOK (GNB) – A $7.5 million water distribution project was announced today in Memramcook under the Small Communities Fund.

“The provincial government has made a commitment to protect our environment including our water resources,” said Memramcook-Tantramar MLA Bernard LeBlanc. “Under this project, we are working in partnership with all levels of government to invest in strategic infrastructure and deliver a safe water supply and jobs for local residents and families.”

LeBlanc attended the event for Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny.

“The federal government understands that by building stronger communities and modernizing and developing our infrastructure, we are creating jobs and opportunities and building a better Canada for future generations,” said Senator Carolyn Stewart-Olsen. “The Small Communities Fund of the New Building Canada Fund supports economic growth from coast to coast to coast while ensuring that Canadian communities remain among the best in the world to live.”

Stewart-Olsen attended the announcement for Infrastructure, Communities, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Denis Lebel.

The project involves Phase 1 of an extension to the Village of Memramcook’s water distribution system. New infrastructure will be constructed for new wells and water pipes from Memramcook East to the existing water treatment system in St. Joseph. This upgrade will secure a safe water supply to existing users, while also adding about 270 new users to the system.

“This is an important investment that will support economic growth in our community,” said Memramcook Mayor Donald LeBlanc. “We are pleased to work with both the provincial and federal governments to bring this upgrade project to fruition and improve infrastructure for our residents.”

Under the Small Communities Fund, the provincial government is partnering with the federal government to jointly invest about $78.8 million in infrastructure over the next 10 years. Each project also receives matched funding from the community for a total investment of more than $118 million.

A total of 38 projects in New Brunswick communities will receive funding for strategic infrastructure projects that contribute to both a cleaner environment and economic growth.

The investments are expected to generate $41 million for the province’s economy in GDP, tax revenue and job creation in the first three years.

The Small Communities Fund was announced last year as part of the federal government’s 10-year infrastructure plan for communities with a population of less than 100,000. The fund was created under the New Building Canada Plan 2014-2024.

Eligible categories include highways and major roads, public transit, disaster mitigation, connectivity and broadband, innovation, wastewater, green energy, drinking water, solid waste management, brownfield redevelopment, local and regional airports, short-line rail, short-sea shipping and northern infrastructure.