News Release

SHEDIAC (GNB) – An investment of over $4.5 million will enable the Town of Shediac to improve road infrastructure. The project was announced today in Shediac under the Small Communities Fund.

“This project represents important improvements to our transportation infrastructure here in the growing community of Shediac,” said Health Minister Victor Boudreau. “We are proud of the partnership we have with the federal government and the municipality to deliver new infrastructure and jobs that will help develop the local residential, commercial and institutional sectors.”

Boudreau spoke on behalf of 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 funding will be used to improve and extend Chesley Street and will result in smoother traffic circulation. Services on Chesley Street will include water mains, sanitary and storm wastewater mains, sidewalks, new asphalt and traffic signals at Main Street.

“We are growing with several important projects under development, including the commercial and manufacturing zone along Highway 15,” said Shediac Mayor Jacques Leblanc. “These changes and upgrades will improve our highway system and allow for continued growth and development in our municipality.”

Under the Small Communities Fund, the provincial government is partnering with the federal government to jointly invest about $85 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 39 projects in New Brunswick communities will receive funding for strategic infrastructure projects that contribute to both a cleaner environment and economic growth. This is the first round of investments under the fund.

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.