News Release

SAINT-LÉONARD (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments and the Town of Saint-Léonard are making a combined investment of $480,000 to upgrade the wastewater system in the community.

The investments, announced today, are being made through the Small Communities Fund.

“I am pleased that our government could provide one-third of the total funding for this important project, which will support the sustainability of this community and create jobs,” said Victoria-La Vallée MLA Chuck Chiasson.

Chiasson attended the announcement for Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny.

“The federal government is committed to building public infrastructure for the 21st century,” said Madawaska-Restigouche MP René Arseneault. “Green infrastructure, such as clean drinking water, renewable energy and waste management systems, is critical to developing sustainable, livable communities. We are proud to be investing in this project, which will have a positive and lasting impact on the quality of life for all Saint-Léonard residents.”

Arseneault attended the event for Amarjeet Sohi, the federal minister of infrastructure and communities.

“This initiative will improve our wastewater system in Saint-Léonard, and I am pleased to see this project move forward,” said Saint-Léonard Mayor Carmel St-Amand. “By partnering with the federal and provincial governments, we are able to make strategic investments that improve the lives of residents.”

The project involves repairing the sanitary sewers and installing storm sewers along Industrielle Street. This will reduce the flow of storm water into the sanitary sewer system and decrease the burden on the wastewater treatment plant.

Under the Small Communities Fund, the provincial and federal governments are jointly investing about $79 million in infrastructure during the next 10 years. Each project receives matching funding from the community, for a total investment of more than $118 million. This is the first round of investments under the fund.

A total of 43 projects in New Brunswick communities will receive funding for strategic infrastructure projects that contribute to both a cleaner environment and economic growth.