Premier John Hamm, along with federal cabinet minister MP Robert Thibault, announced the infrastructure agreements at a news conference in Halifax, saying the projects will mean healthier and safer communities.
Communities from Shelburne to Sherbrooke will be getting a piece of the pie. The community of Beaver Bank, battling water woes for more than a decade, was the big winner, getting $9.6 million for a new reservoir, new water and sewage mains and municipal hookups for homes on 16 streets.
"These investments also provide peace of mind,’’ Hamm said. "More Nova Scotians know that when they turn on the tap, they have no reason to question the quality of the their water.’’
Critics pounced on the announcements, accusing the province of favoring communities that elected Progressive Conservatives in the last election.
"I’m getting a geographical tour of Tory ridings here,’’ said NDP public works critic Bill Estabrooks. "The Tory ridings have certainly been taken care of.’’
Liberal Leader Danny Graham said he is troubled that every project was "conspicuously weighted’’ toward government-held ridings.
Hamm denied politics factored into government’s funding decisions.
"The municipalities established the priority list. We simply followed through,’’ he said. "If you want to question where they are, speak to the municipal units who established the priority lists. Ultimately, they make the decision.’’
While politicians were trading shots, people in the communities getting safer drinking water were celebrating.
"We feel overwhelmed; it’s almost like a miracle,’’ said Beaver Bank’s Alan Smith, who had been lobbying for years to get municipal water.
The projects include:
• Replacing aging water mains and upgrades for Stewiacke, $846,607.• Installation of 840 residential water meters in Trenton, $276,715.• Upgrade of 558 meters of water main in Westville, $267,348.• Extension of water-distribution line to wharf in Shelburne, $166,585.• Water-line renewal to 600 homes, a school and one commercial area in New Glasgow, $908,091.• Design and construction of water-treatment plant in Hantsport, $800,000.• Water meters to 142 customers, upgrades and enhancements to St. Mary’s water and wastewater utilities, $128,684.• New 800-seat arena with NHL-sized ice surface to replace one that collapsed last year in Springhill, $6.3 million.• Extension of municipal water services to households on 16 streets, 6,000 meters of water main and 6,000 meters of sewer main to 195 homes, plus a reservoir for Beaver Bank, $9.6 million.Source: The Daily News
