Region receives infrastructure funding for Brooklyn

"We are pleased to see that our federal and provincial partners are providing their share of funding for this infrastructure project that will help make our region stronger and healthier," said John Leefe, mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.

Dozens of people showed up for the announcement at the Brooklyn Community Hall. The three levels of government were there to make the announcement. "This infrastructure project is a fine example of how we are working together with our federal and municipal partners to ensure that communities across the province have access to safe drinking water and improved wastewater treatment," said MLA Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "It is through our continued partnerships that we are able to improve the quality of life for all Nova Scotians."

The Queens County Advance reported on July 29 that funding was unavailable at the time to start the Brooklyn Sewer Project. The funding announced on Thursday will go towards that project.

Brad Rowter, Director of Engineering & Works for The Region of Queens said it will not change the timetable set for the project, and construction should still begin in late spring or early summer.

The project will cover Phase four of the extension of water and sewer into Brooklyn, and will connect seven more families onto the system.

Mayor Leefe hopes the project will make its way down to the Herring Cove area of Brooklyn within the next three to four years. Residents of that area have had problems with their aging well and septic systems, including boil orders on the water.

The federal, provincial and municipal governments will split the $505,500 cost of the project.

Funding for this project comes through the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund. This funding is part of a $111-million dollar fund that is divided between the three levels of government to invest in infrastructure projects in rural communities in Nova Scotia. "Maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment on the South Shore and beyond is directly related to the health and prosperity of Canadians," said Gerald Keddy, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of Peter MacKay, Minister of ACOA. "The protection and promotion of a clean environment is certainly a priority for the government of Canada."