HANTSPORT, N.S. — Standing outside of Hantsport’s former town hall, members of the community learned that the provincial and federal governments were investing more than $1 million in water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades.
Bernadette Jordan, the federal minister of Rural Economic Development, Hants West MLA Chuck Porter, the provincial minister responsible for Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Abraham Zebian, the warden of the Municipality of the District of West Hants, made the joint announcement on a sunny July 18.
“I think anytime we build good, solid infrastructure in communities it’s important,” said Jordan in an interview following the announcement.
“This is something that Hantsport needs for clean, reliable drinking water; they also need it for fire (services) to make sure that they have enough pressure for fire situations, and of course, proper sewage treatment is extremely important — separating the lines,” she continued.
“These are projects for the long term; it’s not something that’s a Band-Aid solution. This is something that’s building for the future and I’m happy to be here today to announce that for them.”
The funding will go towards a project that will see more than 500 metres of drinking water distribution mains and storm water mains upgraded along Main Street South and Prince Street.
The upgrades will allow for improved water quality and sewer disposal systems.
The federal government is investing $554,000 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan while the provincial government is contributing $462,000. The municipality will be picking up the remaining tab, which, according to a committee of the whole report dated April 23, 2019, should be $390,355.83 (including net GST).
Porter said the announcement was a good one for West Hants, and in particular, Hantsport.
“This is good news for the folks in Hantsport. Water is an important feature in every part of every community,” said Porter, in an interview.
He noted that having high-quality, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure as the base foundation helps build strong, sustainable, and viable communities.
Zebian said the municipality is “ecstatic” to be able to tackle the project, and thanked the funding partners for coming to the table.
“In July 2018, West Hants council set a rehabilitation of Prince and Main Street as its No. 1 priority for completion of upgrades to the commercial core of the community of Hantsport,” said Zebian, noting that with the funding secured, the municipality can proceed with realizing that goal.
“This project will ensure high quality potable water and adequate fire flows as well. It will separate sanitary sewer and storm water collection systems, which will reduce the stress on our sewage system facilities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Zebian.
About a dozen people attended the morning announcement.
