Published Apr 24, 2025 • Last updated 12 hours ago • 3 minute readMunicipal and provincial officials listen as Finance Minister John Lohr announces nearly $26.8 in funding for municipalities April 24 in Coldbrook. The money is coming from the new growth and renewal for infrastructure development program. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterNova Scotia municipalities are getting a little help in improving their infrastructure.The province announced 35 projects that received funding through the new growth and renewal for infrastructure development program April 24 in Coldbrook. The fund covers up to 50 per cent of project costs.“It can be extremely difficult for municipalities to keep on top of the costly wastewater infrastructure upgrades and maintenance without help from outside funding,” said County of Kings Mayor Dave Corkum.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe municipality is receiving $302,655 in provincial funding as it embarks on a $2.4-million sewer lagoon optimization project in Canning. Design work is underway with plans to begin construction in the fall. It is one of eight projects receiving funding in the Annapolis Valley.“The planned improvements to airflow equipment, holding lagoons, screening devices and collection pipes will extend the lifespan and service capacity of the wastewater treatment plant,” Corkum said.In addition, there are plans to install a net metered Solar PV System to reduce or eliminate power consumption charges on the Canning sanitary sewer network.Fund’s originsThe program is a result of the renegotiation of the service exchange agreement between the province and municipalities. The province announced a $15-million annual program in October but contributed an additional $11.8 million to fund the 2024-25 projects that were announced in Coldbrook.“This program was designed to accelerate projects such as water, wastewater, stormwater management for housing, development and to support sustainable growth,” Finance Minister John Lohr said.Article contentIt also covers projects that help municipalities adapt to climate change or make accessibility enhancements.“Infrastructure projects like these not only support the existing community, they enable the construction of more homes and businesses and allow communities to continue to thrive,” Lohr said.Municipalities can also apply to the federal government to help fund the projects.ImpactJuanita Spencer, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, said it is a “powerful example” of what can be achieved when the two levels of government come together with a shared vision.“There’s a lot of pressures on municipalities now as we grow,” she said. “This fund will certainly help with that.”Spencer said municipalities are responsible for delivering many services and programs but have limited resources.“The need is huge across the province,” she said of infrastructure funding.“We value the relationship we have with the province and we’re hoping that we’ll be able to continue to work together to kind of close that gap that we do have.”Article contentThere were 48 applications for funding in 2024-25. Municipalities can only have one active project receiving funding at a time. Preference is given to shovel-ready projects.Need to knowThe following projects are receiving provincial funding from the new growth and renewal for infrastructure development program:County of AnnapolisBridgetown wastewater treatment plant upgrades and adaptation.$1,252,266 towards a $2,504,533 project.County of KingsCanning sewer lagoon optimization.$302,655 towards a $2,431,950 project.Town of WolfvilleSource water supply capacity and transmission improvements.$585,146 towards a $2,412,337 project.Village of New MinasForsythe water reservoir refurbishment.$850,000 towards a $1.7-million project.Village of GreenwoodCentral Avenue sidewalk.$135,000 towards a $274,934 project.Town of KentvillePhase 1 of the Main Street stormwater and sidewalk replacement.$665,425 towards a $1,330,851.Village of Cornwallis SquareAccessible fire alarm pull stations at the village hall.$10,256 towards a $20,512 project.Village of CanningCanning water system updated hydrogeologic assessment.$3,807 towards a $7,613 project.CLICK HERE for the full listArticle content
Province announces funding for municipal infrastructure projects
