Government officials announced funding for multiple projects in Lunenburg County on Monday morning, Susan Corkum-Greek (left), Matt Risser (centre-left), Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (centre-right) and Kody Blois (right). Photo: Evan Taylor.

Kody Blois, MP for Kings—Hants, Susan Corkum-Greek, the NS Minister of Economic Development, Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, the Mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, and Matt Risser, the Mayor of the Town of Lunenburg, announced more than $28.8 million in funding for upgrades to wastewater and active transportation infrastructure in Lunenburg and the surrounding area.

The investment includes upgrades to local wastewater treatment plants in the Town of Lunenburg and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, which will increase treatment capacity and support future residential and commercial growth. The third project will create a new opportunity for safe, non-vehicular travel between two neighbouring municipalities with the construction of the Osprey Village Active Transportation Connector, a 1.2-kilometre-long active transportation multi-use pathway, a 280-metre sidewalk section, and a 75-metre multi-use pathway bridge.

Osprey Village located just outside of Bridgewater. Photo: MODL.

According to Blois, “The Government of Canada is committed to working with our partners in provincial and municipal governments to ensure that communities like Lunenburg continue to grow and remain healthy and active through investments in critical infrastructure.”

Corkum-Greek added, “Our municipalities depend on modern infrastructure to be competitive and attract new residents to their communities. By making this investment, we are focused on the future and laying the foundation for continued growth for years to come.”

Lunenburg Wastewater Treatment Plant overhead view. Photo: CKBW Files.

The project funding is a joint effort between the Government of Canada, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, and the Town of Lunenburg. The Government of Canada is contributing $11,531,139, while the Government of Nova Scotia is contributing $9,608,958. The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is providing $5,025,617, and the Town of Lunenburg is providing $2,662,133.

Residents and business owners in the area have been calling for a safe travel route between the two neighbouring municipalities, and Mayor Bolivar-Getson says she’s “excited to begin work on this project.” Meanwhile, Mayor Risser says the wastewater treatment upgrades are “the largest and most important step toward modernizing the Town’s wastewater system and supporting the Town’s future growth and long-term viability through increased servicing capacity.”

The infrastructure upgrades are in line with the Government of Canada’s commitment to reducing water pollution, providing clean water, and encouraging safe, environmentally friendly transportation options for Canadians.