The province will give three municipalities in the Quad Counties $1.8 million to upgrade water infrastructure, roads, sidewalks and waterfront development.

Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow, made the announcement in the Guysborough council chambers Friday morning.

The funding will go to three communities:

• $997,351 to the municipality of Guysborough
• $516,544 to the Town of Mulgrave
• $262,799 to the municipality of St. Mary’s

The funding is part of the province’s Municipal Capital Growth Program, which the province announced in February.

Guysborough will use the funds to upgrade streets, sidewalks and sewer systems to complete the Cutler’s Brook Estates subdivision. That would create 12 lots, which could be used for residential and multi-unit developments.

Morrow is also the MLA for the Guysborough area and said this is good because housing is one of the biggest issues in the province, and this will help the community create more.

“It’s just critical infrastructure for municipalities that they need to grow. We know that people want to come here,” he said.

“I’m happy to play a role in bringing important dollars and projects right here to Guysborough-Tracadie.”

The town of Mulgrave will work on waterfront developments and shoreline protection in McNair’s Cove.

Mayor Ron Chisholm said he thinks the waterfront development project would draw residents and tourists and boaters on a regular basis. He said people will leave with a strong impression of the town.

“The long-term sustainability of the town will be strengthened by a new centre of attraction within town and a demonstrated commitment to counter the negative impact of climate change reflected in the waterfront development project,” wrote Chisholm in a news release.

St. Mary’s has two projects, which would modernize and automate the water treatment system in Sherbrooke, adding 24/7 monitoring. They would also work on the sewer system to reduce how much water enters the system along Highway 7.

Warden Greg Wier of St. Mary’s said these upgrades will give long-term benefits and keep their utilities modern.

“These investments are also essential for growth – increasing our capacity for housing, a new and redeveloped Sherbrooke long-term care facility, and hopefully, a great future use for the existing long-term care building,” said Wier.

Province also offers grants

The province also announced other projects, which would be funded through grants, according to a new release.

Guysborough will get $700,000 to relocate the Fanning Fitness Centre to a new location, which will be built onto the Canso and Area Arena.

Morrow said the current gym is in an awkward spot because members of the public are using the fitness centre in a school, so switching locations will free up that space in the school.

With $250,000, the Eastern Counties Regional Library in Mulgrave will be able to make the building more accessible with a ramp and accessibility door. They’ll also replace windows and upgrade the electrical system.

Funds for other communities include:

• $90,000 for the Chedabucto Snowmobile Club to enhance 15 kilometres of the Round Lake Wilderness Trail for multi-use access
• About $54,000 for the St. Mary’s ATV Club to develop a new connector route trail from Sonora to Sherbrooke
• $50,000 for the Hazel Hill & Area Community Association will replace the roof of its community centre
• $18,000 for the Senior Citizens Shamrock Club to make repairs to its siding, door and fence
• $12,000 for the Guysborough County Trails Association to widen the McAllister suspension bridge
• About $10,000 for the Whitehaven Community Association to install ductless heat pumps at the community centre