Investment in uptown Saint John’s water and wastewater infrastructure

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Regional Development Corporation

Investment in uptown Saint John’s water and wastewater infrastructure

March 10, 2021

SAINT JOHN (GNB) – The federal, provincial and municipal governments today announced major upgrades to uptown Saint John’s water and wastewater infrastructure.

“One of our government’s priorities is to invest in strategic infrastructure projects that build vibrant and sustainable communities,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn. “These major upgrades, combined with the recently announced development of Fundy Quay, will rejuvenate uptown Saint John and position the city for future growth and economic development.”

Dunn spoke on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

The project involves upgrading and separating a portion of uptown Saint John’s aging combined sewer system. This includes excavating and repairing the water and sewer pipe systems and designing and constructing additional wastewater infrastructure. The project will also restore 7.5 kilometres of roadway that will be affected by this work.

“Improving uptown Saint John’s water infrastructure will allow the community to have access to clean drinking water and a reliable wastewater system for years to come,” said Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long. “Investments in important public infrastructure projects, like this one in Saint John, are essential in building stronger and more resilient communities across the country. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

Long spoke for federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Catherine McKenna.

The federal government is investing more than $15.5 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada program to support the project. The provincial government is investing over $12.9 million, and the City of Saint John is contributing over $10.3 million.

The City of Saint John has some of the oldest wastewater infrastructure in the country, which includes combined terra cotta sewers dating back to 1872 in the central peninsula, a key growth area for the city.

“This substantial investment in our water and wastewater infrastructure positions Saint John for sustainability, and future growth and investment,” said Saint John Mayor Don Darling. “Resilient cities, ready for what’s next, make investments just like this one, so they can meet the needs of future generations.”

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