Nain sewer upgrade gets $3.9 million from Ottawa, province and Inuit community government

Newfoundland and Labrador will join Ottawa and the Inuit Community Government of Nain in a combined investment of approximately $3.9 million to upgrade Nain's sanitary sewer system, the provincial government said Oct. 1. The province said the work is meant to improve reliability and strengthen climate resilience for the community in Labrador.

The project covers critical upgrades to the community's wastewater infrastructure, including replacing damaged sanitary sewer mains and manholes, installing inflow protectors and completing surface grading work. According to the province, the improvements will reduce the risk of sewer backups, protect the environment and nearby marine ecosystems and ensure reliable wastewater service for residents.

The province said increased system capacity will also support future population growth and enable new housing development in Nain. The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, which is cost-shared among federal, provincial and local governments, is aimed at existing municipal infrastructure needs as well as those associated with future housing developments.

Through that agreement, Newfoundland and Labrador has been allocated $123.1 million from the Government of Canada to address municipal infrastructure projects that preserve existing capacity or increase reliability and access to drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste systems to support current and future populations. The province said the initiative delivers on key commitments in Budget 2026: Opportunity for All of Us, which includes better health care, lower taxes and safer communities.

Through this investment, our government is strengthening essential infrastructure in Nain in a way that supports both current residents and future growth. Reliable wastewater systems are fundamental to healthy communities, and these upgrades will help protect the environment while enabling new housing and development opportunities. We are committed to working with our partners to build resilient, sustainable communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.Barry Petten, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Lela Evans, the minister of Women and Gender Equality, minister of Labrador Affairs, minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and MHA for Torngat Mountains, said the sewer upgrades are a vital investment in Nain's future. She said the project will reduce the risk of sewer backups, protect local marine ecosystems and ensure dependable wastewater service for residents.

It also lays the groundwork for future housing and community growth, supporting the broader goal of building safe, affordable homes and strengthening local infrastructure for generations to come.Lela Evans, minister of Women and Gender Equality, minister of Labrador Affairs, minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and MHA for Torngat Mountains

Philip Earle, the member of Parliament for Labrador, said partnering with the province will deliver essential infrastructure upgrades that create future housing opportunities in Labrador. He said the wastewater upgrades will ensure the community has reliable sewer service while protecting the environment and creating capacity for the construction of more homes.

This project is something our community has needed for a long time. Our wastewater system has been under a lot of pressure, and these upgrades will make a real difference for our community. It means fewer problems for families, better protection for our land and water, and a system we can count on. This work also helps us move forward with new housing. We know how important that is for Nain. Having the right infrastructure in place makes it possible for us to grow in a safe and steady way.Anthony Andersen, AngajukKâk of the Nain Inuit Community Government

The province did not say when construction will begin or finish, whether the work requires legislation, or how the $3.9 million will be divided among the three governments. The release did not give the sitting status of the legislature.