Newfoundland and Labrador splits $23.6 million among water and sewer projects

Newfoundland and Labrador will put $23.6 million from three levels of government toward municipal water and sewer work across the province, the provincial government said in an announcement dated Oct. 19. The money comes from the provincial, federal and municipal governments and is focused primarily on drinking water and wastewater systems.¹

The announcement was made in Mount Pearl, where about $5.3 million was allocated for upgrades to water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure along Holden Street. The work is part of phase one of the Kenmount Hill development, and the province said it is anticipated the project will support approximately 435 existing households and enable up to 1,390 new housing units.¹

The funding flows through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, which the federal, provincial and municipal governments cost-share. The province said the fund is aimed at existing municipal infrastructure needs as well as those tied to future housing developments.¹

Under that agreement, Newfoundland and Labrador has been allocated $123.1 million from the Government of Canada for municipal projects that preserve existing capacity or increase reliability and access to drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste systems. The province said the projects are meant to help municipalities plan for growth and improve residents' quality of life.¹

Investing in municipal infrastructure is one of the most important ways we can support growing, healthy communities. Through this investment of more than $23 million, we are helping municipalities strengthen essential drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems, while also creating the capacity needed for future housing development.¹Barry Petten, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Petten said the projects reflect the government's commitment to long-term infrastructure planning. The province said the spending also aligns with what it called the new government's commitment to a multi-year planning approach for roads, water and sewer, and to prioritizing funding for municipalities working to improve their water supplies.¹

Tom Osborne, the Member of Parliament for Cape Spear–Mount Pearl–Paradise, said the infrastructure lays the foundation for housing and municipal services. Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker said the money will enable critical upgrades in one of the city's key growth areas.¹

This funding will enable critical upgrades to water, wastewater and stormwater systems in one of Mount Pearl's key growth areas, ensuring residents continue to benefit from reliable municipal services while supporting future housing development.¹Dave Aker, Mayor of the City of Mount Pearl

Kris Mulcahy, executive director of the Heavy Civil Association NL, said the group welcomes a continued focus on multi-year infrastructure investment because it gives contractors greater certainty to plan their workforce, equipment and project delivery. The province said a complete list of approved projects is available in a backgrounder released with the announcement.¹

The province did not say in the release whether legislation is required for the funding or when construction on the listed projects would begin. The legislature's sitting status was not addressed in the material provided.¹