Prince Edward County is getting a $20-million federal boost to help expand its 1975 Wellington extended aeration wastewater treatment plant, Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette has announced.
According to the Government of Canada, this investment is part of its efforts to build a stronger overall nation and invest in modern and reliable infrastructure that will make it possible to increase housing supply and create resilient communities.
“The Build Communities Strong Fund is building the infrastructure that Canadians rely on every day,” said Malette. “Today’s investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure will help ensure Prince Edward County meets the community’s future needs as it develops and grows.”
Malette was joined by Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson and other dignitaries for the $20-million-plus announcement Thursday, May 21 at the Wellington and District Community Centre.
According to the government, this federal injection is part of a broader $51-million plan through its “Build Communities Strong Fund,” which will see a wide range of infrastructure projects across the nation getting help to support economic prosperity, housing, sports, education, health, transit and climate adaptation.
In Prince Edward County, monies are coming through the direct delivery stream of the fund.
“We are grateful for the Government of Canada’s support for renewing this important infrastructure in Wellington, helping to reduce the financial impact on ratepayers in Prince Edward County,” said Ferguson. “This funding announcement is timely as council prepares for a conversation about long-range water and wastewater infrastructure planning.
“Delivering reliable wastewater services is critical for protecting public health and preserving the natural environment,” continued Ferguson. “In addition, this funding will assist us in meeting current and future service demands so that we can continue to build a healthy housing system that can accommodate individual and family needs.”
Officials said once the plant expansion is complete, it will mean current capacity – of just over 2,100 people – will be increased to support an additional 6,000 residents.
The exact dollar amount announced today is $20,608,230 through the direct delivery stream.
According to a release from Malette’s office, starting in 2026-27, the Build Communities Strong Fund will deliver monies through three major streams, including a provincial and territorial stream, which will providing $17.2 billion over 10 years and $5 billion of that in health infrastructure funding over three years. Through the direct delivery stream, $6 billion will be provided over the next decade and through the community stream (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund), $27.8 billion will funnel through to projects over 10 years and indexed at two per cent to deliver $3 billion per year ongoing.
Officials have also noted that the Build Communities Strong Fund is supposed to be a “force multiplier in infrastructure,” with funding being matched by nearly $17 billion from provinces and additional billions leveraged through municipal and territorial partnerships and private capital.
“The fund will also boost Canada’s GDP by $95 billion over the next decade,” said the government.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
