Members of the federal, provincial, and municipal governments were at The Annex in Mount Pearl last week to announce $23 million in funding for water and sewer projects across the province. From left are Mount Pearl councillors Bill Antle and Jim Locke, Mayor Dave Aker, Cape Spear-Mount Pearl-Paradise MP Tom Osborne, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Barry Petten, Mount Pearl North MHA Lucy Stoyles, and councillor Mark Rice. Mark Squibb photo
Deputy Premier and Minister of Transportation Barry Petten and Liberal MP Tom Osborne were in Mount Pearl last week to announce $23 million in funding for water and sewer projects throughout the province.
Some $5.3 million of the money is earmarked for upgrades to water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure on Holden Street as part of phase one of the Kenmount Hill development which will open up the area for the construction of 1,390 new homes.
“The money won’t sit on the table,” said Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker. “We’ll certainly put it to use as soon as we can.”
Aker, who reminded reporters that Ottawa had recently funded work on Park Avenue to the tune of about $7 million, said the work on Holden Street should begin in the spring.
The Province is footing most of the bill at $2.12 million, with the federal government and the City contributing $1.6 million each.
“This project will help lay the groundwork for new homes, while ensuring that existing residents continue to benefit from reliable municipal services,” said Petten.
Osborne, who is the MP for Cape Spear- Mount Pearl-Paradise, said the projects will enable the construction of upwards of 1,800 homes across the province, including the 1,390 on Kenmount Hill.
“This will allow Mount Pearl to continue to grow, and continue to become home to more individuals,” said Osborne, adding that funding for water and sewer projects is just as important as funding for actual homes.
“Together, we are taking bold action to invest in housing and infrastructure to modernize the economy, which will support sustainable growth, enhance liveability, and improve the overall quality of life for Canadians,” said Osborne.