The federal, provincial and municipal governments are investing $8.84 million in water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure for St. Stephen, Harvey, Sussex and Grand Lake.
According to the Regional Development Corporation, infrastructure is the first step for rural communities to develop more housing.
In St. Stephen, it will allow for the construction of up to 108 homes, including 10 affordable units.
The Municipal District of St. Stephen (MDSS) is facing issues with its water infrastructure. The community has been under boil water orders over the last several years.
During budget discussions last year, the council discussed replacing the lift station at a cost of nearly $1.2 million.
Sean Morton, the deputy chief administrative officer and fire chief, said last year there has been a significant amount of work done to ensure the lift station operates properly and doesn’t spill its contents out into the streets.
The replacement, they said, is necessary to ensure the lift station’s longevity. The money came from the Canada Community-Building Fund, formerly known as the federal gas tax fund.
In March, the council received a presentation from Dillon Consulting Ltd. The company proposed a 15-year plan to help upgrade the town’s 120-year-old system.
The town has a contingency plan — should the system fail — to draw water from the St. Croix River that would be suitable for putting out fires and flushing toilets.
Potable water would need to be trucked in, according to Morton.
Despite the aging infrastructure, the town has emphasized housing development. A new 66-unit apartment building is under construction where the Border Arena used to be.
An 80-room hotel and 90-seat restaurant is also slated to be built beside the Garcelon Civic Centre.
“This investment is about more than infrastructure; it’s about creating opportunities for families, supporting new housing and building a strong future for St. Stephen,” Mayor Steve Backman said in a release. “We’re grateful for the partnership of the federal and provincial government in helping our community grow.”
The money is also expected to enable the construction of up to 100 homes in Harvey. Additionally, it will increase lagoon capacity.
In Grand Lake, the money will support the development of 21 affordable housing units.
Sussex will see the money go toward strengthening the town’s water supply.
According to the Regional Development Corporation (RDC), it will contribute $2.9 million. The federal government will contribute an additional $4.3 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund. It did not say how much each municipality was contributing to its respective project.
