The governments of Canada and Quebec have announced that they will invest nearly $84.4 million in two water projects in the Montréal area.
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount, and Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Montréal area, announced the $84.4 million investment under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF).
Mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre, noted that was has always been a priority for his administration. “Expenditures on water infrastructure have increased from $93 million to $261 million per year over three years! But this is not enough to offset the maintenance deficit that has accumulated,” said he. “This is a responsible and balanced response to today’s water issues. I thank the governments for the urgent action taken. This generous financial support will enable Montréal to reach its target of eliminating its water and wastewater maintenance deficit within ten years.”
This financial support granted to the City of Montréal and the Town of Montréal West will contribute to maintaining, renewing or developing their infrastructure to ensure the production and distribution of quality drinking water for residents or the proper disposal and treatment of wastewater.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $50.8 million for these projects, and the Government of Quebec is providing more than $33.5 million for a total joint contribution of more than $84.4 million. The municipalities will provide the remainder of the funding.
“These vital investments in Montréal’s water infrastructure reflect the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensuring access to sustainable and adequate services for Canadians for years to come. We will continue working in close collaboration with our partners to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that help protect the environment, clean up the St. Lawrence River and preserve public health,” said Garneau.
The governments have stated that these projects ensure that water and wastewater systems in the province are up to date, efficient, and meet communities’ increasing capacity needs. The governments also state that these investments will also help create jobs and grow the economy.
