Funding to Support Municipal Projects

Press Release

August 14, 2024

The Province is investing in 62 municipal projects involving infrastructure improvements, innovation and community development across Nova Scotia.

Through five provincial programs, they will receive funding to enhance local services, create job opportunities and beautify communities.

“This comprehensive support for municipal projects reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Nova Scotians,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “By investing in infrastructure, innovation and community development, we are helping municipalities build stronger, more resilient communities. Whether it’s improving essential services, fostering local economic growth, or creating job opportunities for our residents, these initiatives are vital to the ongoing prosperity of our province.”

The Province is investing more than $2.3 million:

• 25 projects will receive a total of $539,014 through the Beautification and Streetscaping Program, which helps communities create inviting spaces and attract more visitors; it funds up to 50 per cent of the costs of eligible projects, up to a maximum $25,000
• 12 projects will receive $230,504 under the Community Works Program, which creates job opportunities for youth and unemployed people to gain skills and experience in their fields
• 4 projects will share a combined investment of $232,309 through the Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program, which promotes investment in infrastructure needed to protect communities from flooding; the program funds up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for each project
• 5 projects under the Municipal Innovation Program – which funds up to 75 per cent of regional co-operation projects to support the long-term sustainability of local governments – will receive $382,495; municipalities can apply for funding to support innovative approaches to regional collaboration
• 16 projects under the Provincial Capital Assistance Program will receive $950,128; the program contributes up to 50 per cent of project costs toward priority municipal infrastructure projects, including water and wastewater infrastructure assessments, updates to stormwater systems, and water treatment plant upgrades.

Quotes:

“We appreciate that the Province recognizes the importance of maintaining and sustaining critical water and wastewater treatment infrastructure. This funding through the Provincial Capital Assistance Program will help us identify the challenges our systems currently face and ensure that capital projects can be planned appropriately.”
— Jennifer MacDonald, Chair, Village Commission, Village of Baddeck

“We are thrilled to have been successful in our application to the Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program. This funding will help us prepare for future weather events and ensure our infrastructure meets the needs of residents.”
— Abraham Zebian, Mayor, West Hants Regional Municipality

“The Town of Pictou is excited for the opportunity to work with our neighbouring municipalities to seek innovative ways to improve services and realize potential cost savings for our taxpayers. We are thankful for this partnership with the towns of Stellarton, Trenton and Westville and appreciate the financial support from the provincial government through the Municipal Innovation Program for funding this initiative.”
— Jim Ryan, Mayor, Town of Pictou

Quick Facts:

• all five of these provincial programs are application based

Additional Resources:

Beautification and Streetscaping Program grant recipients: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/beautification-and-streetscaping-program-grant-recipients

Community Works Program grant recipients: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/community-works-program-grant-recipients

Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program grant recipients: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/flood-risk-infrastructure-investment-program-grant-recipients

Municipal Innovation Program grant recipients: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/municipal-innovation-program-grant-recipients

Provincial Capital Assistance Program grant recipients: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/provincial-capital-assistance-program-grant-recipients

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