More than $50 million in federal funding is being shared among municipalities across New Brunswick through the Canada Community-Building Fund.
The money supports infrastructure projects such as roads, water systems, recreation facilities and fire halls.
New Brunswick is set to receive more than $254 million over the first five years of the 10-year agreement, according to a government release.
Saint John–Kennebecasis MP Wayne Long announced the funding during a visit to Quispamsis.
He said the federal government is focused on helping communities move forward with projects that support housing, improve public services and strengthen local economies.
“Across the province, every community has a lot of infrastructure needs, and we realize that,” Long said. “That’s why we want to come forth with this funding to help these communities with these projects.”
The Canada Community-Building Fund, formerly known as the gas tax fund, provides municipalities with flexible, long-term support for infrastructure priorities.
Long said the fund was doubled several years ago and has been held at that level to reflect the importance of direct investment in communities.
In Quispamsis, part of the funding will go toward upgrading the sanitary lift station on Gondola Point Road. The current station is nearly 50 years old and has shown signs of wear.
The town says the project will reduce flood risk and improve wastewater capacity for a growing population.
Additional work is planned to extend water service along Cedar Ridge Boulevard and loop it down to Hampton Road.
Mayor Libby O’Hara said the upgrades will support new housing development, including multi-unit buildings and duplexes, and improve reliability in areas affected by climate-related flooding.
Other projects mentioned include Bridge Street reconstruction in Bathurst and road and stormwater improvements in Grand Bay–Westfield
In Greater Saint John, the combined total exceeds $8.3 million, including more than $5.1 million for Saint John and $1.3 million for Quispamsis.
Greater Moncton communities are receiving more than $10.6 million, with Moncton allocated just under $6 million and Dieppe more than $2.1 million.
In Charlotte County, the total is more than $1.2 million, including nearly half a million dollars for St. Stephen.
A full list outlining how the funds are divided among communities across the province has been provided.
Minister of Local Government and Service, New Brunswick, Aaron Kennedy, also spoke at the announcement. He said the funding is critical for municipalities and praised the collaboration between all levels of government.
“These are things we have to be investing in: wastewater, stormwater, housing and roads,” Kennedy said.
“By working together, we can do great things for communities across New Brunswick.”
Long also referenced the federal government’s broader economic goals, including plans to reduce operational spending and increase investment in infrastructure, housing and defense.
He said Canada maintains a AAA credit rating and has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7.
“We want to invest in communities, and we want to see communities thrive,” Long said.
“We feel we have a role to play on the federal side to help those communities with infrastructure funding.”
The Canada Community-Building Fund supports projects across 19 categories and is tied to efforts by provinces and municipalities to increase housing supply.
Long said collaboration across all levels of government is needed to build homes at a scale not seen since the Second World War.
