News Release

IRISHTOWN (GNB) – About $2.45 million in funding from the Canada Community-Building Fund will support key projects in unincorporated areas of Albert, Kent and Westmorland counties.

There is approximately $55 million available for New Brunswick’s unincorporated areas and projects must be completed by March 31, 2024. Information on investments in other areas of the province will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We are pleased to partner with the federal government to provide funding for these important projects,” said Local Government and Local Governance Minister Daniel Allain. “We know how important it is to upgrade infrastructure and at the same time, create jobs and ensure long-term prosperity.”

Dominic LeBlanc, president of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, speaking on behalf of Infrastructure and Communities of Canada Minister Catherine McKenna, said the federal government’s program creates jobs across Canada by investing in thousands of projects that improve infrastructure and contribute to cleaner and more inclusive communities.

“Our government is proud to partner with the Government of New Brunswick to fund infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life for New Brunswickers, encourage active lifestyles and stimulate local economies,” said LeBlanc. “A total of $2.45 million will allow communities in the unincorporated areas of Albert, Kent and Westmorland counties to upgrade local community centres, sporting facilities, roads and wharves.”

Approved projects range in size and cost. For example, the Irishtown Community Centre is receiving almost $178,000 to construct a new basketball court, which can also be used for hockey in the winter. In addition, this project will include a new soccer field and upgrades to bleachers and fencing around the existing sports field.

The Greater Shediac Sewerage Commission will receive $267,000 to replace sewer mains and upgrade two lift stations to reduce sanitary sewer overflows. Most of this work will be done in the Pointe-du-Chêne Local Service District.

Association du Parc et du Quai de Ste-Marie Inc. will be getting approximately $265,300 to install new floating docks, upgrade the breakwater, repair the boat slip and improve the site of the wharf in Sainte-Marie-de-Kent.

The Riverview Boys & Girls Club Inc. will receive $314,000 to develop a playground and multi-faceted outdoor recreational area in the Lower Coverdale Service District.

More projects in the Albert, Kent and Westmorland areas of the province can be found here.

The program, formerly known as the Gas Tax Fund, is a permanent source of federal funding for infrastructure investments. While 80 per cent of the funding is allocated to local governments, 20 per cent is available for unincorporated areas.

The Department of Environment and Local Government conducted stakeholder engagement sessions last year to help determine regional infrastructure priority areas for local service districts. While applications for projects were accepted under all 18 categories, preference was given to the following types of applications:

• improvements to existing infrastructure;
• low-cost recreation, sport, culture and tourism projects with regional benefits;
• projects that meet provincial priorities, such as energizing the private sector, creating vibrant and sustainable communities, and the environment;
• projects receiving additional financial support such as from donations, fundraising efforts, local tax contributions, or other funding programs; and
• projects benefiting multiple stakeholders.

Regional service commissions, water and wastewater commissions, community groups and other organizations acting on behalf of unincorporated areas were invited to apply for funding.

More information on the Canada Community-Building Fund is available online.