Canada and Quebec support project to improve security of public infrastructure in Grande-Rivière

GRANDE-RIVIÈRE, QC, Aug. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize that investing in infrastructure is fundamental to promoting economic growth, enhancing public safety and protecting communities against natural disasters.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, and Véronyque Tremblay, Quebec's Minister for Transport, today announced that the governments of Canada and Quebec will each invest over $67,000 to install a supportive rock foundation along Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau in Grande-Rivière.

The financial support for this project comes from the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund. The Town of Grande-Rivière will also invest over $67,000 to bring the total government and municipal investment to more than $201,000.

Installing a rock foundation will protect Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau from the effects of erosion and will reduce the risk of the road collapsing. The project will also ensure that inhabitants will continue to have direct access to Route 132.

Quotes

"Now more than ever, communities must take action to mitigate the impact of extreme weather conditions. This new supporting stone along Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau will help protect the environment while enhancing public safety and Grande-Rivière residents' quality of life. The Government of Canada recognizes that renewing key public infrastructure like this plays a significant role in building strong and resilient communities."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Canada's Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable François‑Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"It is important to plan infrastructure in a sustainable and safe manner by assessing all potential issues. Anticipating erosion risk and securing the area along this river is a good example of this."

Véronyque Tremblay, Quebec's Minister for Transport

"With Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau being an essential connection to Route 132 for residents of the area, concrete action must be taken to ensure safety and quality of life for residents and businesses on the river's shores. I applaud this investment, which will bring new peace of mind to all local residents."

Pierre Moreau, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for the Plan Nord and Minister responsible for the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region

"The powerful weather events of the past decade, combined with the fragility of coastal landforms, have worsened the erosion of our riverbanks, endangering much of our infrastructure. For a small municipality, this is very concerning. The funding will allow us to respond effectively by restoring the most at-risk section of Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau, which has already started to collapse."

Gino Cyr, Mayor of Grande-Rivière

Quick facts

• The Small Communities Fund is a joint federal‒provincial program coordinated by Infrastructure Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories. In Quebec, the Fund is administered by the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. The goal of this program is to provide financial support to Canadian municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents so that they can build infrastructure that will mitigate the risks of natural disasters.
• The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• Quebec's 2018–2028 Infrastructure Plan calls for nearly $7 billion in investments in municipal infrastructure under the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. When combined with contributions from the Government of Canada and municipalities, this means over $14.3 billion will be invested in municipal infrastructure in Quebec over this period.

Associated links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html

New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund (French only):
http://www.mamot.gouv.qc.ca/infrastructures/programmes-daide-financiere/nouveau-fonds-chantiers-canada-quebec-volet-fonds-des-petites-collectivites-fpc/

Quebec's 2018–2028 Infrastructure Plan (French only):
https://www.tresor.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/PDF/budget_depenses/18-19/fr/8Infrastructures_publiques_du_Quebec.pdf

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

Contacts: Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Marie-Ève Dion, Press Secretary, Office of Quebec's Minister for Transport, Tel.: [phone]; For information: Infrastructure Canada, Tel.: [phone], Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Media Relations, Communications Branch, Quebec Department of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification, Quebec City: 418-644-4444, Montreal: 514-873-5600, Toll-free: 1-866-341-5724; Media Relations Team, Communications Branch, Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and Department of Public Safety, Tel.: [phone], ext. 3746

Related Links

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/