The wastewater treatment system servicing Charlottetown consists of a primary treatment plant that dates back to the 1970s and no longer meets current needs. The current standard for wastewater treatment system in the province is secondary treatment with disinfection. It involves a biological treatment process that removes 90 per cent of the wastewater strength prior to discharge.

“This is a vital project, and the Government of Canada is pleased to invest in the future of the City of Charlottetown,” said the Honourable Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown. “This work will support the city’s developmental needs and contribute to a cleaner, sustainable environment.”

The Provincial Sludge Management Strategy will ensure that all sludge, including septic tank and municipal treatment plant waste is treated and stabilized to the highest standard before it is land applied.

“Improved sludge management will ensure continued, long-term protection of our drinking water and surface water resources making Prince Edward Island a national leader in responsible waste management,” said the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. “The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to partner in funding these two important environmental initiatives which will provide significant benefits to all Islanders.”

“I wish to publicly thank the federal and provincial governments for their partnership and funding which will enable the Charlottetown Wastewater Treatment Plant to be expanded and upgraded and also the inclusion of the Provincial Sludge Management Strategy which will assist toward our mutual efforts for the environmental protection and wastewater treatment services for the City of Charlottetown for the next quarter of a century,” said Mayor Clifford Lee, City of Charlottetown. “This expansion and upgrading will move the City of Charlottetown toward a higher ranking with the next evaluation by the Sierra Club of Canada.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $21.2 million. Charlottetown City Council is expected to consider awarding a tender valued at $18.8 million for the major phase of construction at its regular meeting tonight. An added benefit of this initiative is the significant economic activity it is expected to generate during the life span of the construction phase which is projected at one and a half years.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island will each contribute $5.3 million toward the wastewater treatment system. The City of Charlottetown will contribute $5.5 million. Additionally, the Government of Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island are each contributing $2.5 million toward a Provincial Sludge Management Strategy for Charlottetown.

This Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) project is an initiative of the Government of Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island. The CSIF supports large-scale strategic infrastructure projects that improve quality of life and further sustainable growth. One of the key objectives is to address community needs with respect to water and sewage treatment enhancements.