News Water Quality
Government aid to NL town’s water reservoir improves access to clean drinking water

St. Bride’s, NL – A joint investment of more than $674,000 from the provincial and federal governments and the Town of St. Bride’s has been announced, aimed at improving the Southside Water Reservoir in St. Bride’s.

The project involves clearing of vegetation, building an access road, upgrading the existing concrete dam structure, installing primary and secondary screening, including a screen house, as well as building a new concrete spillway.

The federal government is investing $269,952 in this project, while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $337,440 and the Town of St. Bride’s is contributing $67,488.

These improvements will prepare for the chlorination/disinfectant phase, and improve services for residents for years to come.

“Our government’s investment in infrastructure translates into better outcomes for towns and communities by improving access to services such as drinking water,” Elvis Loveless, minister of transportation and infrastructure, said. “I am very pleased with the upgrades to the water reservoir, which will result in improved drinking water for the residents of St. Bride’s.”

“Reliable and efficient drinking water infrastructure is key to the health and well-being of communities,” Ken MacDonald,
Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, minister of intergovernmental affairs, infrastructure and communities, said. “The improvements to the Southside Water Reservoir will help improve services and improve the quality of life for St. Bride’s residents.”

“Investing in infrastructure is the foundation of economic growth for communities,” Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s, said. “As the MHA for the district of Placentia – St. Mary’s, I have been working alongside the town of St. Bride’s to ensure all residents have access to clean water, which is essential to a healthy lifestyle.”

“This round of funding brings the Town of St. Bride’s one step closer to safe, clean drinking water and prepare the Southside Water Reservoir for the last phase: chlorination of the water,” St. Bride’s Mayor Eugene Manning, said. “Provision of clean, safe water without incurring debt is the main goal of the council and I am proud to say we are just about there. Thank you to our federal and provincial counterparts for their support over the years to provide clean, safe water for all.”