LAVAL, QUEBEC, DECEMBER 19, 2016 -- The citizens of Laval and surrounding areas can now enjoy quality drinking water thanks to a major investment by the governments of Canada and Quebec to upgrade the Chomedey, Pont-Viau and Sainte-Rose water treatment plants in Laval. This project will help improve residents' quality of life, upgrade community infrastructure and promote sustainable development and prosperity for the community.
The announcement was made today by Eva Nassif, Member of Parliament for Vimy, Yves Robillard, Member of Parliament for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, and Angelo Iacono, Member of Parliament for Alfred-Pellan, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Francine Charbonneau, Minister responsible for Seniors and Anti-Bullying, Minister responsible for the Laval region, and Member of the National Assembly for Mille-Îles, who was accompanied by the three Members of the National Assembly for Laval, Jean Habel, Guy Ouellette and Saul Polo, on behalf of the Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region. Mr. Marc Demers, Mayor of Laval, was also in attendance.
The government representatives took the opportunity to recognize the significant financial contribution of over $93 million granted to the City of Laval for this project under the Building Canada Fund−Quebec, Major Projects Component.
"Thanks to investments under the Major Projects Component of the Building Canada Fund−Quebec, work completed on the Pont-Viau, Chomedey and Sainte-Rose water facilities will allow us to meet the demand for drinking water from our growing population," Marc Demers, mayor of Laval said. "Laval is pleased to offer high quality water that exceeds government standards and receives annual distinctions under the Programme d'excellence en eau potable (Program for excellence in drinking water) from Réseau Environnement."
The Laval project consisted of upgrading its three water treatment plants: Chomedey, Pont-Viau and Sainte-Rose. Work involved expanding and renovating the buildings to accommodate new and upgraded equipment designed to improve filtration, decantation and disinfection efficiency, as well as upgrading the pumping and automation systems to ensure greater control over water treatment processes.
Upon completion, the governments of Canada and Quebec will have each contributed $46,820,000, for a total of $93,640,000. The City of Laval will have contributed $100 million to complete this project.
"Nothing is more important for the health and prosperity of Canadian communities than having access to high-quality drinking water. It is essential that all residents have access to modern, reliable and safe infrastructure for their drinking water supply. I am pleased to see that this funding made it possible to carry out improvements related to drinking water, which will enhance residents' quality of life for years to come."
Eva Nassif, Member of Parliament for Vimy, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The Government of Canada recognizes that water infrastructure is crucial to the health of Canadians and essential to the clean-up of our waterways and environment. With our regional partners, we are committed to ensuring that they get the support they need to create sustainable communities. We are making investments that improve the quality of people's lives, contribute to economic growth and establish a strong middle class."
Yves Robillard, Member of Parliament for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin
