New wastewater plant project makes new housing possible for Chester, N.S.

From left, Allen Webber, Warden, Municipality of the District of Chester; Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets; Danielle Barkhouse, MLA for Chester-St. Margarets; and Minister of Municipal Affairs John A. MacDonald are pictured during the announcement of wastewater upgrades in Chester Basin. (Province of Nova Scotia)

Nova Scotia announced a new wastewater treatment plant and upgrade project for the Municipality of Chester Thursday to help build more homes in the area.

The three levels of government will spend $17.5 million on the Chester Basin Wastewater Expansion and Climate Adaptation Project through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, said a news release.

“This investment will modernize the wastewater system in Chester Basin, unlock new housing and enhance the system’s resilience to storms and flooding,” said John A. MacDonald, Minister of Municipal Affairs.

The project will replace existing infrastructure that is “at capacity” and vulnerable to recurring coastal flooding, said the release. The new plant will service 107 existing homes and lays the groundwork for up to 652 additional residences. The new facilities will also include a treatment plant and upgraded systems for collection, transmission and outfall.

The cost for the project will be shared as follows:

• Government of Canada – $7,000,000
• Nova Scotia – $5,832,750
• Municipality of the District of Chester – $4,667,250

“Our shared investment will secure infrastructure stability for our residents and small businesses well into the future,” said Allen Webber, Warden for the Municipality of the District of Chester.

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