A key transportation route in Saint John will be raised over the next few years to help prevent flooding.
Municipal and federal officials announced more than $30 million in joint funding Friday for “climate-resilient infrastructure projects” in the city.
More than half of the money — around $18 million — will be used to raise the Courtenay Bay Causeway and build a new pumping station to reduce the risk of inland flooding when natural drainage is not possible.
“With increasing extreme weather events, it is important that we ensure that our communities have reliable disaster mitigation infrastructure,” said Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long at Friday’s announcement.
Other projects include upgrades at two wastewater treatment facilities on the west side and in Millidgeville.
Berms will be raised at the Lancaster facility to protect it from flooding, and the ultraviolet disinfection system at the Millidgeville facility will be replaced and raised.
The funding also includes adding additional flood measures in the Lower Cove sewer system.
Officials said the upgrades will mitigate the risk of flood damage, and reduce the risk of sewer backup and the release of untreated water into the environment.
John MacKenzie, the deputy mayor of Saint John, said Friday’s announcement is another great example of success through partnership.
“Making smart investments in critical infrastructure will help strengthen our resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change and major weather events,” said MacKenzie.
MacKenzie said the causeway is a “critical component” of Saint John’s transportation link and also serves as a power and water service corridor.
No timeline was given for when work will begin on the causeway, but the city’s director of asset management and environmental performance said it will be a multi-year project.
“We’re still in the planning phase. We have to do a lot of consultation with various Indigenous groups and other stakeholders. This is a three-to-five-year project,” said Samir Yammine.
Yammine said this is a good opportunity to renew infrastructure proactively rather than waiting for it to be a necessity.
While unable to speak to specifics, Yammine said this project will benefit east-side neighbourhoods which often deal with flooding following heavy rainfall events.
“Everything is interconnected together, so anything we can do on the causeway definitely will have a positive impact on the east side,” he said.
The federal government is contributing more than $12 million to these projects, with the city on the hook for the remaining $18 million.
MP Wayne Long announces $12M in federal funding for climate-resilient infrastructure projects in #SaintJohn.
They include raising the Courtenay Bay Causeway and a new pumping station to drain the forebay during high-tide.
City will contribute more than $18M in these projects. pic.twitter.com/aELZfojte9
— Brad Perry (he/him) (@BradMPerry) December 2, 2022
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