The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are investing in smart, sustainable solutions from coast to coast to coast.
Along those lines Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, and FCM President Taneen Rudyk announced $487,000 in funding to the City of Prince Rupert for an innovative wastewater management system.
The funding ($400,000) will support a pilot project to install a new wastewater treatment technology and explore how it can be integrated with local soils, plants and other features of the natural landscape. If successful, the new system could be replicated across the city, creating significant cost savings while improving water quality in the port of Prince Rupert, allowing for a healthier marine environment and greater recreational opportunities.
“The City of Prince Rupert is excited to test a new system for wastewater treatment for our community,” said Mayor Herb Pond. “If successful, this model will save us major capital costs, and could be an innovative approach to serve as a model form of treatment for other coastal communities. Wastewater treatment is a significant infrastructure need for Prince Rupert, and we are grateful to the FCM for this funding to support this important work.”
This pilot project builds on the results of a feasibility study completed by the City of Prince Rupert in 2020. That study, also funded by the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) ($87,000), outlined the benefits of using this type of wastewater treatment technology and identified an optimal site for pilot testing.
The funding comes from the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded through an endowment by the Government of Canada. GMF helps local governments switch to sustainable practices faster by giving municipalities the tools they need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate change.