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The Halifax Regional Municipality boasts some of the oldest communities in North America, and as a result, we have some of the oldest infrastructure. Many of the underground pipes that carry our wastewater and stormwater are over 100 years old and in desperate need of repair or replacement. Much of this infrastructure is out of sight deep beneath our streets and properties, but its upkeep has to be top on our minds.
Investment in our wastewater and stormwater facilities is needed now to help protect our economy, our environment, and the health of our citizens. A new Federal wastewater strategy - the Canadian Council of the Ministers of the Environment Municipal Wastewater Effluent Strategy – is bringing new and stricter environmental regulations into effect. These regulations will have significant financial and operational implications for owners of all municipal wastewater systems across Canada. With the investment to replace aging infrastructure included, costs could be as high as $1 to $2 billion dollars over the next 25 years. It is critical that we start now to bring our systems up to and beyond existing standards, otherwise future generations will pay more than their fair share.
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