Ottawa finalizes infrastructure deal with Newfoundland and Labrador, opens spigot on $555M in funding

ST. JOHN’S—And then there was one.

Leaving just Saskatchewan on the outside looking in, Ottawa announced a new long-term infrastructure deal with Newfoundland and Labrador Sept. 10.

The $555 million agreement is the 12th inked under the Investing in Canada plan and will free up funds for a range of road, wastewater, green building and transit infrastructure projects in the Atlantic province. It follows an accord signed with Prince Edward Island last mon th and 10 others reached with Canada’s other provinces and territories.

“This funding will make a real difference to Newfoundland and Labrador communities. Residents will enjoy safer roads and highways, improved water and wastewater facilities, and will benefit from new green infrastructure,” François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of Infrastructure and Communities, said in a statement.

The bilateral deal earmarks $302 million in federal funding for green infrastructure, $109 million for public transit projects, nearly $105 million for rural and northern community work and just under $40 million for community and recreational projects. The cash infusion from Ottawa will also prompt investments from both the province and individual city governments.

Part of the wider $180 billion federal infrastructure plan introduced in 2016, the funding will be handed out through Infrastructure Canada.