Quebec water tower to be redeveloped as wind energy observation centre
By Jillian Morgan
Construction
Saint-Constant water tower previously stored water for the city.
Canada and Quebec will each invest over $1.1 million to support the refurbishment, enhancement and conservation of a water tower in Saint-Constant, Que.
The city of Saint-Constant will also contribute over $1.1 million, for a total government-municipal investment of nearly $3.5 million.
The decommissioned water tour will be refurbished to create a wind energy observation and interpretation centre.
“Saint-Constant’s water tower was a familiar landmark of my childhood so you will understand my pleasure in contributing to its re-development,” said Nicole Menard, chief government whip and member of the national assembly for Laporte, Que.
Saint-Constant is located in Quebec’s Monteregie region. Menard said the region’s festivals, parks and national historic sites make it a popular tourist destination.
Both governments hope the tower will become a signature tourist attraction for the region.
The water tower has been a landmark of the city for over 50 years, said Jean-Claude Boyer, mayor of Saint-Constant.
“This new observatory and wind energy interpretation centre will attract visitors from across Quebec, benefiting both the local and regional economy and establishing Saint-Constant as a must-see destination in Monteregie,” said Boyer.
Funding for the project comes from the New Building Canada Fund Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – Small Communities Fund.
The Small Communities Fund is a joint federal-provincial program that aims to provide financial support to develop infrastructure in communities with fewer than 100,000 residents.
In Quebec, the fund is administered by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy.
The Quebec government plans to invest $7 billion in municipal infrastructure between 2017 and 2027. Combined with support from the federal government and municipalities, the province expects $15 billion will be invested in municipal infrastructure over the next 10 years.
SOURCE: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
