Gander council frustrated by delay in federal money for wastewater

The Town of Gander is out of patience when it comes to plans for their wastewater treatment plant.

The town says it has a commitment from the provincial government for its share of the estimated $45 million required for upgrades, but they have yet to hear from Ottawa about its portion.

• Federal, provincial governments announce $150M for N.L. water, wastewater and transportation projects

Scott Simms, MP for Coast of Bays-Notre Dame, said the community has outgrown its water and sewer infrastructure and needs a new facility.

One of the reasons for the delay in a federal commitment, Simms said, is the number of projects planned across the country.

I've heard from constituents, especially in the area where the smell is, and I would like to personally say to them, apologies for the delay.- Scott Simms

"Right now it is in front of a review panel," Simms said. "We have a lot of projects in the queue because we are putting up a lot of infrastructure spending this year."

Earlier this year, the federal and provincial governments signed an agreement that $150 million would be made available to go towards 142 water, wastewaterand public transit projects in more than 100 communities acrossNewfoundland and Labrador.

Town council in Gander is concerned, saying the community's population is rapidly rising and the looming date for the new federal wastewater regulations coming into effect in 2020.

According to council, the town's current wastewater facility is already operating at capacity and often causes a stink of neighbours.

MP pushing for commitment

Simms said he has been pushing for a firm federal commitment since the project started, but it has been frustrating dealing with the bureaucracy involved.

But the need for a new facility is not lost on him, he said.

"I've heard from constituents, especially in the area where the smell is, and I would like to personally say to them, apologies for the delay," Simms told CBC's Central Morning Show.

The target start date for a new facility was set forApril 2017, but Simms said the fact there is also a new elementary school under construction in the area puts added pressure on the importance of the project.

He said he hopes to be able to deliver good news very soon.

"I had good discussions with Infrastructure Canada and hopefully in the next few weeks we'll have something better to say about it," he said.

"We desperately need this and we need to get started soon."