Advance approach to water and wastewater infrastructure based on right-sized innovative solutions and promote asset management.
Municipalities across Newfoundland and Labrador have expressed concern over how infrastructure project funding is administered by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2022, a resolution was put forward to the members by the MNL Board of Directors (via the Urban Municipalities Committee) to speak directly to these concerns. This resolution called for a “a detailed, comprehensive review of current and historical federal-provincial capital works funding, administration, and allocation practices with the intent to improve the system for municipalities.”
MNL has been working on drinking water and wastewater issues and advocacy for a long time.
Safe, accessible drinking water supply over the long term is a priority for our members. Ensuring that the right kind of infrastructure is in place and that it is properly funded and supported is necessary for this to be possible.
We know that significant challenges remain. These are mostly systemic, and we believe there are solutions and actions we can take right now to address these challenges. We have advocated for these solutions.
Historically, wastewater in Newfoundland and Labrador has flowed directly into the ocean with little to no treatment. Federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations now do not allow for dumping untreated wastewater into the ocean, placing many municipalities in this province in direct contravention of the regulations.
Wastewater systems upgrades to become compliant are expensive, and often beyond the capacity of municipalities.
MNL continues to advocate for the Province to create a long-term municipal infrastructure funding plan.