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DISTRICT OF LUNENBURG, NOVA SCOTIA – Council has approved a $600,000 allocation from the general operating reserve to bolster the Clean Energy Financing (CEF) Water Supply Upgrade Lending Program. This funding aims to address the increasing demand for water supply improvements for households experiencing dry wells.

Many rural households in Lunenburg County rely on private wells, which are increasingly vulnerable to changing weather patterns, including prolonged dry spells and intense storms. In 2016, Council initiated a water coupon program to provide temporary relief by distributing potable drinking water to households with dry wells.

Recognizing the limitations of the water coupon program, Council launched the Water Supply Upgrade Lending Program in 2023. This initiative offers financial assistance to owner-occupied households for water system upgrades, including drilling wells, through a loan of up to $20,000 or 15% of the property's assessed value. Administered by the Clean Foundation, the program provides a sustainable solution, with loans registered as property liens and repaid with interest, ensuring minimal net cost to the Municipality.

The program's initial annual budget of $50,000 allowed for upgrades to approximately three properties per year. However, following an exceptionally dry season, the waitlist has expanded to 31 households, with a projected wait time of up to ten years at current funding levels.

The approved $600,000 allocation will eliminate the backlog, enabling immediate assistance for waitlisted applicants and ensuring long-term water security for residents.

"Council’s decision reflects our dedication to addressing the water security challenges faced by our residents," said Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile. "By investing in long-term solutions, we aim to support our community’s resilience against the effects of climate change and ensure that our residents have access to reliable water sources."

For more information about the Water Supply Upgrade Lending Program, visit cleanfoundation.ca/energy/water-supply-upgrade.

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Sarah Kucharski
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