Saint-Célestin’s $3.3M Wastewater Upgrade Fuels Future Growth
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The Municipality of Saint-Célestin is poised for significant expansion following the completion of a $3.3 million upgrade to its wastewater treatment facilities, a project largely funded by the provincial government. The modernized infrastructure, which came online in early September, effectively doubles the municipality’s wastewater treatment capacity and removes a key obstacle to residential advancement.
Provincial Funding Drives Infrastructure Improvement
The substantial investment, totaling $3.3 million,was provided through the provincial government’s Municipal Water Infrastructure Program (PRIMEAU),covering approximately 90% of the total project cost. The funding was formally announced on November 24th by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Geneviève Guilbault, and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and food, Donald Martel, during a visit to Saint-Célestin.
“This is good news, as we like projects that are completed and delivered within budget,” a senior official stated.”It’s a great proclamation and a great contribution from our government for a project that was obviously very necessary here in Saint-Célestin. These are essential infrastructure projects and determine the quality of life.”
The government had previously contributed $230,000 in 2023 to fund the studies necessary to plan the upgrade.Minister Guilbault further emphasized the importance of thorough planning, stating, “To be eligible for subsidies, you must first organize yourself so that it is indeed well structured, well documented, well studied, well planned, then well carried out.”
From Ponds to Modern Aerated Systems
For years, saint-Célestin relied on non-aerated retention basins for wastewater treatment, a system that operated through sedimentation and required periodic emptying.However, the municipality recognized the limitations of this approach for long-term growth. According to the mayor of Saint-Célestin, Raymond Noël, “We had unaerated ponds, we would have liked to continue in this direction and ultimately, in the long term, it was not the right solution. It took a few more years, but at least we have what we need for many years to come.”
The upgrade transitioned the system to aerated ponds, utilizing blowers – and now fans – to significantly improve efficiency. While the new system requires more electricity, Noël explained, “Now, it’s with fans and a lot of electricity, but it’s much more efficient. It also gives us sustainability for several years for our development.” The new station’s capacity allows Saint-Célestin to potentially expand from approximately 400 to 900 residences.
development Ready: A Green Light for Growth
The wastewater treatment plant upgrade directly addresses a critical constraint on the municipality’s growth. The existing wastewater basins had reached maximum capacity, hindering further residential development. “Be certain that we are ready for development here, in Saint-Célestin,” Noël affirmed.”We will now benefit from modern, safe facilities adapted to the needs of our ever-growing population.”
Developers are already poised to capitalize on the improved infrastructure. A project involving approximately forty residential plots of land,located opposite the new Marquis school,is among those awaiting the completion of the upgrade. “And you will see, in the coming
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