Canada and Quebec fund development of Bécancour river bank in Lyster

The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize that investing in infrastructure is fundamental to promoting economic growth, enhancing public safety and protecting communities against natural disasters.

The Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and André Fortin, Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification, today announced that the governments of Canada and Quebec will each invest nearly $60,000 for the stabilization and development of Bécancour River bank in the Municipality of Lyster. This financial support comes from the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund. The Municipality of Lyster will also invest close to $60,000 to bring the total government and municipal investment to almost $180,000.

The goal of the stabilization and development work is to reduce erosion along the Bécancour River bank. The development project will keep residents and users of the Lyster recreation centre safe, as well as protect the river bank's trees, which are at risk of being uprooted by ice and flood waters each year. The project also involves installing recreational equipment such as gazebos, swings and docks.

Once completed, this project will improve the river's water quality by reducing the amount of sediment caused by erosion. Stabilizing and developing the river bank will also help establish a feeding and shelter area for fish, improve public safety, and allow residents to enjoy and make the river and surrounding area their own.