Press Release

CANADA-QUEBEC INVESTMENT OF OVER $25M IN A PROJECT INVOLVING THE TREATMENT OF ORGANIC WASTE THROUGH BIOMETHANIZATION IN SAINT-HYACINTHE

Saint-Hyacinthe, July 26, 2012 – The Honourable Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais and Pierre Arcand, Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, today confirmed the governments of Canada and Quebec’s commitment of $25,776,582 for the second phase of a project to install complementary infrastructure for the treatment of organic waste through biomethanization in Saint-Hyacinthe. The federal government could provide up to $11,387,011 in funding under the Green Infrastructure Fund. The Quebec government is contributing $14,389,571 under the Program for the Treatment of Organic Matter through Biomethanization and Composting (PTMOBC). The Quebec government’s contribution supplements the $5,666,667 allocated to complete the first phase of the project. Saint-Hyacinthe’s mayor, Claude Bernier, Gaz Métro President and Chief Executive Officer, Sophie Brochu, as well as many partners attended the announcement. 

“Our Government is focused on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. We are proud to deliver infrastructure funding to projects, such as the expansion of the biomethanization plant in Saint-Hyacinthe, which will help create local jobs, protect the environment and provide more economic opportunities for Quebecers”, said Senator Dagenais.

“Our goal is to recycle 60% of the putrescible organic matter generated in Quebec by 2015. I am pleased and enthusiastic to see that the city of Saint-Hyacinthe is taking concrete steps toward this objective, which is one of the most ambitious pursued under the recent Quebec Residual Materials Management Policy. Through this project, the city is implementing a skillful and innovative approach to managing its waste, thus opening the door to a unique business opportunity. This initiative, which will have an impact on both the environment and the economy, is a perfect example of sustainable economic development,” said Minister Arcand.

“This investment will enable us to achieve our vision for sustainable development. We will be able to produce more biogas by treating the organic matter resulting from the three-stream collection approach implemented by the Régie intermunicipale d'Acton et des Maskoutains. Therefore, we will become the first green agri-food technopole to provide the industry with simple environmental solutions for treating food waste,” stated Claude Bernier, Mayor of Saint-Hyacinthe.

With the new facilities, the city will be able to boost its biogas production significantly. This infrastructure will enable the city to treat 132,000  wet tons of waste. This second phase of the project also marks the beginning of a co-operative effort between the city of Saint-Hyacinthe and Gaz Métro, which has committed to purchase the city’s surplus biogas production. The annual biogas production could reach up to 6 million cubic metres in the first years and could ultimately reach up to 13 million cubic meters per year.

The goal of the project’s second phase, which is set to begin shortly, is to increase the city’s waste treatment capacity by installing two hydrolyzers, two digesters, two centrifuges and one food and green waste receiving station.

The federal contribution to this project is conditional—the project must meet the requirements of the Green Infrastructure Fund; specifically, the tendering process established by the city of Saint-Hyacinthe must be competitive, fair, transparent and compliant with the Agreement on Internal Trade. In addition, the federal contribution is subject to the signing of a contribution agreement with the Government of Quebec. The project must also meet, where applicable, the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act  and Aboriginal consultation requirements.

Green Infrastructure Fund
The Green Infrastructure Fund is a key element of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. It focuses on priorities such as improving wastewater treatment facilities, clean energy production and transmission equipment, and investment in hydroelectric, wind and solar energy. Clean energy infrastructure helps to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

Program for the Treatment of Organic Matter through Biomethanization and Composting
The Program for the Treatment of Organic Matter through Biomethanization and Composting provides municipalities and the private sector with financial support to install organic matter treatment infrastructure using these two processes. The Program’s objective is to reduce GHG emissions and the quantity of organic waste sent for disposal. This program has been implemented by the government of Quebec and is funded by Infrastructure Canada, which could subsidize up to a third of aeligible expenses for some projects.

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