City of WL receives funds for Storm Water System (Phase 5)

Courtesy of the Government of Canada:

Construction is set to begin on the fifth phase of a project to improve the City of Williams Lake's storm water system. This project, with a total cost of close to $1.2 million, is part of a bigger initiative to improve the water quality of the Williams Lake River. The Government of Canada is contributing over $1 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund, while the City of Williams Lake will provide $170,000.

"Proper storm water management is not only important for local residents, but also for the health of the region's streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. This phase of the project will reduce the flow of pollutants, as well as lessen erosion along the river's banks," said Richard Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo—Prince George. "We are proud to invest in infrastructure projects, such as this one, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada."

The project will include the construction of an infiltration and detention pond system to reduce the amount of pollutants entering Williams Lake River, as well as minimize erosion resulting from the release of storm water. The new system will improve the aquatic habitat of the river, which is home to several fish species. The project also provides a vital step in bringing the City's storm water system into compliance with the federal Fisheries Act.

"This project would not be able to go ahead without the federal Gas Tax Fund," said Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook. "It will enhance the environment and improve recreational experiences in the River Valley, a jewel of our city."

"It's very good news to see Williams Lake benefit in such a practical way from gas tax funding," said Cariboo—Chilcotin MLA, Donna Barnett, on behalf of the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Coralee Oakes. "This funding will help boost water quality in Williams Lake by ensuring the storm water system is upgraded and environmentally sound."

"This project demonstrates why aging infrastructure is a critical matter for communities," said UBCM President Mary Sjostrom. "I am very pleased to see federal support through the Gas Tax Fund to help improve this core service in Williams Lake."

The federal Gas Tax Fund provides long-term funding to municipalities across the country to build and revitalize their local infrastructure. The Government of Canada has invested over $10 billion to date in municipal infrastructure through this program, and passed legislation to make it a permanent transfer of $2 billion per year. As part of Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government committed to index the Gas Tax Fund to provide additional funding for communities, starting in 2014. Between 2006 and 2014, British Columbia will receive more than $1.56 billion from the Gas Tax Fund to improve local infrastructure. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC, in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.