Local BC Communities benefit from Federal Gas Tax Funding

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note - for communities in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, the following local governments received funding from today's announcement

Wells - $498,200 for a District Community Energy System and $58,000 to develop a Community/Economic Development Plan

Quesnel - $100,000 for Asset Data Updates and Improvements

Williams Lake - $100,000 for Facilities and Pavement Condition Assessment

Cariboo Regional District - $80,000 for 2017 Asset Management Planning

British Columbians will benefit from modern, up-to-date community infrastructure that will make communities throughout B.C. even better places to live through new investments from the federal Gas Tax Fund.

The Government of Canada, along with the Government of British Columbia and Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), announced that 108 projects have been approved and four have been conditionally approved, for nearly $193 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund.

“I am pleased to see the important work that will be done across British Columbia thanks to the federal Gas Tax Fund,” said Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Whether a community needs to expand its recreational centre, repair roads, or make energy-saving upgrades, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in the local infrastructure Canadians want and need.”

The funding supports a wide range of capital and capacity-building projects in communities throughout B.C., including upgrades to drinking- and waste-water facilities; recreational, sport and cultural infrastructure; local roads and bridges; solid waste management; community energy systems; and disaster mitigation measures.

“I’m thrilled to know that all of these projects are going forward, because I know they will make a positive impact for people in B.C.,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson. “Our government is committed to working with local governments throughout the province to make life better for all British Columbians. This is a great example of strong partnerships working together for the benefit of people in the community.”

One of the capital projects being funded this year will improve the drinking-water supply in the Village of Granisle.

Funding is also going towards raising the dikes along the Kicking Horse River in Golden, to provide flood protection for the historic downtown area.

The District of Lake Country will build a new multi-generational activity centre, upgrade the local arena and renovate the seniors centre, significantly boosting recreational and fitness opportunities in the community.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates how all levels of government are working to improve core infrastructure in B.C. communities,” said UBCM President Wendy Booth. “The federal Gas Tax Fund is providing long-term support to renew facilities and strengthen asset-management practices throughout the province. Local governments appreciate this support and welcome this investment.”

The 54 capacity-building projects will focus on improving communities’ asset management, a process that integrates information about a community’s physical assets and finances to support efficient local decision making and sustainable service delivery.

Quick Facts:

The total federal Gas Tax Fund contribution towards the 112 projects in B.C. is $192,980,158.
This includes 58 capital projects ($184,539,746) and 54 capacity-building projects ($8,440,412).
The Government of Canada provides more than $278 million in indexed, annual funding for local government infrastructure in B.C. through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C., in partnership with the governments of Canada and B.C. The funding flows through UBCM to all local governments on a per capita basis.
The funding for these projects comes through the application-based Strategic Priorities Fund of the federal Gas Tax Fund in B.C.

Learn More:

For more information about the federal Gas Tax Fund: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html

For a list of projects funded through the current intake of the federal Gas Tax Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/files/2017_Project_Approvals.pdf