Canada/BC announce Infrastructure Grants in Northern BC

Courtesy of the Governments of BC/Canada:

Editor's Note -- Congratulations to Lhtako Dene Nation for receiving just under $1 million to construct a 1.2km pathway to connect the community's main amenities including public transit, local community hall/playground.  No other Indigenous community or local government in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region received funding from the Provincial/Federal COVID-19 Resilience Fund

The governments of Canada and British Columbia continue to invest in infrastructure during this unprecedented time to meet the needs of communities across the province, enhance quality of life, and help recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Today, Ken Hardie, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood—Port Kells, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced funding for nine local infrastructure projects in Northern B.C. They were accompanied by the Honourable Nathan Cullen, Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Member of Legislative Assembly for Stikine, Chief Annie Howard of the Gitsegukla Band, and Chief Councillor Calvin Morven of Gitlaxt'aamiks Village.

Among the projects announced today, the Gitsegukla First Nation will retrofit its community hall kitchen to help deliver food programs to the elementary school’s students and staff, facilitate the teaching of traditional cooking methods, and supply backup power during outages to keep freezers running and food safe. Once completed, the project will increase food security in the area and help preserve cultural practices.

The Nisga’a Village of Gitlaxt'aamiks will build approximately 475 meters of concrete sidewalk along Skateen Drive, the main road in the village. The sidewalk will provide safe passage for pedestrians walking between the Gitlaxt’aamiks Village Government building and the local school.

The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are investing over $5.7 million in the nine projects announced today through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s new COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream. Canada is contributing over $5.1 million, and B.C. is contributing over $615,000.

The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities said:

"“Today’s announcement of $5.1 million from the federal government to upgrade key local infrastructure in municipalities and Indigenous communities across Northern B.C. will help support local economies at a time when it is needed most. These projects will upgrade important community infrastructure, such as administration buildings, arenas and a community kitchen, as well as improve active transportation options.”

While the Hon. Josie Osborne, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs said:

"By investing in welcoming, healthy and connected communities, we are working to make people’s lives better as we emerge from the pandemic. These infrastructure projects we’re launching with our local and federal partners will bring a multitude of benefits to communities and people in Northern B.C., creating jobs, improving community services and helping everyone move through restart toward a strong recovery from the pandemic.”

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Across B.C., the Government of Canada has invested more than $4.4 billion in over 580 infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
• The Province is investing $3.6 billion over a 10-year period under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for British Columbia’s infrastructure initiatives.
• To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories. 
• Under the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, the federal cost share for public infrastructure projects is up to 80%, with the Province adding 20% to achieve 100% funding. The federal government is providing up to 100% funding in the territories and for projects intended for Indigenous communities.

Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia investments in local infrastructure help build community connections in Northern B.C.: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/8-3_infrastructure.pdf