Editor's Note -- the City of Quesnel was the ONLY local government in the Cariboo-Chilcotin to receive funding in this latest round of funding from the Federal Government. They are receiving $6 million for repairs to the Johnston Bridge in Quesnel
Today, Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North—Seymour, the Honourable Anne Kang, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Councillor Jen Ford, President of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), announced a federal investment of more than $103.5 million to support 45 community infrastructure projects.
In Colwood, funding will go towards building a multi-use waterfront pathway along the Esquimalt Lagoon. Work will include natural infrastructure to safeguard the peninsula from sea-level rise and the restoration of riparian vegetation in the salt marsh. This will improve local habitats, support biodiversity, stabilize soils, and filter pollutants. The work will guide visitors thoughtfully through sensitive areas while protecting and enhancing important natural resources. In addition to encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle for residents of all ages and abilities, this project will also support climate action and clean initiatives that strengthen the local economy and build a resilient community.
Investments in Fraser Lake will help build new water lines along Carrier Crescent and Tunasa Drive. A new water line will provide a dedicated supply from the reservoir to improve safety of the community’s drinking water. As well, a new storm sewer will be installed to collect water from household sump pumps, and a new sidewalk will be constructed along Tunasa Drive. Once complete, the project will provide safe, clean water to the community for a healthier and better quality of life.
Other projects to receive funding include new fire halls, water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades, airport expansions, and bridge and road upgrades. Empowering communities to determine how best to direct funds enables them to plan strategically for their present and future needs and will help ensure British Columbia remains among the best places in the world to live, work, and raise a family.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
The Hon. Anne Kang - BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs stated:
"B.C. communities are expanding services to meet the needs of a growing population. The federal government is to be commended for the continuing renewal of local infrastructure through the Canada Community-Building Fund. This program has delivered over $4.6 billion to thousands of projects across B.C. like Colwood’s multi-use pathway.”
While Jen Ford - the President of the Union of BC Municipalities also commented:
"This accessible multi-use pathway will allow visitors to enjoy the spectacular waterfront in Colwood, while protecting sensitive ecological and archaeological shoreline areas. The pathway will inspire people to get outdoors and active as they walk or cycle from Colwood’s town centre to the waterfront and beyond to the vibrant seaside village envisioned at Royal Beach.”
Quick Facts:
• The Government of Canada is investing $103,565,997 in 45 projects across British Columbia.
• The Government of Canada’s funding comes from the third application-based intake of the Strategic Priorities Fund stream of the Canada Community-Building Fund, formerly known as the federal Gas Tax Fund.
• The Canada Community-Building Fund is a permanent source of funding provided twicea-year to provinces and territories, who in turn deliver this funding to local governments for local infrastructure priorities.
• In B.C., the Canada Community-Building Fund is administered by UBCM.
• The Canada Community-Building Fund delivers more than $2 billion every year to 3,600 communities across the country. In recent years the funding has supported approximately 4,000 projects each year.
• The Canada Community-Building Fund has 19 project eligibility categories, including capacity building, sport infrastructure, and broadband connectivity. • Infrastructure Canada, which distributes this funding, helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.
The full list of successful applicants can be viewed here
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