Federal green funding supports clean healthy communities in British Columbia
News release
Cumberland, British Columbia, December 19, 2018—Investing in green infrastructure helps communities reduce their carbon footprint, safeguard public health and protect the environment.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Vicki-May Hamm, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), are pleased to announce more than $5.7 million through the Green Municipal Fund for a new wastewater lagoon system in the Village of Cumberland.
The first phase of the project involves adding mechanisms to reduce bypass flow in wet weather and remove more phosphorus and suspended solids from wastewater being released into the environment. The second phase will add a second dissolved air flotation system to increase treatment capacity, and an innovative biochar media reed bed to remove contaminants such as pharmaceuticals.
This investment will allow Cumberland to meet standard requirements for lagoon systems and increase its capacity to serve a growing population. The more efficient new system will also allow the Village to make the most of municipal resources and reduce its impact on the environment.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to be working with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to fund green infrastructure projects across Canada that help build sustainable communities now and for future generations. This high-performance new wastewater treatment system in Cumberland will better protect local waterways and ecosystems while supporting a high quality of life for residents for years to come.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“A clean future starts at the local level and includes provincial and federal investments in innovative initiatives that boost the economy, reduce pollution and create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians. We are proud to support green infrastructure projects such as this new wastewater lagoon system in the Village of Cumberland that help make Canada a clean and healthier place for everyone.”
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources
“Today's announcement highlights how municipal leaders understand both the needs on the ground and local solutions that work. They are innovating to build more sustainable, resilient and livable communities. Thanks to our partnership with the Government of Canada, our programs support local solutions with national impact, contributing to infrastructure renewal and our transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Vicki-May Hamm, FCM President
Quick facts
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The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a $625-million program to support innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Projects funded under the program improve air, water and land quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic and social benefits for local communities. Through GMF, municipalities share lessons learned and successful new models for advancing sustainability in communities of all sizes across Canada. GMF is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.
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Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada 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.
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$26.9 billion of this funding will support green infrastructure projects.
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Contacts
Ann-Clara Vaillancourt
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-697-3778
ann-clara.vaillancourt@canada.ca
FCM Media Relations
613-907-6395
media@fcm.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
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