The Government of Canada supports First Nations asset management infrastructure planning in British Columbia 

February 01, 2021 — Vancouver, Traditional Territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh, British Columbia — Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada and First Nations are working together toward building nation-to-nation relationships based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. This includes supporting First Nations in building capacity and increasing self-determination and control over local services including community infrastructure.

Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced $883,674 to support asset management planning programs in 45 First Nations in British Columbia. The funding will help develop capacity for long-term infrastructure construction and maintenance planning.

Building and maintaining infrastructure can be difficult for any community, especially those with aging infrastructure, growing populations and competing priorities. Asset management planning helps First Nations prepare for future infrastructure needs, whether new construction or maintenance of current infrastructure, covering all engineered assets in a community, including water and wastewater, roads and bridges, residential housing, and public vehicles.

In the long term, adopting asset management plans can lead to improved community infrastructure that will support stronger, more sustainable communities with better social and economic prospects.

Forty-five communities in British Columbia will benefit from 2020-21 Asset Management Program funding, totaling $883,674:

List of First Nations communities receiving funds

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Ahousaht, Ditidaht, Ehattesaht, Hesquiaht, Hupacasath, Huu-ay-aht, Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h', Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Tseshaht, Uchucklesaht, Ucluelet First Nation)
Infrastructure: $40,000

Lake Babine Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000

Williams Lake First Nation
Infrastructure: $23,674

Nisga'a Lisims Government (Nisga'a Village of Gingolx, Nisga'a Village of New Aiyansh, Nisga'a Village of Gitwinksihlkw, Nisga'a Village of Laxgalts'ap)
Infrastructure: $80,000

Tsilhqot'in National Government (?Esdilagh, Tl'esqox, Tŝideldel, Tl'etinqox, Xeni Gwet'in, Yunesit'in)
Infrastructure: $60,000
Housing: $60,000

Takla Lake First Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000

K'òmoks First Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000

Consortium of First Nation Communities (Chawathil First Nation, Peters First Nation, Seabird Island Band, Shxwhá:y Village, Shxw'ow'hamel First Nation, Skwah First Nation, Spuzzum First Nation, Tzeachten First Nation)
Infrastructure: $100,000
Housing: $20,000

Nak'azdli Whut'en
Infrastructure: $40,000

'Namgis First Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000

Songhees Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000

Squamish Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000

Doig River First Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000

Lower Nicola Indian Band
Infrastructure: $40,000

Penticton Indian Band
Infrastructure: $40,000

Cowichan Tribes
Infrastructure: $40,000

Haisla Nation
Housing: $60,000

Totals
Infrastructure: $743,674
Housing: $140,000