September 23, 2004 VANCOUVER -- The federal and provincial governments are each contributing nearly $4.7 million toward 10 infrastructure projects under the Canada–British Columbia Infrastructure Program, leading to a total investment of more than $33 million in communities throughout the province. Premier Gordon Campbell and the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), announced the funding today along with Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. We all want our communities to have the infrastructure they need to support and sustain growth and opportunity, and this funding provides a way to make that happen,” said Campbell. “To date, nearly $870 million worth of projects are under way provincewide as a result of the Canada-British Columbia Infrastructure Program. These new investments will support priorities like transportation improvements, seismic upgrades and new community buildings.” From Prince George to Vancouver Island, I am excited to see governments and local municipalities working together to build prosperous and vibrant communities,” said Minister Emerson. “It is exactly this type of investment that will improve our quality of life and create a sustainable future.” A hallmark of this program from the outset is that it responds to local priorities,” said Leonard. “The nearly 300 projects now funded have been top local priorities – developing local infrastructure that supports provincial and national objectives.” Up to a maximum of 25 per cent of the program’s funding will be directed to community projects such as cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure to support tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for public institutions, local transportation and affordable housing. Today’s announcement brings the total number of approved projects to 299, with a total value of nearly $870 million, including nearly $523 million from the federal and provincial governments. The project applicants contribute the remaining costs eligible under the program guidelines, plus any additional costs. Federal funding for the projects announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. Infrastructure Projects to Benefit B.C. Communities - Backgrounder For additional information, contact: Ian Jack Senior Communications Advisor Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson Minister of Industry (613) 995-9001 Paul Woolley Communications Director Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development (250) 356-9428 Susan Schooley Communications Manager Western Economic Diversification Canada (604) 666-1318 www.deo.gc.ca
