Kelowna, British Columbia — Applications for funding
under the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF)
are now being sought, following the official launch of the new joint federal-provincial
program.
Effective Thursday, October 12th, communities and not-for-profit organizations
are eligible to make an application online. Applications will be accepted until
January 31, 2007. It is anticipated all funding from the current agreement will
be allocated by Summer 2007.
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,
Member of Parliament (Kelowna – Lake Country) Ron Cannan, on behalf on
the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister National Revenue and Minister of Western
Economic Diversification, and BC Minister of Community Services Ida Chong along
with Councillor Marvin Hunt, President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities
(UBCM), made the announcement at the Poplar Point Pump Station.
“Through the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund,
all orders of government are working in partnership to improve the strength
and sustainability of British Columbia communities,” said Minister Cannon.
“This new funding will support the approach of Canada’s New Government
to environmental protection.”
“Our Government is strengthening Canada’s economic growth and prosperity
through investments in our communities vital infrastructure,” said Mr.
Cannan. “This new infrastructure program will help address British Columbia’s
infrastructure needs and improve the quality life for all its residents.”
Under the CBCMRIF agreement announced in June, the federal and provincial governments
will each commit $51 million, and participating local governments are expected
to match this amount, for a total benefit to British Columbia of over $150 million.
“Through this infrastructure program communities have the ability to
select priority projects and make an application to the program to help make
them a reality,” said Minister Chong. “In addition to the funding
that is now available, our two governments are looking forward to future discussions
on how B.C. communities will be able to tap into the $2.2 billion in federal
funding set aside earlier this year for infrastructure.”
A minimum of 80 per cent of funding will be targeted towards communities with
a population of less than 250,000. At least 60 per cent of funding will go to
“green” projects helping rural communities and towns address drinking
water supply, treatment and distribution needs; improve local wastewater and
storm-water sewage treatment; enhance public transit and support environmental
energy improvements. Up to 40 per cent of the remaining funding will support
local roads, culture, tourism, recreation and connectivity projects.
“I am encouraged that this program is now underway and communities can
apply for funding to address some of their priority infrastructure needs,”
said Councillor Hunt, President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
The Government of Canada, through the Department of Western Economic Diversification
Canada, and the Province of BC and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities
(UBCM) will jointly implement the program.
Complete program application details are available online at www.canadabcmrif.ca.
For additional information, contact:
Karl Yeh
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Tel: (604) 666-4714
Dave Crebo
Communications Manager
Ministry of Community Services
Tel: (250) 356-6334
