January 14, 2008
Summerland, British Columbia
The community of Summerland will improve the quality and reliability of its water supply with an upgraded water system, thanks to an investment of more than $3.1 million from the federal and provincial governments. This funding will be provided through the Canada B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), which supports the continued growth of B.C. communities as greener, healthier and more sustainable places to live.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquilhalla, and Rick Thorpe, MLA for Okanagan-Westside and Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform.
With these funds the District of Summerland will construct approximately eight kilometres of twinned water main and install some 4,000 water meters to manage potable water demand. These improvements are expected to decrease the need for additional water supply sources and allow for the use of non-potable water for irrigation in agricultural/domestic areas.
"This project will ensure Summerland residents have access to clean drinking water and facilities which meet the community's growing needs," said Minister Day on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "Our government is proud to partner with the Province of British Columbia to make long-term infrastructure improvements to Summerland and the surrounding area."
"A clean and reliable water source is the right of all British Columbians and this project will make a tremendous difference to the health and sustainability of residents of Summerland," said Thorpe. "We're pleased to support the community of Summerland's goals to reduce water consumption through water metering, which also supports the Province's goal to attain environmental sustainability. This community has enjoyed more than $11.7 million in federal and provincial government grants for water infrastructure since 2003."
"This project will improve our water system in two ways," said District of Summerland Mayor David Gregory. "First it will facilitate and augment our water conservation program. Secondly, it will assist in our efforts to separate irrigation and domestic water and hence improve the effectiveness of our water treatment plant."
Launched in June 2006, the majority of the CBCMRIF program funding supports communities of fewer than 250,000 people to minimize the costs to taxpayers of local infrastructure upgrades or new construction projects.
At least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with "green projects", and are geared towards enhancing environmental sustainability, such as water and waste-water systems, public transit, and environmental energy improvements. Other infrastructure projects will support local roads, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure to support tourism, and broadband connectivity. The funding for this project is conditionally approved pending the successful completion of an environmental assessment.
The total amount available through the CBCMRIF, with federal and provincial investments and matching local government contribution, is over $220 million. More details on the program are available through the CBCMRIF website, at www.canadabcmrif.ca.
Media Contacts:
Jackie StewartWestern Economic Diversification Canada604 666-1306
Marc BlackB.C. Ministry of Community Services250 356-6334
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
