January 21, 2008
Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
A federal and provincial investment of almost $3.2 million will support major improvements in sewer and wastewater treatment in Harrison Hot Springs and the District of Kent. Funds come from the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), a program that enables communities across B.C. to become healthier, greener and more sustainable places to live.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, and Barry Penner, MLA for Chilliwack and Minister of Environment responsible for Water Stewardship and Sustainable Communities.
More than 2,500 people in Harrison Hot Springs and the community of Kent will benefit from an extension of the sewer main to the Agassiz wastewater treatment facility and an improved treatment process at that site.
The project includes the installation of approximately 10.6 kilometres of 200-millimetre sewer main, and construction of three pump stations. In addition, the current chlorine disinfection system will be upgraded and use innovative ultraviolet irradiation in the future. The project will improve wastewater collection and treatment systems for approximately 1,600 households, and allow for future expansion.
"Today's investment will help ensure the residents of Harrison Hot Springs and Kent have a safe and reliable wastewater system that will also protect the area's natural beauty," said Minister Strahl 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. "The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, to build healthy and sustainable communities in British Columbia."
"This project will make a tremendous difference to the health and sustainability of the community and it's only through our partnership funding that we're able to make this a reality," said Penner. "We're pleased to help Harrison Hot Springs and Agassiz upgrade aging infrastructure and to plan for the future, while protecting local ecosystems."
"The proposal to construct a sewer line to Kent District's waste water treatment plant will enable the Village to decommission its plant which currently discharges into Harrison Lake, the source of the Village's drinking water," says Leo Facio, Mayor of Harrison Hot Springs. "The proposed line will also accommodate growth and ensure that Harrison continues to be a safe, healthy and beautiful place to live, work and visit."
The majority of the program funding from the CBCMRIF, which was launched in June 2006, supports communities of fewer than 250,000 people in minimizing 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" that 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, tourism and broadband connectivity. The funding for these projects is conditionally approved pending the successful completion of the environmental assessments.
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 online at http://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.
