January 18, 2008
Belcarra, British Columbia
A federal and provincial investment of approximately $4 million will provide residents of Belcarra with access to a safer, more reliable source of water from the Greater Vancouver Water District. 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 James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics and Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam, and Iain Black, MLA for Port Moody-Westwood.
"Today's infrastructure investment will replace existing individual and shared water wells, so that Belcarra residents have a reliable supply of clean drinking water," said MP Moore 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 Belcarra."
Over the past several years, increasing demands on the aquifer that supplies Belcarra's potable water has led to a higher risk of contamination. The project will immediately enhance the safety and reliability of the community's drinking water, which means Belcarra residents will no longer be reliant on private and shared wells.
"As the mayor and council have identified this project as the highest priority for Belcarra, I am delighted with this positive announcement," said Black. "This is a terrific example of how the BC Government supports smaller communities to build infrastructure to maintain their quality of life, support expansion and respect local ecosystems."
Approximately 700 Belcarra residents, together with a Metro Vancouver Park and the Sasamat Outdoor Centre, will gain access to water supplied by the Greater Vancouver Water District. An additional 4.2 km of water main will complete the Belcarra distribution system, which will include 22 fire hydrants and connections for 265 lots.
"This project will make a tremendous difference to the health and sustainability of the community. Belcarra's drinking water supply has been a concern for some time, and it's only through the partnership funding that we're able to make this a reality," said Belcarra Mayor Ralph Drew. "Our council and community are grateful to MLA Black and MP Moore for their focused and relentless support of a project so crucial to our community."
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, tourism, and broadband connectivity. 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 http://www.canadabcmrif.ca/.
Media Contacts:
Jackie StewartWestern Economic Diversification CanadaTelephone: 604 666-1306
Marc BlackB.C. Ministry of Community ServicesTelephone: 250 356-6334
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
