January 19, 2008
Kamloops/Savona/Barriere, British Columbia
The communities of Kamloops, Savona and Barriere will upgrade their water systems thanks to investments totalling more than $5.3 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 Betty Hinton, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo and Kevin Krueger, MLA for Kamloops North Thompson.
In Kamloops, $4,480,666 in federal and provincial funding will extend the Kamloops water system to Noble Creek/Dairy Road, providing those residents with access to water that meets both Canadian Drinking water standards and Interior Health Authority (IHA) requirements. This water system extension will also provide 1,200 households with new hydrants and improved fire protection.
In Savona, an investment of over $730,000 will improve water quality and deliver a more reliable system to approximately 825 residents. The project includes the installation of an ultraviolet disinfection system, relocation of the lake intake, construction of a new wet well and replacement of low lift pumps. This upgrade will increase the capacity of the system and satisfy the IHA's water quality requirements.
In Barriere, nearly $100,000 in federal-provincial funding will support upgrades and repairs to the community's well, chlorinator, supply main and reservoir, as well as construction of a new well house. As a result, residents will enjoy water that meets drinking water standards.
"The Government of Canada is proud to help bring lasting infrastructure improvements to British Columbia residents," said MP Hinton, 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. "Through investments such as this, we are delivering on our promise to help communities become vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families."
"There is nothing more important to a thriving community than a clean, reliable source of drinking water," said Krueger. "We are pleased to support these projects that will make a tremendous difference to the health and sustainability of the communities."
"The City of Kamloops is grateful to receive the grant which will assist with the cost of connecting more than 100 homes in Noble Creek and Westsyde to the treated water coming out of the Kamloops Centre for Water Quality," says Kamloops acting mayor, Peter Milobar. "In addition, the City can now improve fire protection in north Westsyde by way of new pipelines, a reservoir and pumping station."
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 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.
