February 22, 2008
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
More than $533,000 in federal and provincial funding will go toward helping the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District improve Dodge Cove's drinking water quality, and eliminate long-standing boil water advisory. 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 Jay Hill, Secretary of State, Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, and Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and MLA for Oak Bay Gordon Head.
The infrastructure improvements will deliver upgraded water treatment facilities, a standby power source, and new mechanical and electrical components for Dodge Cove's water supply system. The goal of the project is to eliminate the need for boil water advisories, which have been in place since March 1988.
"This initiative will improve the efficiency and reliability of the water treatment facility and end long-standing boil water restrictions that have affected the community," said Secretary of State Hill 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. "This joint funding will enable residents of Dodge Cove to have better access to safe, clean drinking water."
"It is imperative that B.C. communities have access to safe and healthy drinking water, which is why our government is committed to investing in projects like this," said Chong. "It is through our partnership with the federal government and the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District that we are able to make this important improvement for area residents."
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 wastewater 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 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.
