February 22, 2008
Port Clements, British Columbia
The Village of Port Clements will soon see improvements to the quality of its drinking water, thanks to an investment of more than $650,000 from the federal and provincial governments. The funding is provided through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF). The fund enables communities across B.C. to become healthier, greener 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.
"This investment will help ensure that the residents of Port Clements have access to safe, reliable drinking water, which contributes to the overall health and well-being of the community," said Secretary of State Hill, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership with the Province of British Columbia to make lasting improvements to the infrastructure of Port Clements."
Approximately 237 homes will benefit from a public water supply and treatment upgrade, including 230 people who receive their drinking water by tanker truck from the village supply. This project will create a dependable water supply, develop a new groundwater well, and launch a pilot test to find the most appropriate treatment process and technology. The new system will meet provincial and federal water quality guidelines.
"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 Chong. "We're pleased to support Port Clements with infrastructure that will make a real difference to the people living in the area."
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 www.canadabcmrif.ca.
For additional information, contact:
Jackie StewartCommunications AdvisorWestern Economic Diversification CanadaVancouver, B.C.Tel: 604 666-1306
Marc BlackCommunications ManagerB.C. Ministry of Community ServicesVictoria, B.C.Tel: (250) 356-6334
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
