February 22, 2008
Kitimat, British Columbia
The District of Kitimat will upgrade its sanitary sewer system, thanks to an investment of nearly $632,000 from the federal and provincial governments. The funding is provided through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), which 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 extend the life of Kitimat's sewer infrastructure and improve the District's ability to manage its treatment and pumping requirements," 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. "The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership with the Province of British Columbia to make lasting improvements to infrastructure in Kitimat."
This project will upgrade and improve the structural integrity of the sewer system and replace failing sanitary sewer lines across the municipality. Approximately four kilometres of sewer lines will be revitalized using a new relining technology that reduces the infiltration of ground water. This infrastructure upgrade will improve Kitimat's sewer system for years to come. "This project will make a measurable difference to the health and sustainability of the community and it's only through our funding partnership that we're able to make this a reality," said Chong. "We're pleased to support Kitimat and other smaller communities with infrastructure that restores structural integrity to crucial operating systems."
"The infrastructure to support core municipal services such as water and sewers is essential but immensely expensive, and beyond the ability of the municipal property tax base," said Kitimat Mayor Richard Wozney. "The Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund partnership recognizes this and is both necessary and appreciated."
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/.For additional information, contact:
Jackie StewartCommunications AdvisorWestern Economic Diversification CanadaVancouver, B.C.Tel: 604 666-1306
Marc BlackCommuncations 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.
