March 29, 2008 - Gibsons, British Columbia
The governments of Canada and British Columbia are investing in two projects that will improve wate er quality in Gibsons and assist the Sunshine Coast Regional District in the management of infrastructure projects.
Over $1 million in joint funding is being provided for the two projects 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 Ed Fast, Member of Parliament for Abbotsford, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Presiden t of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification and the Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues and MLA Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
"These investments will improve water quality and fire safety for Sunshine Coast residents, and equip the Sunshine Coast Regional District with the tools they need to make strategic long-term infrastructure improvements," said MP Fast. "Our government is proud to invest in these projects, which will benefit communities along the Sunshine Coast."
"We're pleased to support these and other smaller communities with infrastructure that allows them to grow and prosper," said Minister Chong. "Clean water and asset management are basic fundamental supports that each in its own way support the health and sustainability of our communities."
An investment of nearly $900,000 will help Gibsons improve its drinking water sys tem and fire fighting capacity. The investment will enable Gibsons to construct a new 1,500 cubic-metre reservoir, upgrade a pumping station, install three pressure-reducing valve stations, and install and upgrade several water mains. The improvements wil l optimize water production by matching supply and demand patterns, minimizing pump run times and saving energy.
Funding of more than $115,000 will help the Sunshine Coast Regional District implement a capital asset management system, which inclu des the acquisition of computer hardware and software, as well as developing business processes and administrative procedures. The project also covers the integration of existing systems and training for staff. This upgrade will help the District to track aging community assets, and schedule replacements to ensure a consistent and high level of continuous service.
"The SCRD is committed to sustainable management of infrastructure and resources," said SCRD Chair Ed Steeves. "This integrated approa ch to determining what needs doing, and when allows us to manage our current needs while considering future opportunities to reduce Green House Gas emissions by looking at sustainable options for scheduled repairs or replacements."
"These funds - sought after for so long - arrive at a most opportune time, when the need for significant improvements to the Town of Gibsons' water system was reaching a critical juncture. The community thanks the province and federal governments for recognizing the im portance of our predicament and appreciates their superb sense of timing," said Worship Mayor Barry Janyk, Town of Gibsons.
Launched in June 2006, the majority of the CBCMRIF program funding supports communities of fewer than 250,000 people to min imize 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 wa ste-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 these projects is conditionally approve d 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 progra m are available through the CBCMRIF website at www.canadabcmrif.ca.
For additional information, contact:
Jackie Stewart
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversifica tion Canada
Vancouver, B.C.
Tel: 604 666-1306
Marc Black
B.C. Ministry of Community Services
Victoria, 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.
