Houston, British Columbia, July 16, 2008 - The Houston Retirement Housing Society planted a tree earlier today to celebrate the completion of Pleasant Valley Village. The construction of the new six unit affordable seniors' housing facility is the result of eight years of fundraising by members of the Society, the volunteer contributions of people throughout the community, and federal funding through the Gas Tax Fund.
"We have had fantastic cooperation from the community to build this facility, especially from the volunteers and the local business community," said Housing Society President Arnold Amonson. "The contribution from the Gas Tax Fund for geothermal heating is a great contribution and demonstrates the value of this technology for other buildings in Houston.'"
Richard Harris, MP for Cariboo – Prince George, toured the facility earlier today along with Mr. Amonson, Houston Mayor Sharon Smith and Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Director Vera Boyce. Vital support for the $550,000 project was provided through the federal Gas Tax Fund, which provided $90,000 for the geothermal heating and cooling unit. The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako made the decision to provide the funding from its allocation under the Gas Tax Fund.
"This is an important project for the District of Houston, and demonstrates the fantastic results that can be achieved when all levels of government work together to accomplish significant infrastructure projects. This facility will provide long-lasting benefits for both the environment and area residents. I commend the tremendous fundraising efforts of the community," said MP Harris.
"This project could not have been completed without countless volunteer hours as well as financial assistance through grant funding sources," said Director Boyce. "By making these funds available, the Federal Government has done a great service to the residents of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako."
The Pleasant Valley Village is a long awaited and critical asset for the aging population of the District of Houston and surrounding rural areas. The geothermal unit will contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and will greatly reduce heating and cooling costs.
"This is a great example of how innovative projects benefit the environment and save money," said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Community Development with the Government of British Columbia. "The northern community of Houston is a leader in geothermal projects, and is helping the provincial government meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 33 per cent below current levels by 2020."
The Gas Tax Fund delivers federal funding to local governments and other eligible recipients for capital projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The range of eligible capital projects includes public transit, community energy systems, water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure investments. Funding is also available for planning projects that contribute to the sustainability of communities and regions.
Through its Building Canada Plan, the Government of Canada extended the Gas Tax Fund for an additional four years to 2014, providing an additional $8 billion to municipalities across the country. With the extension of the Gas Tax Agreement, British Columbia will receive a total of $1.6 billion in federal gax tax funding over nine years. Of this amount, the District of Houston will receive $1,239,140 from 2005 to 2014.
Budget 2008 announced that the Gas Tax Fund will become permanent beyond 2014 at $2 billion per year, which will provide municipalities with stable funding for their infrastructure needs. UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in collaboration with Canada and B.C.
"The federal Gas Tax Fund is designed to address local priorities," said UBCM President Susan Gimse. "The community support for this project demonstrates that it is a high priority for the people of Houston."
The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako will receive $5,719,150 from the Gas Tax Fund. The RDBN has directed Gas Tax funding to thirteen other projects throughout the region over the first three years of funding for a total value of over $454,000.
For more information, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
Karine White
Press Secretary to the Honourable Lawrence Cannon
613-991-0700
Barbara Carver
A/Communications Director
Ministry of Community Services
250-356-6334
Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
Union of BC Municipalities
250-356-2938
Lana Fitt
Regional Strategic Development Analyst,
Bulkley Nechako Regional District
(250) 692-3195
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
