Duncan, British Columbia, August 27, 2008 - Recycling in the Cowichan Valley is about to become more convenient as $1.2 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund will be used toward the construction of new recycling facilities.
The Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Technology, Trade and Economic Development, along with Susan Gimse, President of UBCM and Jack Peake, Chair of Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) announced the project at an event today. CVRD will receive $1,236,497 from the federal Gas Tax Fund covering nearly 75% of the project's cost.
"A clean and healthy environment is crucial for maintaining sustainable communities," said Dr. James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo – Alberni. "These projects are another example of the Government of Canada's commitment to provide the residents of Cowichan Valley with a cleaner environment and a better quality of life."
This new investment from the Gas Tax Fund will enable completion of three key solid waste infrastructure projects:
- A new full-service recycling drop off depot will be built in the region's fastest growing area of Mill Bay, Shawnigan and Cobble Hill.
- New buildings and equipment for managing hazardous wastes and organic materials will be installed at the Bings Creek Solid Waste Management Complex near Duncan.
- A comprehensive recycling drop off depot servicing the north end of the CVRD will be built on a municipal site on Peerless Road in Ladysmith.
It is anticipated that the three projects together will reduce landfill gas emissions by increasing regional composting, diverting material from the landfill and safeguarding ground water resources from the illegal dumping of hazardous material.
"We're pleased to support projects which make it easier for residents to recycle and ultimately help improve our environment," said Ida Chong, Minister of Trade, Technology and Economic Development, on behalf of Community Development Minister Blair Lekstrom. "By working together, we are helping to make our communities greener, healthier places to live and are taking steps to reach our provincial goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020."
"The federal Gas Tax Fund plays a vital role in supporting the priorities of BC communities," said President Gimse. "The expanded services funded through today's announcement reflect the importance of recycling for CVRD residents and businesses".
All projects support the CVRD's objective of "Zero Waste" as outlined in the recently amended Solid Waste Management Plan. The region leads the province with a 75% recycling rate and 47.5% less overall waste per person as compared to 1990 figures.
"The CVRD has outstripped its current waste diversion infrastructure as one of the provincial leaders in waste diversion", said Board Chair Jack Peake. "Our newest facility is now ten years old and this will be its fifth expansion as its popularity has gone from 100 to 600 customers a day over that time."
All three projects are expected to be complete by late 2010.
The Gas Tax Fund (GTF) delivers federal funding to local governments and other eligible recipients primarily for capital projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In March, the governments of Canada and British Columbia, and UBCM, signed an agreement extending the GTF to the province's communities by more than $1 billion between 2010 and 2014.
As well, the Government of Canada announced in Budget 2008 that the Gas Tax Fund will become permanent. The GTF is a key component of the government's Building Canada plan, which will see a total federal investment in BC infrastructure of more than $1.4 billion through to 2014. UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in collaboration with Canada and B.C.
Please visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.civicnet.bc.ca for background information on the Canada – BC – UBCM Gas Tax Agreement.
Karine White
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon
613-991-0700
Marc Black
Communications Manager
Ministry of Community Services
250-356-6334
Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
Union of BC Municipalities
250-356-2938
Bob McDonald
Manager, Solid waste & Environment
Cowichan Valley Regional District
250 746-2530
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
