Kelowna, British Columbia, October 21, 2010 – Community activities, events and meetings should be more comfortable in the Joe Rich Community Hall thanks to installation of a new heating and air conditioning system purchased with $80,976 in Gas Tax funding.
"The Government of Canada is proud to have been able to contribute to this important project which will conserve energy and benefit residents for years to come," said Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Chuck Strahl. "This project is an excellent example of what federal programs like the Gas Tax Fund were designed to achieve."
"The $80,976 in Gas Tax funding has provided a much needed energy efficiency upgrade to this well utilized and important facility for residents in the Joe Rich community," said Regional District Chair Robert Hobson. "The air source heat pump equipment is projected to reduce annual electricity costs by 33% and provide a 6.5% reduction in peak kilowatt hour needs. That's good news because not only will it help lower greenhouse gas emissions but it'll save energy and money in the years ahead."
"It's great to see such a forward-thinking application of Gas Tax funding that will provide multiple benefits to those residents using the energy efficient community hall," said Ben Stewart, Minister of Community and Rural Development. "Upgrading community infrastructure to be more energy efficient is key to improving the long term sustainability of communities and helps minimize our impact on the environment."
The Government of Canada's Gas Tax Fund is a tripartite agreement between Canada, British Columbia and UBCM delivering infrastructure funding to local governments primarily for capital projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in collaboration with the Government of Canada and British Columbia.
"Many communities are facing steep costs as they look for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from community halls and recreation centres," said UBCM President Barbara Steele. "Local governments appreciate the support provided by federal and provincial programs like the Gas Tax Fund that are helping communities to choose environmentally friendly and cost-efficient technology."
For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit http://www.creatingjobs.gc.ca/. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/.
For more information:
John Babcock
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Ministry of Community and Rural Development
250-387-4089
Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
UBCM
250-356-2938
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
OR Toll-free
1-877-250-7154
