Fox Creek, Alberta, August 19, 2011 – Residents of Fox Creek are benefiting from a more sustainable water system thanks to investments in a newly constructed wastewater lift station. The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, Mel Knight, MLA for Grande Prairie-Smoky and Mayor Leora MacKinnon were on hand today to take part in the official ribbon cutting ceremony marking the project’s completion.
“Today’s event is just another example of the stimulus projects that are either underway or completed all across Alberta and Canada. It reaffirms our goal of helping to support job creation, while positioning Canada for long-term economic success,” said MP Merrifield, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “The Government of Canada is proud to promote future development for the Town of Fox Creek and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable wastewater system.”
“This project is about supporting public safety, protecting the environment and promoting a green future for Fox Creek,” said MLA Knight. “The significant improvements to the wastewater system will enable the town to promote development and this will benefit the local economy. All of these factors will also enhance the quality of life of residents.”
“On behalf of Council and the residents of Fox Creek I would like to say thank you to the Federal and Provincial Governments for making such a huge difference in the future growth of our community,” said Mayor MacKinnon. “With the completion of our new Wastewater Lift Station, the Town can now focus on commercial and industrial development. With the Federal and Provincial support, the Town of Fox Creek is one step closer to being sustainable.”
The new wastewater lift station reduces incidents of untreated wastewater contamination due to sewer overflow and runoff, dramatically improving the quality of life of citizens within the community. Furthermore, the addition of the lift station is well timed, as it promotes the continued economic growth in the township as industrial and commercial development continues to expand.
The governments of Canada and Alberta each contributed over $1 million toward the project, with the federal contribution coming from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Town of Fox Creek contributed the remaining one-third of funding toward the $3.2 million initiative.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding to over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. Since March 2009, 252 projects have received a total federal commitment of over $421 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across Alberta.
For further information on Infrastructure Canada’s investments in Alberta, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
Contacts:
Vanessa Schneider
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Martin Dupuis
Alberta Transportation
780-427-1938
780-916-9625 (cell)
Mayor Leora MacKinnon
Town of Fox Creek
780-622-3896
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
