Installation contributes to safer, high quality drinking water
Port McNeill, British Columbia, August 17, 2011 – Port McNeill residents will benefit from a more sustainable water system thanks to federal, provincial and municipal investments into the town’s waterline. Dignitaries highlighted the improvements in a ceremony today in Port McNeill.
“I’m delighted to be here today to celebrate this important investment in the quality of the Town of Port McNeill’s drinking water,” said the Hon. John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. “Our Economic Action Plan focuses on infrastructure investments that stimulate the economy, create jobs, and benefit the health and well-being of all Canadians.”
“Helping local governments address ageing infrastructure issues and build strong communities where B.C. families can thrive is a priority for the Province.” said Ida Chong, B.C. Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “I commend Port McNeill for taking the initiative to pursue this important project. It’s a great example of what we can achieve when we collaborate to maximize investment dollars.”
“Our Town greatly appreciates the support that we have received from both levels of senior government, as they have partnered with us in replacing our 40-to-50-year-old domestic water system,” said Port McNeill Mayor Gerry Furney. “The new piping replaces the old system and will ensure the high quality of our water. We are particularly grateful to our Federal Member of Parliament, the Honourable John Duncan for his continuing interest and support for our Town.”
The project involved the replacement of the existing waterline with a safer and more durable PVC system. Replacing the ageing infrastructure has improved the capabilities of the water supply system, which will save water and improve water quality.
The governments of Canada, British Columbia and Port McNeill each committed $1.4 million toward the eligible cost of $4.2 million, under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is supporting more than 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. Since March 2009, more than 440 projects – most of which are either complete or nearing completion – have received a total federal investment of over $505 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across British Columbia.
The Province of B.C. is providing more than $100 million to local governments through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to address ageing infrastructure and create vital jobs.
For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
Contacts:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Jeff Rud
Director of Communications
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250-953-3677
F. Albert Sweet
Administrator
Town of Port McNeill
250-956-3111
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
