Project will expand capacity and meet higher treatment standards
Port Alberni, British Columbia January 10, 2011 – The City of Port Alberni is set to receive $11.2 million to expand and upgrade its wastewater treatment system. The funding for this project is provided through the Government of Canada’s Gas Tax Fund.
“Our Government is proud to deliver long-term infrastructure funding for municipalities through a permanent annual investment of $2 billion through the Gas Tax Fund,” said James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo–Alberni, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “This innovative project will improve wastewater treatment in the region and help sustain and restore the habitat in and around the Somass River.”
The project will support the City of Port Alberni to increase the level of wastewater treatment by renovating an old treatment lagoon that was formerly used by Catalyst (a paper manufacturer). The new facility will treat sewage to meet current and upcoming provincial standards.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to meet the City’s wastewater treatment needs and improve the water quality and aquatic habitat in the Alberni Inlet,” said John Douglas, Mayor of Port Alberni.
The project will include upgrades to the existing lagoon and facilities, and new construction to support treatment elements, new outfall construction and upgrades to an existing pump station.
“Improving the effectiveness of existing infrastructure to better meet current and upcoming standards is a great use of Gas Tax Funds,” said Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “The City of Port Alberni is a signatory to the Climate Action Charter and by improving existing infrastructure rather than building new, the City will be avoiding the generation of new greenhouse gas emissions while still accommodating for growth.”
Canada’s Gas Tax Fund provides stable, long-term funding to local governments and other organizations to help them build and revitalize public infrastructure. The fund primarily supports capital projects to improve local roads, public transit, energy systems, drinking water, air quality, wastewater and solid waste management. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia. On December 15, 2011, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make the Gas Tax Fund a permanent annual investment of $2 billion.
“Most communities and residents recognize the benefits of higher treatment standards, but they come with a cost,” said Heath Slee, President of UBCM. “UBCM appreciates the support provided through the Gas Tax Fund to help Port Alberni undertake this important new expansion.”
For additional information about investments in infrastructure, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information:
Pierre Floréa
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250-208-4028
Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
UBCM
250-356-2938
Ken Watson
Chief Administrative Officer
City of Port Alberni
250-723-2146
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
