Canada’s Gas Tax Fund to be used to replace a failing well and build a chlorination facility
Montrose, British Columbia, January 27, 2012 – The Village of Montrose will soon enjoy a cleaner and more reliable supply of drinking water thanks to a federally funded project to upgrade the Village’s drinking water system.
“Our Government is proud to deliver permanent annual infrastructure funding for municipalities throughCanada’s Gas Tax Fund. Investing in infrastructure projects strengthens the economy, creates local jobs, and improves quality of life for Canadians,” said David Wilks, MP for Kootenay—Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “A new well and chlorination facility is great news for this community. Boiling their tap water has been a daily chore for residents of Montrose for the past 11 months, and I am pleased that the Gas Tax Fund is supporting this very important infrastructure project.”
This important project, made possible thanks to a $1.29 million investment from the federal government, will provide residents with a cleaner source of water and an improved and more reliable supply system. This will also allow theVillageofMontroseto lift a boil-water notice that has been in place since February 2011. A new chlorination injection facility and dedicated supply main will prevent bacteria and viruses from reaching the Village’s water supply. As well, a failing well will be replaced and a back-up power source will be incorporated into the system to ensure a reliable water supply for the Village during power outages.
“Thanks to our federal and provincial governments and the UBCM, this contribution from the federal Gas Tax Fund will cover the full estimated cost of the project and assist in reducing our infrastructure deficit,” said Joe Danchuk, Mayor of Montrose. “This new system will improve water quality and ensure the supply of this resource for the future, both of which are priorities for Montrose residents.”
“Undertaking needed infrastructure projects to improve drinking water quality is an important and practical application of Gas Tax Funds,” said Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “Through this funding partnership, the Village will benefit from improvements sooner than would otherwise be possible.”
Canada’s Gas Tax Fund provides stable, long-term funding to local governments and other organizations to help them build and revitalize public infrastructure. This Infrastructure Canada program primarily supports capital projects such as local roads, public transit, energy systems and waste management infrastructure that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC in collaboration withCanadaandBritish Columbia. On December 15, 2011, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make the Gas Tax Fund a permanent annual investment.
“The cost of upgrading water systems places a tremendous burden on smaller communities,” said Heath Slee, President of UBCM. “UBCM appreciates the support the Gas Tax Fund is providing to help communities improve their water systems.”
For further information on the Government of Canada’s infrastructure investments in British Columbia, 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
Kevin Chartres
CAO, Village of Montrose
250 367-7234
InfrastructureCanada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
