Gas Tax Fund used to improve innovative, outdoor learning space for students
Oak Bay, British Columbia, March 2, 2012 – A section of Bowker Creek bordering Oak Bay High School and the Oak Bay Recreation Centre will soon become an outdoor classroom and welcoming, urban green space, thanks to funding from Canada’s Gas Tax Fund.
“Our government is proud to deliver long-term infrastructure funding for municipalities to support job creation, economic growth and positive environmental results,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors). “Canada’s Gas Tax Fund delivers stable, annual funding that provides communities with greater certainty and flexibility to choose their own local infrastructure priorities. I am pleased that the restoration of Bowker Creek will create local jobs, while providingOakBayresidents with a natural greenway and an invaluable learning space for students.”
This innovative project will transform a section of Bowker Creek from a degraded, highly urbanized creek into a naturally functioning water environment. As well, it will reduce flooding; improve the water quality and aquatic habitat; and provide an accessible, natural green space for students, families and residents alike.
“This is an excellent example of how collaboration between local governments, senior levels of government and the school district can produce such positive results for the entire community,” said Nils Jensen, Mayor of Oak Bay. “This project also demonstratesOakBay’s commitment to the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment, the provision of accessible green amenities to our residents, and the education and heightened awareness of our youth.”
The Municipality of Oak Bay will undertake the project in partnership with the Bowker Creek Initiative (BCI), comprised of the Capital Regional District and the municipalities ofOak Bay,Victoriaand Saanich, as well as community groups and institutions such as theUniversityofVictoriaand the Urban Development Institute.
“With the recent acceptance by all three municipalities of the Bowker Creek Blueprint: A 100-year action plan to restore the Bowker Creek watershed, moving forward with this project is a true "watershed moment" for the creek and the community,” said Jody Watson, Chair of the BCI. “It will be a wonderful example of how a long term coordinated plan to restore function to a degraded watershed can happen, piece by piece, and when opportunities arise, when we work together towards a common vision.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity to maximize teaching opportunities at the creek site while supporting sustainable approaches to stormwater management,” said Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “It is gratifying to see such innovative ideas come to fruition through the Gas Tax Fund, to the benefit of Bowker Creek and area learners.”
The Government of Canada, through the Gas Tax Fund, provided $738,000 toward the Bowker Creek restoration project.
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 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 rehabilitation of urban creeks and streams is a priority in many BC communities,” said Heath Slee, President of UBCM. “UBCM appreciates the support provided by the Gas Tax Fund to improve riparian areas and aquatic habitat.”
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. Please visit www.bowkercreekinitiative.ca to find the detailed Bowker Creek Blueprint: A 100-year action plan to restore the Bowker Creek watershed.
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
Mark Brennan
Chief Administrative Officer
District ofOakBay
250-598-3311
InfrastructureCanada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
