Government of Canada investment will help the District provide clean drinking water
Houston, British Columbia, Tuesday, March 12, 2013 — Residents and businesses throughout the District of Houston will have reliable access to clean drinking water thanks to a $3 million contribution from the Government of Canada through the Gas Tax Fund transfer.
"This new water treatment facility will ensure that Houston residents have access to clean and reliable drinking water for years to come,"
said the Member of Parliament for Prince George—Peace River, Bob Zimmer. "Our government is proud to invest in the local infrastructure, health and safety, and long-term prosperity of our communities. This project will also create jobs and strengthen the local economy."
The project will see the construction of a water treatment facility to improve the community's drinking water by reducing iron and manganese levels. The total cost of the project is estimated at $4.3 million. The District is planning to cover the remaining portion of costs, following a referendum later this year.
"The water treatment facility has been a top priority for our community for the past five years and this important investment will make our community a better place to live and to invest,"
said the Mayor of the District of Houston, Bill Holmberg. "A lot of hard work has gone into the planning for this project and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia to make this project a reality for our community."
"This water project highlights the effectiveness of the Gas Tax Fund and how all levels of government can work together to make these kind of fundamental projects possible,"
said John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes. "Together we are creating stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities—supporting British Columbians right where they live and work."
"Improving water systems are costly undertakings for communities,"
said Union of British Columbia Municipalities President Mary Sjostrom. "The federal Gas Tax Fund is allowing the District Houston and other communities to make upgrades that will produce tangible results for residents."
Since 2006, the Government of Canada has made unprecedented investments in infrastructure. Through the Gas Tax Fund alone, municipalities across the country have received over $10 billion in transfers for local priority initiatives. Making this fund permanent at $2 billion annually was part of Canada's Economic Action Plan—a plan to help create good jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity.
Between 2006 and 2014, British Columbia will receive more than $1.56 billion from the Gas Tax Fund to improve local infrastructure. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC, in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with Web feeds, visit Infrastructure Canada.
To find out what the Government of Canada is doing to promote jobs, growth and prosperity, visit Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Genevieve Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Bill Holmberg, Mayor
District of Houston
250-845-2238
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250-953-3677
Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
UBCM
250-356-2938
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
