Projects made possible thanks in part to federal support
Summerland, British Columbia, August 15, 2013 – A new roundabout along one of Summerland's main travel corridors has recently been completed, which will improve pedestrian safety and help increase traffic flow. As well, important work was also completed that will help reduce the possibility of flooding for many area residents.
"Improved traffic flow and flood mitigation measures will contribute to the quality of life of residents in the area, as well as the region,"
said Dan Albas, Member of Parliament for Okanagan—Coquihalla. "Our Government is pleased to be investing in infrastructure projects that are important to Canadians, and that strengthen the economy and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment."
The Prairie Valley Road—Victoria Road roundabout is the third to be constructed along Summerland's main traffic corridor. The total cost of this project was $3,340,000, with $600,000 of support coming from the federal Gas Tax Fund and just over $54,000 from the Insurance Corporation of BC. The remaining funds were provided through District of Summerland revenues.
Federal funding is also providing Summerland with new flood mitigation infrastructure that delivers vital protection for residents. With almost 600 metres of stormwater diversion works, the infrastructure is helping to regulate the flow of water from Prairie Creek and reduces the possibility of flooding for area residents. This project received $250,984 from the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund, with matching amounts provided by the Province of British Columbia and the District of Summerland. The total cost of the project is estimated at $753,000.
"The residents of Summerland appreciate the financial assistance from the federal Gas Tax Fund,"
said Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino. "This project will reduce congestion on the busiest corridor through Summerland. Current conflicts between pedestrians, school, children, vehicular and commercial traffic have been a significant concern to Council. This project will provide a safer environment for all and improve traffic movement through the central part of our community. Also, thanks to the contributions to the Prairie Creek Diversion Flood Protection Program from the Building Canada Fund Communities Component, residents are relieved to finally have creek flows and flooding issues vastly improved."
"Having this third roundabout in place is vital to creating a greener and safer community for British Columbians and their families in the district,"
said Penticton MLA Dan Ashton. "The completion of this project speaks to the value of the Gas Tax Fund and how our partnership is directly benefiting BC communities. In addition, the Prairie Creek stormwater diversion is a critically important infrastructure link that will help protect local residents from flooding—another example of a successful partnership with all three levels of government."
"Improving travel times and improving community safety are bread and butter issues for communities,"
said UBCM President Mary Sjostrom. "UBCM appreciates the federal and provincial support providing to improve core infrastructure in Summerland."
The federal Gas Tax Fund provides long-term funding to municipalities across the country to build and revitalize their local infrastructure. The Government of Canada has invested over $10 billion to date in municipal infrastructure through this program, and passed legislation to make it a permanent transfer of $2 billion per year. As part of Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government committed to index the Gas Tax Fund to provide additional funding for communities, starting in 2014. 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.
Under the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund (BCF), the Government of Canada has also invested in important projects across the West with matching contributions from the western provinces. Thousands of residents across the province are now enjoying the benefits of this significant investment to Canada and British Columbia's public infrastructure.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with Web feeds, visit Infrastructure Canada.
For further information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit Canada's Economic Action Plan.
For more information:
Marie-Josée Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838
Karen Jones
Confidential Secretary
District of Summerland
250-494-6451
Communications
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250-387-4089
Paul Taylor
Director of Communications
UBCM
250-356-2938
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
