Projects approved under Canada's Small Communities Fund
July 24, 2015–Fernie, British Columbia– Infrastructure Canada
Residents of the East Kootenay region will benefit'from upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure thanks to joint funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Small Communities Fund.
A portion of the funding will be used to provide West Fernie residents and businesses with upgraded water and wastewater'management systems. The work will include the rehabilitation of approximately 3.2 kilometres of potable water mains, including all valves, fittings, service connections, fire hydrants and water meters. Approximately 3.2 kilometres of sanitary sewer and 0.3 kilometres of the'stormwater mains will be installed at the same time. This will include any related'connections, catch basins and manholes, lift stations and pumps, ditching work and tie ins. When completed, the modernized, higher capacity water mains and the new wastewater management system will provide reliable services to the area for years to come.
In Fernie, the James White Well Development project will include the construction of a new source water well, including a pump house and the installation of approximately 433 metres of water line.Where the line crosses the Elk River, it will be installed seven metres below the deepest part of channel. The community historically faced challenges dealing with water turbidity from its primary river intake during spring thaw.When completed, the new well will provide the city with a secondary drinking water supply source, assuring a continued supply of clean, potable water'throughout the year.
The projects announced today are among 55 recently approved in British Columbia that will collectively receive more than $128 million in joint federal-provincial funding under the Small Communities Fund. These projects represent important investments in municipal infrastructure that maintain safe, healthy communities. Once complete, the work will significantly improve key municipal services for residents and help boost regional development.
Through the Small Communities Fund, the governments of Canada and British Columbia are working in partnership to provide funding for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs in communities across the province that have fewer than 100,000 residents. These investments support job creation and economic growth, thus sustaining a high quality of life in small communities across British Columbia for years to come.
To learn more about the Small Communities Fund
For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan
To learn more about the Government of'Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan
Learn more about the Small Communities Fund at work in British Columbia
Vincent Rabault
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
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
Communications
250-953-3677
Loree Duczek
Communications Manager
Regional District of East'Koontenay
250-489-2791
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
media@infc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter at @INFC_eng
