Canada and British Columbia invest in infrastructure in the British Columbia Central Interior to create jobs and strengthen communities

From: Infrastructure Canada

News release

Nelson, British Columbia, July 3, 2020—New investments in community infrastructure by the governments of Canada and British Columbia will benefit Central Interior communities while also supporting economic recovery in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic by getting projects underway and meeting communities’ needs as they restart their economies.

These investments will play a key role in strengthening local economies, and helping ensure British Columbians have access to the services and cultural networks they need to build resilient communities.

Today, Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development; and the Honourable Michelle Mungall, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nelson-Creston, on behalf of the Honourable Selina Robinson, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced funding for 25 projects under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan in the Central Interior.

The Nelson Civic Theatre Society will rehabilitate the Nelson Civic Theatre into a cultural media arts centre. This project will divide the existing 10,000 square feet theatre into three separate theatre spaces. Each theatre will be upgraded with new seating as well as updates to the lobby area, a new elevator and new washrooms, box office and reception area.

The Okanagan Indian Band will rebuild the cultural arbor that had been a longstanding community gathering place for powwows, ceremonies, youth and elders’ gatherings, cultural events and workshops. Including a stage, children's play area, walking path, bleachers, and landscaping, the new space will restore a key venue for bringing residents together and celebrating the Band’s heritage.

The District of Lillooet will install a new carbon dioxide refrigeration system to replace the existing ammonia system in the Lillooet Recreation Centre facility. The new system will be safer and re-use the heat generated by the plant to heat other parts of the arena to save energy and reduce operating costs. 

Among the other projects receiving this funding are improvements to community centres, health centres, storm water management, drinking water and wastewater facilities, cultural facilities and social support hubs. 

The Government of Canada is contributing more than $22.6 million, the Government of British Columbia is contributing over $15 million and the individual applicants are contributing more than $4 million to these projects through the Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS), and the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) of the Investing in Canada Plan.

More than $7 million of the federal and provincial funding is going to three projects in Indigenous communities.

Further announcements of infrastructure investments will follow in the coming months as Canada and British Columbia work together to support jobs, improve our communities, and safely and sustainably restore economic growth. 

Quotes

“Investing in community, recreation and cultural centres promotes people’s health and well-being and builds strong dynamic communities where people want to put down roots and do business. Cultural hubs like the Nelson Civic Theatre and the Okanagan Indian Band’s Cultural Arbor are the backbone of our communities and important focal points for activities that bring people together and help us grow. These, along with the 23 other projects we’re announcing today, will support local economies now, help celebrate local heritage, and bring residents new amenities and programs that will make a real difference in people’s lives for years to come.”

Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North—Seymour on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and of Rural Economic Development 

“In partnership with the federal government, we are investing in infrastructure that will strengthen communities by boosting local economies and creating opportunities for people across British Columbia. Now, more than ever, people need public spaces and services to support their health and well-being, and this infrastructure funding will bring jobs and hope to communities when they need it most.”

The Honourable Michelle Mungall, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nelson-Creston, on behalf of the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Quick facts

  • Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

  • $25.3 billion of this funding is supporting social infrastructure in Canadian communities.

  • $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity. In addition, $400 million is being delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance energy security in the territories.

  • The governments of Canada and British Columbia are providing more than $134 million for the first intake of project applications under the Community Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada Plan, and more than $94 million for the first intake under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS).

  • The second intake for both streams was announced on June 25, 2020, with the following funding available from the governments of Canada and British Columbia combined: 

    • CCRIS: up to $100.6 million
    • RNIS: up to $58.7 million

  • Information about the programs and applications can be found on the B.C. government website: www.gov.bc.ca/Investing-in-Canada-Infrastructure-Program 

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Contacts

Chantalle Aubertin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-949-1759
Chantalle.Aubertin@canada.ca

Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
778-584-1255
Marielle.Tounsi@gov.bc.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
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