Canada and British Columbia invest in community, culture and recreation infrastructure

From: Infrastructure Canada

News release

First Nations of Ashcroft Indian Band, British Columbia, August 26, 2022—Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced joint funding for new and existing community spaces in four B.C. communities.

Funding announced today will support 2 Indigenous-led projects. The K'ómoks First Nation will build a new Community Wellbeing Centre building which will include a reception area and gathering space; traditional and modern health, culture, youth, elder, and language rooms; shared programming space; and a commercial kitchen. The First Nations of Ashcroft Indian Band will construct a community recreation centre that blends community, recreation, and cultural uses into one facility that will feature a gym, community kitchen, multi-purpose rooms and cultural repository.

Two additional communities in B.C. will benefit from joint federal-provincial funding. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will upgrade key components of its Oliver & District Arena, improving the facility’s accessibility and energy efficiency, and the Cariboo Regional District will expand the region’s wheelchair-accessible wilderness trails network through the development of three new trails.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $5.8 million towards these projects. The Government of British Columbia is contributing more than $2.3 million, while Indigenous community and regional district recipients are providing more than $2.8 million.

Quotes

“Community infrastructure creates thriving and healthy communities. The funding announced today will help create accessible spaces that allow community members to gather, learn and express their creativity help reduce social isolation and promote inclusivity.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities 

“This series of new infrastructure projects and upgrades not only increase the recreational opportunities for British Columbians but make it accessible for all. Communities are strong and healthy when everyone can fully participate.”

The Honourable Nathan Cullen, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs

Quick facts

  • These four projects are funded through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

  • Through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure stream, the Government of Canada and B.C. Government are investing in projects that improve cultural infrastructure, like museums and Indigenous heritage centres; support upgrades to recreational facilities, like arenas and both indoor and outdoor recreational spaces; and improve community infrastructure, like community centres and libraries. 

  • Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government 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.

  • The Government of Canada has invested more than $2.6 billion in more than 395 infrastructure projects across British Columbia under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

  • Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.

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Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact: 

Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
343-574-8116
Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca

Aaron Hinks
B.C. Municipal Affairs
Public Affairs Officer
604 209-2058
Aaron.Hinks@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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