Canada and British Columbia Invest Over $20 Million in Infrastructure Projects Across the Province to Build More Resilient, Greener Communities

EIN British Columbia Logo

August 26, 2022

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, MLA for Stikine and B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced more than $20 million in joint federal-provincial funding for eight social, transportation, and green infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

Among the communities benefitting from the investments announced today is the Heiltsuk First Nation from Bella Bella. Funding will go toward an essential road infrastructure project that will increase access to the community by safely linking the community of Bella Bella and the airport. The existing road will be converted to a dedicated pedestrian and bike path and will be complimented by the construction of a new 2 km road. The new airport road will bring lasting economic benefits to the community by ensuring people and goods can flow freely and will also provide pedestrians and cyclists with safe, alternate means of transportation.

The Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation will gain greater food security through the construction of two green houses, two walk-in freezers, and a canning shed, which will support the community garden and sustainability program. These developments will help safeguard against the impact on food production caused by environmental threats.

Residents will gain better and safer access to Read Island in the Strathcona Regional District, accessible only via water, through the reconstruction of a dock, boardwalk, and community building.

Other communities across the province, including Cumberland, Salt Spring Island, Spallumcheen, and Sparwood will benefit from new or upgraded wastewater treatment facilities and drinking water systems, including the rehabilitation of an aging dam, construction of a new well and reservoir, and upgrades to sewage treatment facilities. The improved quality of water and wastewater infrastructure in these communities will strengthen the health of local residents and ecosystems.

Quotes

“This funding will have a positive impact in the lives of thousands of British Columbians. Our Government remains committed to working with our provincial partners to grow local economies, build more resilient communities, and protect BC’s breathtaking nature.”

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 investment in eight infrastructure projects across the province shows our commitment to the resilience and welfare of communities. From more food security for the Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation to improved wastewater treatment on Salt Spring Island, we are supporting community well-being and the protection of the natural environment.”

The Honourable Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine and B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada is investing more than $11.5 million in these eight projects through the Rural and Northern Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is contributing $9.8 million, and contributions from project recipients total $776,527.
  • Federal funding is conditional on meeting all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environment assessments.
  • As part of the Investing in Canada Plan, Infrastructure Canada will deliver $2 billion for wide-ranging infrastructure needs in rural and northern communities across the country, with more than $101 million in British Columbia to date.
  • Over the last six years, federal funding has been approved for 75 rural and northern infrastructure projects in British Columbia, including the 8 featured today.
  • 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.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Supports Ontario’s Investments in Skilled Trades in Budget Announcement

    Skills Ontario Supports Ontario’s Investments in Skilled Trades in Budget Announcement

    March 28. 2024 As demand for skilled trades professionals rises, Skills Ontario is commending the government for continued investments in skilled trades and technology programing, working to address the shortfall and need to build the workforce of the future in Ontario.  The skilled trades shortage is costing Ontario approximately $25 billion in foregone GDP. A… Read More…

  • IVRY Launches 7 New VR Lessons

    IVRY Launches 7 New VR Lessons

     IVRY Technologies, a division of IDEAL Electrical, is launching seven new virtual reality (VR) lessons in Canada as part of its Virtual Electrical Training (VET) Series 2 training module. The cutting-edge training will serve as a learning resource for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) training centers across Canada. Read More…

  • PEI Budget 2024 Signals Continued Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Affordability for all Islanders 

    PEI Budget 2024 Signals Continued Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Affordability for all Islanders 

    March 28, 2024 Hon. Jill Burridge, Minister of Finance, presented government’s 2024-25 operating budget to the legislative assembly, outlining $3.2 billion in investments for Prince Edward Island with a continued focus on healthcare, housing and affordability measures. “This budget signals where we’re headed as a province and shows Islanders where we will be making key… Read More…

  • BC’s Budget 2024 Prioritizes Actions for Low-Carbon Economy

    BC’s Budget 2024 Prioritizes Actions for Low-Carbon Economy

    March 28, 2024 Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston, met with community climate leaders in Nelson to discuss how Budget 2024 can help support people in the region to transition to a low-carbon economy and meet shared CleanBC goals. “Our government’s budget this year reflects the… Read More…