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B.C. accepting applications from local government for infrastructure projects

Victoria – A $270-million partnership between the B.C. and federal governments aims to improve services and environmental infrastructure.

The province is accepting applications from local governments and First Nations for the third intake of the Environmental Quality stream, available through the federal-provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Funding supports communities to build the infrastructure they need for water, wastewater, and solid waste as well as soil and air pollution remediation services.

Many projects received funding in the first two intakes, including:

• a new drinking-water treatment plant in the Comox Valley
• upgrades to the wastewater-treatment facility in Stewart
• a new water-treatment building in the Village of Burns Lake
• upgrades to Grand Forks’ stormwater system to help deal with flooding and improve stormwater management

“Everyone in British Columbia deserves to have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water, as well as the peace of mind knowing their communities are well equipped to treat and manage wastewater and stormwater,” said Josie Osborne, minister of municipal affairs. “This federal, provincial and local government funding will ensure that communities can continue to build and maintain critical infrastructure that provides the services people count on and protects the environment well into the future.”

The province will contribute as much as $122.2 million toward the third intake of the Environmental Quality stream and the Government of Canada will contribute as much as $147.8 million.