The Province is granting title of approximately 2.69 hectares of Crown land at Powers Creek to the District of West Kelowna, announced Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong.

The land is located at the site of the Powers Creek Water Treatment Plant, which is currently operated by the District of West Kelowna under a licence of occupation. The plant is integral to ensuring the health, sustainability and long-term growth of the West Kelowna town centre and surrounding areas. The district would like to strengthen its tenure on the land because it has made significant investments in the plant.

The Sponsored Crown Grant Program allows the Province to support communities in their efforts to address green priorities, enhance economic development and improve safety.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Through the Sponsored Crown Grant and Nominal Rent Tenures program, communities can apply to access lands for a variety of uses that are in keeping with green priorities, safer communities and uses that will enhance economic development. The Province is committed to making sure local governments have the resources and tools they need to meet the needs of their communities."

Ben Stewart, MLA for Westside-Kelowna -

"This Crown Grant for Powers Creek, now within the boundary of West Kelowna, will provide greater strength of tenure to this important water infrastructure. The district has already made significant investments in the water treatment facility there, and granting this land will ensure taxpayers' investments are protected."

Mayor of West Kelowna Doug Findlater -

"The District of West Kelowna greatly appreciates this Crown Grant of land. The provincial government's contribution to the district will help us support the continuing health, sustainability and long-term growth of our community through securing a critical piece of water treatment infrastructure."

Quick Facts:

• The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development has yearly allocations to sponsor Crown Grants or Nominal Rent Tenures for local governments and community organizations.
• The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations manages the land-transfer process once a ministry agrees to sponsor a grant of Crown land.
• The value of the land has been assessed at $707,600.

Learn More:

For more information on sponsored Crown Grants and Nominal Rent Tenures and links to other sites with information, visit:

http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/gov_structure/sponsored_crown_grants/index.htm

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677