The Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District is receiving a $10,000 planning grant to look into improving Sandspit's water treatment system, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes announced today.

Premier Clark and Oakes met with representatives from the community last week at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention. Part of that discussion focused on concerns over the community's water system. The grant will fund a study to assess the feasibility and long-term costs of a water filtration system designed to address the naturally occurring organic material in the water source.

The ministry's Infrastructure Planning Grant Program offers grants to support local government in projects related to the development of sustainable community infrastructure.

Sandspit's water system, owned and operated by the Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District, has almost 200 connections and serves approximately 390 residents.

Quote:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"We met with Sandspit's regional directors and others this week and heard their concerns, and that's why we're providing them with this grant to help figure out a long-term solution. Even though the water system is regularly monitored for its quality, there are some concerns that are common to small water systems. I want people living in Sandspit to know their situation is on our radar and we're keen to help them out."

Learn More:

Check out the B.C. government's role in supporting communities through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Contact:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 387-0104