North Vancouver is receiving a joint federal-provincial Small Communities Fund grant worth $3,866,666 investments, announced local MLAs Naomi Yamamoto, Jane Thornthwaite and Ralph Sultan on behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

The grant will go toward the replacement of the Marine Drive Bridge over Mosquito Creek.

The Small Communities Fund is providing just over $87 million to 26 recipients throughout the province.

The Small Communities Fund is part of the New Building Canada Plan, which includes $1 billion for projects in communities with less than 100,000 residents. In B.C., the fund received $109 million from both the provincial and federal governments, for a total of $218 million in infrastructure funding, for projects that support economic growth, a clean environment and stronger communities.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development –

“By aligning municipal, federal and provincial dollars, the Small Communities Fund eases the challenge of meeting the infrastructure demands that small communities face – ultimately benefiting British Columbians throughout the province. Projects supported by this fund – whether in public transit, drinking water, green energy or wastewater management  – will leave lasting impacts in their communities.”

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure – 

“When public infrastructure in many of our smaller communities is in need of repair or upgrade, the high costs associated are often difficult for a community alone to bear. However, when senior levels of government act together, we can facilitate these important infrastructure improvements and build stronger communities throughout B.C.”

Naomi Yamamoto, North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA –

“We are working hard to support the economic growth of communities like North Vancouver with improved infrastructure that addresses local concerns – like traffic flow. The funding from this grant is result of that hard work being set into action. People will appreciate being able to spend less time in traffic and more time on the things that matter to them.”

Jane Thornthwaite, North Vancouver-Seymour MLA –

“It has always been my goal to smooth out traffic congestion that makes commuting a challenge for residents of North Vancouver. This project is part of a larger effort to make our roads safer and more efficient.”

Ralph Sultan, West Vancouver-Capilano MLA –

“Partnership funding between the federal and provincial governments can achieve great results. The bridge replacement will go a long way to making an easier commute for everyone on the North Shore.”

Quick Facts:

• Projects eligible for funding under the Small Communities Fund include public transit, drinking water, wastewater, solid-waste management, green energy, innovation, connectivity/broadband, brownfield redevelopment, disaster mitigation, local/regional airports, short-line rail, short-sea shipping and highways/roads.
  • The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development is responsible for drinking water, wastewater, solid waste management and green-energy projects.
  • The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is responsible for all other categories.
• Fifty-five Small Communities Fund projects were approved in 2015, representing $64 million in funding each from the provincial and federal governments for a total of $128 million.

Learn More:

Small Communities Fund: http://www.gov.bc.ca/smallcommunitiesfund

Infrastructure Canada: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html