Local governments in the Comox Valley are receiving federal-provincial investments in critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure, announced Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley on behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender.

The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund is providing approximately $310 million to 144 projects throughout the province.

Clean Water and Wastewater Fund recipients for Comox Valley include:

• $4,359,990 for Comox Valley Water Supply System Treatment Project.
• $564,815 for Black Creek Oyster Bay Water Supply Security Project.

The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund enables crucial investments in local government infrastructure, specifically supporting long-term benefits in rehabilitating drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems, as well as planning and designing future facilities and upgrades to existing wastewater systems.

This funding will help communities ensure that residents enjoy safe and reliable access to drinking water and improved environmental protections, and will assist local governments in meeting provincial and federal regulations. Clean water and wastewater management is a core service that communities depend on to grow and help ensure sustainability principles are met, while improving community vibrancy, resiliency and attractiveness.

The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund is one of the key ways the B.C. government is taking action to strengthen, grow and diversify rural communities. These projects build on the immediate investments and long-term action plan outlined in B.C.’s Rural Economic Development Strategy that are expected to create over 26,000 jobs and add $2.8 billion to provincial GDP.

Quotes:

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

“Safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure for all communities in our province. The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund enables local governments to make the critical investments in essential services their citizens rely upon. This program is another successful example of our government working together with our federal and municipal partners to best serve British Columbians.”

Comox Valley MLA Don McRae –

“The $4.9 million that is being invested in two projects for Comox Valley communities are part of our government’s larger commitment to ensuring that B.C. residents have access to some of the best fresh water and wastewater services. The treatment and supply security projects will continue to ensure that Comox Valley families have a reliable, clean, and safe supply of water for years to come.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2016, Premier Christy Clark announced $148.5 million for the new Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. Combined with the federal commitment of $225.1 million, this provides a total of $373.6 million in senior-government funding to support rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.
• Approved projects are cost shared 50% by the Government of Canada, 33% by the Province of British Columbia, and the remaining 17% from the local government.
• In September 2016, 35 projects received approval under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, representing $60 million in combined funding from the provincial and federal governments.

Learn More:

Province of B.C.’s Clean Water and Wastewater Fund overview:
http://www.gov.bc.ca/cleanwaterwastewaterfund

Government of Canada’s Clean Water and Wastewater Fund overview:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/cwwf/cwwf-program-programme-eng.html