Chilliwack is receiving federal-provincial investment in critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure, announced John Martin, MLA for Chilliwack, and Laurie Throness MLA for Chilliwack-Hope, 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. Through this funding, Chilliwack is receiving $1,411,000 for Yarrow Waterworks Reservoir “A” Replacement.

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 communities throughout the province. These projects will create close to 4,000 direct and indirect well-paying local jobs that will benefit families.

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.”

Chilliwack MLA John Martin –

“British Columbia has some of the best fresh water in the world, and it is important to ensure it is managed properly and safe to drink. Making targeted local investments to ensure a high standard of health and sustainability is an important part of the province’s healthy community vision.”

Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness –

“Access to clean drinking water is a right shared by all British Columbians. In Chilliwack-Hope, we commend the government for its commitment to work with its partners to ensure that infrastructure vital to our communities is kept to a high standard.”

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