Local government in Maple Ridge is receiving a federal-provincial investment in critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure, announced Marc Dalton, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission 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 Maple Ridge include:

• $998,905 for the 225 Street Pump Station and Force Main Upgrade - Phase 1

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.”

Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton –

“The existing pumps at the 225 Street Station are nearing the end of their service life and as a part of a review with municipal and independent consultants, we are providing capital for the first phase of upgrades. These upgrades will significantly improve the pump station’s reliability and capacity to meet the future demands of Maple Ridge.”

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA Doug Bing –

“The $998,905 joint investment in our community’s drinking water is part of an ongoing process to improve the resilience and longevity of water systems across British Columbia. Our government has recognized the needs of local communities like Maple ridge and have been valuable contributors to the health and safety of the region.”

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