Communities throughout British Columbia will soon be able to apply for a share of the combined $150-million federal-provincial infrastructure funding that will give them the help they need to deliver the water and wastewater services people count on.

“Improving the quality of drinking water and wastewater management is critical to maintaining the health and safety of our communities while protecting the environment,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “By investing together, our combined federal, provincial and local government funding for these projects will make a big impact on the quality of life for residents and deliver the clean water and wastewater services people need.”

On Oct. 30, 2019, the Province will begin accepting applications from local governments and First Nations for the second intake of Environmental Quality grants available through the joint federal-provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

“All British Columbians have the right to clean, safe drinking water and reliable, updated wastewater services,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “By providing these grants to local governments and Indigenous communities, we are investing in their future as we work together to protect and improve these vital services.”

Examples of projects that received funding in the first intake include those that are improving access to safe, reliable drinking water and, in some cases, resolving current drinking water advisories and reducing the likelihood of future ones. Other projects are supporting new and upgraded wastewater systems to meet regulatory standards, modernize services and support growing communities.

“This program provides a critical boost to local governments seeking to replace, upgrade or expand water and wastewater systems,” said Maja Tait, president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities. “I am glad to see a window opening for the next round of applications and appreciate the continuing commitment by the federal and provincial governments toward the renewal of community infrastructure throughout B.C.”

The Province will contribute up to $68 million to the second intake of the Environmental Quality program. The Government of Canada will contribute up to $82 million.

Quick Facts:

• In 2018, the federal and provincial governments committed up to $243 million toward the first intake of the Environmental Quality program for infrastructure projects in communities throughout the province. As of August 2019, the Province had committed $107.8 million, and the federal government $134.7 million, to the successful projects.
• Under the Environmental Quality program, federal and provincial funding covers up to 73.33% of eligible project costs and up to 90% for off-reserve Indigenous projects. The remaining funding is the responsibility of the community.
• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion across Canada over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• $26.9 billion of this funding will support green infrastructure projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Learn More:

Government of British Columbia’s infrastructure programs:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/investing-in-canada-infrastructure-program

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia:
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/bc-eng.html

Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html