from qathet Regional District: 
https://www.qathet.ca/2024/03/22/lund-water-system-to-receive-funding-through-the-green-infrastructure-stream-of-the-investing-in-canada-infrastructure-program-icip/

The qathet Regional District (qRD) is happy to announce the success of a recent grant application through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) in support of upgrading the Lund Water Improvement District (LWD) system to meet the current regulations and deliver a sufficient supply of safe, potable water within the existing system boundaries.

The current LWD water system does not supply water that meets the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines and Vancouver Coastal Health has issued a directive to improve the water quality. Significant investment is required to upgrade the system and the financial burden would be placed on approximately 109 users. Given the considerable financial impact, the qRD on behalf of the LWD, submitted an application for funding in February of 2022. The proposed funding will provide up to a maximum of $11,017,378 or 73.33 percent of eligible project costs to make necessary upgrades to improve the water quality by reforming the four main components of the system: supply, pump stations and treatment, storage, and distribution.

To utilize this grant, the qRD would require elector approval for borrowing for up to $4,007,002 to fund the local portion of the eligible project costs. To request this approval and borrow funding, the LWD would require conversion to a Regional District service. For more information on Improvement District conversion, please visit the Province of British Columbia website. 

“On World Water Day, we reflect on the significance of access to clean and safe water supply and sustainable water treatment management. To support healthy communities and protect ecosystems, we must prioritize upgrades and maintenance of clean drinking water facilities and wastewater treatment systems. With funding allocated to 14 municipalities across B.C., efforts are underway to strengthen and expand their water systems. These initiatives aim to establish essential infrastructure, enabling British Columbians to meet their basic needs and empowering communities to tackle water-related challenges for generations to come.”

- The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

“Good water is a basic need for people everywhere. We need the water we drink, cook with and bathe in to be safe and reliable,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “The Lund Water System upgrade will improve water quality and reliability for people in qathet. This work is part of our shared investment in 14 projects throughout British Columbia. These projects will provide communities with sustainable water solutions and sanitation for generations to come.”

“We would like to thank the Province and Government of Canada for supporting the Lund Waterworks District to provide safe and reliable drinking water through this substantial ICIP investment,” said Clay Brander, Regional Board Chair. “Recognizing the considerable costs required for such expansive infrastructure upgrades, we are grateful that this funding will significantly reduce the taxation burden on the users of this system.”

About the Lund Waterworks District:

The Lund Waterworks District is a Water Improvement District servicing the residents of Lund, B.C., and is currently in receivership. The qathet Regional District has no financial affiliations with the Lund Waterworks District (LWD) and does not have any part in operating this system or service. The LWD has been engaged in discussions with the qRD since 2007, regarding the potential of the system converting to a qRD service. In February 2018, the LWD voted unanimously to dissolve the improvement district, and advised the qRD Board that they would seek conversion from an improvement district to a qathet Regional District service area. The qathet Regional District will not entertain appropriating the system as a new service until the water system is modernized to meet current provincial requirements, and complies with the qathet Regional District Utility Acquisition Policy (qathet.ca)  to prevent associated liability risks to the qRD.

About the qathet Regional District:

The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada Island, Savary Island, and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.

CONTACT:

Arnold Schwabe, Manager of Asset Management & Strategic Initiatives  
#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC  V8A 2L2  
P: 604∙485∙2260 | E: administration@qathet.ca