Canada and British Columbia invest in infrastructure in Northern British Columbia to create jobs and strengthen communities

From: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

News release

Moberly Lake, British Columbia, July 3, 2020—New investments in community infrastructure by the governments of Canada and British Columbia will benefit Northern communities while also supporting economic recovery in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic by getting projects underway and meeting communities’ needs as they restart their economies.

These investments will play a key role in strengthening local economies, and helping ensure sure all British Columbians have access to the services and cultural networks they need to build resilient communities.

Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development; and the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced funding for 24 projects in Northern British Columbia under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan.

The Saulteau First Nations will build a new community centre to provide residents with a gathering space and fitness centre. The Community Cultural Building will include an art space, a kitchen, and meeting rooms, as well as a climbing wall, bleachers and washrooms, increasing access to fitness programs, courses, training, cultural programs and social activities for the community.

The Taku River Tlingit First Nation will build a new wastewater treatment facility to serve their community and the surrounding Atlin area. The new facility will replace a lagoon that was built in the 1980s and will help to protect the surrounding environment.

Among the other projects receiving this funding are improvements to community centres, health centres, storm water management systems, drinking water and wastewater facilities, cultural facilities and social support hubs. 

The Government of Canada is contributing more than $49.9 million, the Government of British Columbia is contributing over $15.4 million and the individual applicants are contributing more than $11.5 million to these projects through the Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS), and the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) of the Investing in Canada Plan.

More than $40.5 million of the federal funding is going to 12 projects in Indigenous communities.

Further announcements of infrastructure investments will follow in the coming months as Canada and British Columbia work together to support jobs, improve our communities, and safely and sustainably restore economic growth.

Quotes

“Investing in community, recreation and cultural infrastructure promotes people’s health and well-being and builds strong dynamic communities where people want to put down roots and do business. Places like the Saulteau First Nations Community Cultural Building are the backbone of our communities and important focal points for activities that bring people together and help us grow. For the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and people in the Atlin area, modernizing their wastewater treatment will help stop overflows and protect the environment. These, along with the 22 other projects we’re announcing today, will support local economies now, and bring residents new facilities and amenities that will make a real difference in people’s lives for years to come.”

Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Rural Economic Development 

“I am pleased to join with the federal government to invest in people and their communities.  We know that these investments in public spaces, in all regions of the province, will strengthen relationships and promote mental and physical well-being. Working with local governments, Indigenous communities and other partners means that we can continue to deliver the services people count on and need right here in British Columbia.”

The Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Quick facts

  • Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

  • $25.3 billion of this funding is supporting social infrastructure in Canadian communities.

  • $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity. In addition, $400 million is being delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance energy security in the territories.

  • The governments of Canada and British Columbia are providing more than $134 million for the first intake of project applications under the Community Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada Plan, and more than $94 million for the first intake under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS).

  • The second intake for both streams was announced on June 25, 2020 with the following funding available from the governments of Canada and British Columbia combined:

    • CCRIS: up to $100.6 million
    • RNIS: up to $58.7 million

  • Information about the programs and applications can be found on the B.C. government website: www.gov.bc.ca/Investing-in-Canada-Infrastructure-Program

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Contacts

Chantalle Aubertin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-949-1759
Chantalle.Aubertin@canada.ca

Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
778-584-1255
Marielle.Tounsi@gov.bc.ca

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Infrastructure Canada
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