Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada announced a joint investment of more than $5.5 million to support seven infrastructure projects in the Central Interior and Northern regions of British Columbia.

 “Upgrading infrastructure with modern green technology reduces energy use, provides cleaner air and lowers carbon emissions. Together with our partners, the Government of Canada is investing today in infrastructure like schools and recreational centres so that residents, communities, and nature benefit for years to come.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“Safe and sustainable infrastructure is key to the health of our communities and the environment. I am glad that this joint project will offer Williams Lake, Prince George, and Prince Rupert residents access to greener and cleaner infrastructure that will help keep them safe and support their well-being.”

The Honourable Anne Kang, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs

“The City of Williams Lake is grateful for this investment in energy recovery, which puts the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex on a path to a cleaner, greener future. The energy recovery system outlined for this project has been designed to use state of the art technology that will make the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex one of the most energy efficient facilities of its kind in Canada. We are grateful for the investment in recovering energy that can be utilized in other operational areas, and anticipate the operational impact could be as high as $35,000 per year in savings.  The upgrades will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% or more, which supports the City’s commitment to climate stewardship.”

His Worship Surinderpal Rathor, Mayor for the City of Williams Lake

“We greatly appreciate the funding for the green infrastructure upgrades at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. This supports our continued efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of our recreation facilities, and complements projects we’ve completed throughout our region such as the expansion of solar energy systems.”

Margo Wagner, Board Chair, Cariboo Regional District

• The Government of Canada is investing $3,524,082 in these projects, while the Government of British Columbia is contributing $2,042,150. Proponents are investing $958,803.  

• The Government of Canada’s funding comes from three streams of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP):

  • The Green Infrastructure – Climate Change Mitigation stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting clean technology.
  • The Community, Culture and Recreation stream supports improvements to community infrastructure, cultural buildings and sites, and recreational facilities.
  • The COVID-19 Resilience stream provides flexible funding to short-term projects.

• Including today’s announcement, 475 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program have been approved in British Columbia with a total federal contribution of more than $3.4 billion and a total provincial contribution of over $4.1 billion.

• Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government 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.

• Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our land and water.

• PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.

Related products

• The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in infrastructure across the province

Associated links

• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Green Infrastructure Stream
• Climate Change Mitigation stream (CleanBC Communities Fund)
• COVID-19 Resilience Stream
• COVID-19 Resilience Stream (British Columbia)
• Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream
• Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (British Columbia)
• Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
• Strengthened Climate Plan

For more information (media only), please contact:

Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
343-574-8116
Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Web: Infrastructure Canada

Haley Hodgson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and Pacific Economic Development Agency
(PacifiCan)
haley.hodgson@international.gc.ca

Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Province of British Columbia
236-478-3459