Canada and B.C. reach agreement for important water and wastewater upgrades

The governments of Canada and British Columbia are making investments that will help create jobs and grow the middle class while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future. Investing in local infrastructure helps ensure Canadians have access to clean and reliable drinking water, efficient wastewater systems, and healthy rivers and lakes.

On September 30th, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and the Honourable Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, signed a bilateral agreement that will make more than $450.1 million in combined funding available under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF). The federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of this funding, amounting to more than $225 million for projects while the provincial government will invest more than $148.5 million, allowing local governments to contribute only 17 per cent instead of the typical 33 per cent. This funding represents the largest local government infrastructure program in more than 15 years in British Columbia.

“This agreement is an example of another successful partnership with the Government of Canada that will benefit all British Columbians. The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund will enable local governments to meet immediate priorities in critical infrastructure while supporting a cleaner and healthier environment for communities across B.C. Today’s investments will build stronger communities long into the future by providing increased economic growth,” said Fassbender.

Also announced, was an initial list of 35 approved projects under the CWWF. The list includes important work to construct a water filtration plant at the Arbutus Treatment Plant in Ladysmith that will give residents access to clean and reliable drinking water, replace the aging 5th Avenue water tower in Burns Lake, and replace various lift stations in West Vancouver.

The application intake will open following the signing of the agreement between the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia on September 30, 2016. Intake will close on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. More information and applications can be found at: www.gov.bc.ca/cleanwaterwastewaterfund.