Water and wastewater management systems are the backbone of municipalities and First Nations communities. Investments to improve water quality and system efficiency create good local jobs, address the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic and climate-related events, and help build the infrastructure communities need to recover and thrive.
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced more than $19.2 million in joint funding for four projects in British Columbia to support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The projects will upgrade existing wastewater treatment facilities or construct new drinking water facilities to enhance water capacity, comply with provincial standards, improve surface water quality, and protect the surrounding environment.
Announced more than $19.2 million in joint funding for four projects in British Columbia to support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure
The wastewater lagoon that serves the Nak'azdli Whut'en will be replaced by a new treatment system to improve operational efficiencies and protect salmon populations in the nearby Necoslie River. The Village of Lumby will benefit from a new modern facility as well as the rehabilitation of an existing lagoon system, including the installation of liners to prevent leaks into Bessette Creek.
Funding will also be provided to Comox Valley Regional District, helping remove seasonal boil water advisories for a number of properties, and to the Regional District of Columbia-Shuswap to upgrade the filtration and drinking water infrastructure.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $13.9 million and the Government of British Columbia is investing more than $5.3 million in these four projects through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations. Additional contributions will be made from the municipalities and the Nak'azdli Whut'en.
