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$8.5 million for Cranbrook wastewater system
The City of Cranbrook’s wastewater system is set to complete a major overhaul thanks to $8.5 million provided through Canada’s Gas Tax Fund.
“Our government is proud to deliver long-term infrastructure funding for municipalities through a permanent annual investment of $2 billion in the Gas Tax Fund,” said David Wilks, MP for Kootenay–Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Investing in Cranbrook’s wastewater system will create jobs, contribute to the local economy and help conserve an important natural resource.”
The city will use the funds to complete four remaining phases of the wastewater improvement project, including the installation of aeration systems, completion of the transfer pipeline, as well as improvements to the transfer pump station and the irrigation pump station.
“On behalf of the City of Cranbrook, I want to thank the federal and provincial governments and the UBCM for their support of our Wastewater Improvement program,” said Wayne Stetski, Mayor of Cranbrook. “This funding will allow us to vastly improve our treatment of effluent to better serve our community and our ranching partners.”
The overall upgrade program will produce quality treated water which will meet or exceed national guidelines released earlier in 2011. The project will see the reuse of most of the treated effluent for crop irrigation.
“It’s good to see the Gas Tax Fund supporting overhaul of existing wastewater treatment and disposal systems,” said Bill Bennett, MLA for Kootenay East. “Cranbrook should be commended for having the vision to be a leader in the use of sustainability technology.”
Canada’s Gas Tax Fund provides stable, long-term funding to local governments and other organizations to help them build and revitalize public infrastructure. The fund primarily supports capital projects to improve local roads, public transit, energy systems, drinking water, air quality, wastewater and solid waste management. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia. On December 15, 2011, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make the Gas Tax Fund a permanent annual investment of $2 billion.
“Cranbrook’s project demonstrates how infrastructure investment increases the efficiency of our communities,” said Heath Slee, President of UBCM and Regional District of East Kootenay Electoral Area B director. “UBCM appreciates the support the Gas Tax program is providing as local governments upgrade core facilities.”
For further information on the Government of Canada’s infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Above photo, left to right – Councillor Sharon Cross; Heath Slee, UBCM President; Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski; Bill Bennett, MLA Kootenay East; David Wilks, MP Kootenay-Columbia; Councillor Denise Pallesen; Councillor Gerry Warner; Councillor Angus Davis.
Photo courtesy City of Cranbrook
