Home »
$6 million announced for Windermere Water Project
Canal Flats, Fernie, Invermere, Kimberley, Creston and Golden also in on funding announcement
The Government of Canada, along with the Government of British Columbia and Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), this morning announced that 108 projects have been approved and four have been conditionally approved, for nearly $193 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
Included in that funding is $6 million to the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (RDEK) Windermere Water Upgrade Project.
The funding supports a wide range of capital and capacity-building projects in communities throughout B.C., including upgrades to drinking and waste-water facilities; recreational, sport and cultural infrastructure; local roads and bridges; solid waste management; community energy systems; and disaster mitigation measures.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates how all levels of government are working to improve core infrastructure in B.C. communities,” said UBCM president Wendy Booth. “The federal Gas Tax Fund is providing long-term support to renew facilities and strengthen asset-management practices throughout the province. Local governments appreciate this support and welcome this investment,” said Booth, who is also RDEK Electoral Area F Director and board vice-chair.
“I am pleased to see the important work that will be done across British Columbia thanks to the federal Gas Tax Fund,” said Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Whether a community needs to expand its recreational centre, repair roads, or make energy- saving upgrades, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in the local infrastructure Canadians want and need.”
“I’m thrilled to know that all of these projects are going forward, because I know they will make a positive impact for people in B.C.,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson. “Our government is committed to working with local governments throughout the province to make life better for all British Columbians. This is a great example of strong partnerships working together for the benefit of people in the community.”
The RDEK stated March 9 it will provide more detailed information once it has more specifics in terms of how the funds will be used and the impact this announcement will have on reducing the overall tax impact for affected property owners.
Other regional and nearby projects being funded include the Village of Canal Flats getting $110,000 to renew its Official Community Plan (see separate story).
The City of Kimberley will be getting $183,350 for the Kimberley Integrated Infrastructure Capital Plan.
The City of Fernie is getting $181,750 to put into its Integrated Infrastructure Capital Plan and the District of Invermere is getting $85,000 for a Sanitary Sewer Master Plan.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay is receiving $3,099,494 to upgrade Creston Community Park and the Town of Creston is getting $2,834,150 to put toward a solids dewatering facility for its wastewater treatment plant.
The Town of Golden is also getting $5,875,750 to go towards raising the dikes along the Kicking Horse River in Golden, to provide flood protection for the historic downtown area. The town is also getting $80,000 for an Infrastructure Replacement Priority Plan.
Lead image: Today’s $6 million funding announcement will have a huge impact on the Windermere Water Upgrade project. RDEK Chair Rob Gay and Vice Chair Wendy Booth, who is also UBCM President, will now begin working with staff to determine how the funds will be used to complete critical infrastructure upgrades and reduce the overall tax impact for property owners on the Windermere Water Upgrade project. RDEK Photo
