PRESS RELEASE September 4, 2019
District received $1.8 mil Joint Federal & Provincial Funding for upgrade to Wastewater System
The governments of Canada and British Columbia are investing in modern reliable water and wastewater services to build healthy sustainable communities where families can thrive today and for years to come.
Joint federal, provincial and municipal funding through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan and New Building Canada Fund will support water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in 15 British Columbia communities. More info here.
On August 26, 2019, under the Investing in Canada Environmental Quality program, the federal and provincial governments announced grant funds including $988,000 from Federal and $823,251 from Provincial governments (73%), with the District for the District of Clearwater covering $658,749 for a total wastewater project of $2,470,000.
The joint federal and provincial contribution is in response of the District of Clearwater’s request for the municipal wastewater system to construct a headworks/screening facility and convert Cell#1 to an aerated lagoon. The upgraded wastewater system will assist the District to meet regulatory standards, modernize our system and improve treatment capacity to support growth in our community.
“Modern efficient water infrastructure is essential to ensuring Canadians’ health and well-being. These essential projects are key to ensuring that all BC residents have access to safe and reliable drinking water, whether they live in a large city or a remote community. These projects also reflect our commitment to protecting our ecosystems and fostering sustainable economic growth that will ensure our children and grandchildren can enjoy British Columbia’s beautiful waterways and coastlines for years to come.” Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities “Through this landmark investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, we are helping to deliver the services people count on, while helping to keep our communities and environment healthy. The Province is
working in partnership with the federal government to invest in critical infrastructure for communities in a way that works for the people that live in these communities while building a healthy, green future for all British Columbians.” Sheila Malcolmson, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nanaimo, on behalf of the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“This investment will improve our capacity and is key to growth in our community. The increased sewer system capacity will enable servicing of important community housing (affordable and seniors) initiatives, will facilitate commercial growth and prepare us for future expansion of our sewer system namely the Dutch Lake area (to move off septic systems). It is partnerships like this between all levels of government and our joint commitment to building a sustainable environmentally friendly economic community.” Mayor Merlin Blackwell.