Project made possible thanks to Federal Gas Tax Fund
News Release
For Immediate Release
March 9, 2018 Central Coast Regional District, BC
The Central Coast Regional District is pleased to announce the receipt of funding approval for two important infrastructure projects in our region. Through the Federal Gas Tax Fund, the Government of Canada is providing funding for the Centennial Pool Renewal Project and the Denny Island Community Water System Project.
"This is wonderful news for our community and a great way to launch into the regional districts 50th anniversary. We have much to celebrate!" CCRD Chair Alison Sayers exclaimed. “A new water system is something Denny Island residents have been asking CCRD to provide for quite some time, and a renewed pool is a real win for all residents and visitors of the Bella Coola Valley. These new projects open doors for even more opportunities for partnerships and collaboration within our region. "
The Denny Island Community Water System Project will see School District #49 and the CCRD partner to construct a water system capable of delivering potable water to Denny Island´s school, as well as many of the residents and businesses on the island. A new community water system will contribute to the long term sustainability and growth of the community on Denny Island.
The Centennial Pool Renewal Project involves replacement of the existing 50 year old pool basin and mechanical system with a new 25m lap pool, a hot pool and modern mechanical system. Residents of the Bella Coola Valley will benefit from a renewed facility that will ensure CCRD's ability to provide aquatic recreation, fitness and education programming into the future.
“Community infrastructure is essential to the quality of life in British Columbia,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “Recreation and basic water service will mean a lot to the people of the Bella Coola Valley and Denny Island. It´s partnerships like this with all levels of government that make investments in communities across B.C. possible."
The Centennial Pool Renewal is expected to cost close to $3.1 million over the next two years. The Regional District will receive $2.7 million from the Federal Gas Tax Fund. Other funding sources include the CCRD's Community Works Fund reserve and Asset Replacement Fund.
The Denny Island Community Water System is expected to cost close to $2.5 million. The CCRD will receive $1.5 million from the Federal Gas Tax Fund. Other funding sources include the School District #49's capital funding received through the School Enhancement Program of the Ministry of Education and the CCRD's Community Works Fund reserves.
Each year, the Government of Canada provides over $278 million in funding for local government infrastructure projects across British Columbia through the Federal Gas Tax Fund. The Union of BC Municipalities administers the Federal Gas Tax Fund in British Columbia in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
“Communities across BC are looking for funding to replace, upgrade and expand local infrastructure. The federal Gas Tax Fund is accelerating the pace of infrastructure renewal through the transfer of close to $3 billion since 2005 for projects in our province. I appreciate the Government of Canada´s long-term commitment to fund priorities identified by BC local governments, ” said Director Wendy Booth, President, Union of BC Municipalities.
Links
To learn more about the federal Gas Tax Fund visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html.
To see all of the projects funded through this intake, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/16553
To learn more about the CCRD, visit: http://www.ccrd-bc.ca
- 30 -
Contacts
Alison Sayers
CCRD Chair
Central Coast Regional District
250-799-5291